Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Subclass 491 is a provisional visa which will commence on 16 November 2019. It is a points-based visa which will require a nomination from a State/Territory Government, or sponsorship by an eligible family member who is settled in a designated regional area.

Subclass 491 visa largely mirrors the existing subclass 489 visa. However, there are greater restrictions in terms of ability to apply for another visa whilst holding this visa. The purpose is to restrict the visa holders from leaving their designated regional areas.

Benefits of this visa include priority processing and more points in new categories.

About 14,000 places have been allocated to this visa subclass.

Length Of The Visa

The period for this visa is 5 years.

Visa Eligibility Criteria

You must meet the following minimum criteria:

Must pass point test
Must be invited to apply
Must be less than 45 years of age at time of application
Must have suitable skills assessment in the relevant occupation.
Must have competent English
Must be holder of substantive visa or BVA, BVB or BVC to apply onshore
Meet health and character requirements

Benefits Of This Visa

Point Test Changes

For the purposes of 491 visa the following points in new categories have been introduced:

15 points for nomination by a State or Territory government agency or sponsorship by a family member residing in regional Australia, to live and work in regional Australia.
10 points for skilled spouse or de facto partner.
10 points for certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications.
5 points for spouse or de facto partner with ‘competent English’.
10 points for applicants without a spouse or de facto partner.

Designated Regional Areas

At commencement of this regional visa, it is intended that any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and the Gold Coast will be designated as a regional area. The areas of New Castle, Wollongong and the NSW Central Coast will become designated regional areas. Regional visa holders may live in any designated regional area and can move between the designated regional areas.

Invitaion To Apply

Invitations will be ranked in the following order:

First – primary applicants with a skilled spouse or de facto partner
Equal First – primary applicants without a spouse or de facto partner
Second – Primary applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who can demonstrate competent English, but does not have the skills for skilled partner points (age and skills)
Third – Primary applicants with a partner who is ineligible for either competent English or Skilled partner points. These applicants will be ranked below all other cohorts, if all other points claims are equal

Visa Conditions

The holders of 491 visa shall be restricted from applying for the following visas, unless they have completed at least three years in a designated regional area, unless exceptional circumstances exist:

Subclass 124/858 – Distinguished Talent
Subclass 132 – Business Talent
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 188 – Business Innovation and Investment
Subclass 189 – Skilled – Independent
Subclass 190 – Skilled – Nominated
Subclass 820 – Partner (Temporary)

Costs

Primary applicant: $3,755
Additional applicant: Over 18 years: $1,875; Under 18 years: $940
Second instalment: Secondary applicant with less than functional English: $4,890

Family Members

You can include your family members in your visa application.

Free Visa Assessment

We can determine your eligibility for 491 visa. Please email us your details at info@nadeemlawyers.com.au or call us on 02 96357903 and we will provide you more detailed information on the steps, fees and process.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is only for general understanding and does not constitute legal advice.

Nadeem lawers

Nadeem Lawyers is a law practice with a focus on Immigration, Business & Property Conveyancing, Family Law, and Wills & Estate. We are conveniently located in the Parramatta CBD. We pride ourselves on our personable approach and focus on establishing long-term relationships with our clients. Our team is committed to achieving meaningful results for our clients in a cost-effective manner. We feel a great sense of achievement when we see our clients emerging happier at the conclusion of their matters.