Subclass 491
Skilled Regional (TR)
Important
Description
This is a temporary visa for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government, or sponsored by a relative to live and work in regional Australia. The visa has a pathway to permanent residence after 3 years from the time this visa is granted.
Skilled
TR
EOI
Requirements
The next step in applying for your 491 Skilled Regional (TR) visa is fulfilling all of the eligibility requirements. There are quite a few and you are going to have to be diligent and organised when going through the application process. The entry requirements for the subclass 491 Skilled Regional (TR) Visa are:
- meet English language requirements (Competent English or higher).
- meet health and character requirements.
Streams
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa - State Nominated
- be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
- have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points test
- be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you
- be invited to apply
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Family Sponsored
- be one of the members of the family unit, of a subclass 491 visa holder.
- If you are in Australia when you lodge your application you must hold a substantive visa or a subclass 010 Bridging A visa, a subclass 020 Bridging B visa or a subclass 030 Bridging C visa.
491 Skilled Regional (TR) visa cost
| First Instalment (payable at the time the application is made) | Base application | Additional Applicant (>=18) | Additional Applicant (<18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All in one - No stream | $4770 | $2385 | $1190 |
| Second Instalment (payable before grant of visa) | Primary applicant | Additional Applicant (>=18) | Additional Applicant (<18) |
|---|---|---|---|
| If 18 at the time of application; and not having functional English | NA | $4890 | Nil |
Process/Steps
Check Your Eligibility
- Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the Subclass 491 visa. This includes being under 45 years of age, having a nominated occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list, and meeting the skills and qualifications required for that occupation.
- You also need to have at least competent English skills and demonstrate that you intend to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.
Get Your Skill Assessment
Determine if your qualifications and work experience align with your chosen occupation
Contact the relevant skill assessment authority for your occupation
Submit necessary documents, including educational and work experience proofs
Await the outcome of your skill assessment before proceeding further
Check the Correct Skill Assessment Authority and Apply
Identify the appropriate assessing authority for your nominated occupation
Review their specific assessment criteria and document requirements
Submit an application and pay the required fee
Receive a positive skill assessment to proceed further
- Some authorities may require additional testing or interviews as part of the process.
English Test
Check the required English proficiency level based on visa requirements
Choose an accepted test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET
Prepare and take the test, achieving the required score
Keep the test results ready for visa application
Apply for Nomination
- In some cases, state or territory governments may require you to apply for a nomination to be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa. The criteria for nomination will differ by state and territory, so be sure to check their specific requirements.
- You may need to demonstrate that your occupation is in demand in that region and show your commitment to working and living in the designated regional area.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- After receiving your skills assessment and any necessary nominations, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. The EOI provides information about your qualifications, skills, work experience, and English language ability.
- Your EOI will be ranked based on your points score. The higher your score, the more likely you are to receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
- If you are selected from the EOI pool, you will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for the Subclass 491 visa. You must submit a complete visa application within the timeframe specified in the invitation.
- The invitation is based on your points score and the current demand for your occupation in regional areas.
Gather Your Documents
- After receiving the ITA, start gathering all the documents required for your visa application.
- Documents Needed:
- Passport and identification documents
- Skills assessment report
- English language test results (if applicable)
- Proof of nomination (if applicable)
- Employment references and work experience documents
- Academic qualifications and certificates
- Police clearance certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
- Health examination results (if required)
- Ensure all documents are clear, up to date, and in the required format (translations may be needed for documents not in English).
Health and Character Checks
- As part of the visa application process, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the Australian government’s health standards.
- Health checks may include a general medical exam, chest X-rays, and blood tests.
- You will also need to provide police clearance certificates from any countries where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years. This ensures you meet the character requirements for the visa.
Await Visa Processing
- After submitting your application, the Department of Home Affairs will begin processing your visa.
- Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your application and whether additional documents or information is requested.
- During the processing time, the Department may ask for further details or clarification, so be prepared to respond promptly to avoid delays.
- Keep an eye on your email and your ImmiAccount for any updates on your application.
Visa Grant
- If your application is successful, you will receive your Subclass 491 visa grant.
- Visa Conditions: Once granted, you’ll be allowed to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years.
- You must comply with the conditions of your visa, including working and living in a designated regional area.
- Path to Permanent Residency: After three years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa if you meet the residency and work requirements in the regional area.
