491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional Visa) – Provisional

Subclass 491 skilled work regional visa (provisional): What is it?

The 491 visa Australia has replaced the 489 visa from November 16, 2019.

Just as the 489 visa, the new subclass 491 is available on a point-based system for candidates who get sponsored by:

1. A regionally designated area situated in the Australian territory or state, or

2. A family member, who is eligible and residing in one of the designated Australian regional areas.

What is the process of point allocation in the 491 visa?

In the 491 visa conditions, several factors related to the points system have been revised. So, you now have more chances to obtain points and reach your desired score. You will earn:

15 points, if your eligible family member or any of the eligible territory or state nominates you.

10 points, if you have a qualification up to Ph.D. or Masters level in one of these areas- Technology, Science, Mathematics, and Engineering. This is due to the massive requirement of STEM skills in Australia to promote economic success and ongoing innovation. 

10 partner-associated points, in case of these application conditions:

a. Your partner has an eligible skill, which means that you have a partner under the age of 45 years. Plus, the partner receives a positive assessment of skills in an occupation that is available on the list of skill shortages. Also, your partner’s English has to be competent. Or,

b. You don’t have a partner; or

c. Your partner is a permanent resident in Australia or holds Australian citizenship. 

5 points, in case your partner is able to showcase proficiency in English, but holds no work experience in any of the skilled occupations and has an age older than 45 years. 

These 491 visa requirements are based on the same factors as before, which are your qualification, age, years of work experience in a listed skill either in Australia and/or overseas.

This revised system of points is applicable to all of the skill-associated migration visas. 

When can I expect an invitation for a 491 visa application?

The skilled worker visa Australia has a unique ranking system, which used while sending invitations to candidates for their 491 visa application. These rankings include:

1. Equal first: Applicants who have skilled partners or applicants who have no partner.

2. Second: Applicants with partners who are able to showcase English competency, but hold no skill to obtain any skilled partner points.

3. Third: Applicants with partners who can’t show English competency or earn any partner points for any of the listed skills. 

How can a candidate upgrade from a 491 visa to PR?

The 491 is a five-year visa. This family sponsored points tested visa allows access to permanent residency via the Subclass 191, also known as the Skilled Regional Permanent Residence Visa. However, this path to PR is possible only if you are able to meet these conditions:

1. You have stayed, studied or worked for a minimum of 3 years in the provided regional area, as a holder of the 491 visa, and

2. You have the ability to demonstrate a minimum of $53,900 of earnings per year, for a minimum of three years. If your 491 application involves a partner, then, either you or your partner can show the required annual salary for 3 years via your tax returns. This salary needs to be $53,900 or higher. If your partner is showcasing the required amount of salary, he or she can be included as the main applicant, when applying for the permanent residency 191 visa. However, your partner needs to meet all the required criteria.