Australia Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa (Temporary)
The Australian Skilled Regional Temporary 491 visa is an immigration program designed to support the development of smaller, economically weaker, and economically depressed areas known as rural areas. In Australia, all cities and regions except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are considered rural. This visa is intended for skilled workers with occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL), or state and territory lists. Each state and territory may have different lists of occupations, and the criteria may vary and change each year.
The Regional Temporary 491 Visa is a temporary General Skilled Migration visa that allows applicants to live, work, and study in a state or territory of Australia. This 5-year visa entitles holders to apply for a permanent residence permit (Australian Permanent 191 Visa) after 3 years if conditions are met. This visa can be applied for with sponsorship from a state or territory government or from relatives living in that area.
Occupation List and SkillSelect
To be eligible for a State Sponsored Permanent 190 Visa, applicants must have an occupation listed on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or as listed by the state and territory. This list consists of occupations in high demand in various sectors of the Australian economy. Applicants must also submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs.
What is Australia SkillSelect?
The Australian government runs an online system called SkillSelect. This is for skilled migrants who wish to express an interest in obtaining a visa to work and live in Australia. Instead of applying for a visa directly, you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) detailing your skills and work experience. This EOI serves as an application to be invited to apply for a skilled visa formally.
Receiving Invitation for Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa
Each year, state and regional governments publish a list of occupations with labor shortages in their region. Applicants must meet the specific requirements set by each state or territory government for the occupation for which they are nominated. It is important to review in detail the occupational lists and eligibility criteria for the desired state or territory.
Applying for a Regional Temporary 491 Visa requires an invitation from the state or territory applied for or from a relative. Only occupations on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are eligible for sponsorship when applying through an invitation from a relative. Immediate relatives who are permanent residents or citizens of Australia or eligible New Zealand citizens can sponsor. The immediate relative (grandparent, grandparent, mother, father, natural or stepchild, sibling, uncle, aunt, uncle, aunt, aunt, cousin, niece, nephew) must have lived in the area of application for some time and be over 18 years of age.
Once the requirements for a Regional Temporary 491 visa are met, applicants can apply for an Australian Permanent Residence 191 Visa and be eligible for permanent residency.
Australia Regional Temporary 491 Visa Application Criteria
Point Test
Applicants must score at least 65 points on the score test we have developed specifically for our clients, which is available on our website and evaluates factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, and if you meet the qualifications, you will receive an invitation from Australia to apply for a visa.
English Language Proficiency
Prove your English proficiency by getting the specified scores from recognized language exams. You can find the required scores in the section below.
Age Requirement
Applicants must not be older than 45 at the time of application.
Professional Recognition
Have sufficient qualifications and experience in the professions nominated by the relevant assessment authority.
Medical and Personality Checks
Meet the character and health requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Accepted Exams and Scores for English Level
IELTS, can be Academic or General. An average score of 6, with a minimum of 5 in each section.
Occupational English Test, score equivalent to a B level in each section.
Pearson Test, with an average score of 50, with a minimum score of 36 in each section.
Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT, to score an average of 64 points, with a minimum score of 4 for listening and reading and a minimum score of 14 for writing and speaking.
Cambridge English Advanced Test, get an average score of 169 with a minimum score of 154 in each section.
Australia Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa Application Process
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submitting an EOI through SkillSelect detailing qualifications, work experience and English proficiency.
Application Invitation
If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
Visa Application
You must apply for a visa within 60 days of receiving the invitation, fill out the visa application form and apply with supporting documents.
Review Phase
The application is assessed by the Ministry of Interior, including verification of qualifications, work experience and English proficiency.
Benefits of the Australia Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa
This visa offers many benefits for skilled migrants and their families. You can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You can settle in the state or territory that sponsors you. You can easily access job opportunities in occupations with labor shortages in the sponsoring region, so you can benefit from employment opportunities. You will have access to Australia’s health care system, education, and social security benefits. Once you fulfill the residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship. You can include eligible family members (spouse and children) in the visa application to give them the same residency status.
Australia Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa Support and Consulting
By meeting the eligibility criteria and successfully navigating the application process, the Regional Temporary 491 Visa allows skilled migrants to embark on a personal and professional career journey in one of the world’s most desirable destinations, in Australia’s chosen region. This allows you to build a new life in Australia, supported by the sponsorship of a state or territory government. For more information and to apply, please contact us and ask for our advice at each stage of the application process.
Apply for Ozlinx Migration
Succeeding at the end of the immigration process to Australia requires careful planning and an understanding of the various pathways available. Whether you are a skilled professional, a student, or looking for opportunities in regional areas, there are options tailored to your circumstances. By staying informed and seeking guidance from reputable sources, you can make your journey to Australia safe and smooth.