SUBCLASS 491
Skilled Regional Work Visa

This is a temporary provisional visa and is the 1st stage of your pathway towards permanent residence on subclass 191 at later stage.

  • Minimum requirement of Australian residence condition
    Stay in a regional postcode to work/study or run a business with this visa

  • You can be sponsored by either:
     A) a state or territory ; OR
    B) an eligible relative

  • If you are sponsored by an eligible relative, your nominated occupation must be on the MLTSSL list

  • If you are sponsored by a state or territory, your nominated occupation must be either on the combined skills list: MLTSSL& STSOL list; or the occupations list specified by each state.

WHO IS AN ELIGIBLE RELATIVE?

For purposes of subclass 491 visa sponsorship, an eligible relative must be:

1) either a settled permanent resident or
Australian citizen or eligible NZ citizen; AND
2) living in a regional postcode in Australia; AND
3) the person must be at least 18 years old or older; AND
4) the person must be one of the following related to you or your partner:

• parent
• child or step/child
• brother/sister/adoptive brother/
adoptive sister,
• step-brother, step-sister
• aunt/uncle/adoptive aunt/adoptive uncle/
step-aunt/ step-uncle/grandparent
• first cousin

ELIGIBILITY

Be nominated to apply by a State/Territory or be sponsored by an eligible relative

  • Score a minimum total of 65 points on the EOI SkillSelect system

  • Be invited to apply by the Australian government via Skillselect

  • Age: Be under 45 years before date of invitation to apply

  • Occupation: have a nominated occupation that is successfully assessed and listed under the
    MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL  occupation list.

  • Prove Competent English

  • Meet health requirement & police clearance for you and all the family members applying for the same visa.

WHAT THIS VISA PROVIDES:

Stay in Australia

Up to 5 years

What can I do with this visa?

• Work/study/do business in regional postcode areas in
Australia
• Unlimited travel in and out of Australia
• Bring eligible members of family with you;
• Eligibility to apply for permanent residence visa
(subclass 191) upon fulfilment of
required conditions
• Enjoy healthcare benefits under Medicare system

When can I apply for permanent residence visa subclass 191?

• Upon holding the subclass 491 for 3 years and ;
• No minimum income requirement but you must
provide notices of assessment by the Australian Tax
Office (ATO) for 3 income years out of the 5 years
on your subclass 491 visa duration;
• Proven continued residence and work in regional postcode areas.