Australia Work Visa (Subclass 491)

What is the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) Visa?

The Subclass 491 visa is a points-tested provisional visa that allows skilled individuals and their eligible family members to reside and work in regional Australia for up to five years. Introduced on November 16, 2019, it replaced the previous Subclass 489 visa, signifying the Australian government’s ongoing commitment to encouraging migration to regional areas for economic and population growth.

Purpose of the Subclass 491 Visa

The primary purpose of the Subclass 491 visa is to attract skilled migrants to regional parts of Australia where there are specific skill shortages. By facilitating skilled migration to these areas, the visa aims to:

• Address labor market demands outside major metropolitan centers.
• Support the economic and community development of regional Australia.
• Promote a more even distribution of population across the country.

Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 491 Visa

To be eligible for the Australia Work Visa (Subclass 491), applicants must meet several key requirements:

1. Age Limit

You must be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

2. Nomination or Sponsorship

You must be:

• Nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency, or
• Sponsored by an eligible relative who resides in a designated regional area of Australia. Eligible relatives must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens, and typically over 18 years of age.

3. Occupation on a Skilled List

Your nominated occupation must be on a relevant skilled occupation list. This includes the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). For the family-sponsored stream, your occupation generally needs to be on the MLTSSL.

4. Suitable Skills Assessment

You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment verifies that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards.

5. Points-Based Requirement

You need to score a minimum of 65 points on the SkillSelect points test. Points are awarded based on various factors, including:

6. English Proficiency

You must demonstrate at least Competent English. This is typically proven through an English language test such as IELTS (minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components), PTE, TOEFL iBT, or OET.

7. Health & Character Requirements

You and all accompanying family members must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This involves undergoing medical examinations and obtaining police clearance certificates.

8. Expression of Interest (EOI)

You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Application Process for the Subclass 491 Visa

The application for the Subclass 491 visa typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Begin by submitting an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. This outlines your qualifications, experience, and points score.

Step 2: Receive a Nomination or Sponsorship

You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member. State and territory governments assess EOIs and issue nominations based on their specific occupation lists and criteria.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI is successful and you receive a nomination/sponsorship, you will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Subclass 491 visa. You will have 60 days from the date of the invitation to lodge your visa application.

Step 4: Prepare Documents and Apply for the Visa

Gather all required supporting documents. Key documents typically include:

• Identity documents (passport, birth certificate, national ID)
• Positive skills assessment outcome
• English language test results
• Evidence of nomination or sponsorship
• Health and character documents (medical examinations, police clearances)
• Partner and dependent children’s documents (if applicable)
• Proof of adequate health insurance

Lodge your complete visa application online via your ImmiAccount.

Step 5: Await Visa Processing

After submitting your application, it will undergo processing by the Department of Home Affairs. Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances, the completeness of your application, and current caseloads. As of 2025, processing times generally range from 6 to 17 months.

Step 6: Receive Visa Decision

You will be notified of the decision on your visa application. If successful, your Subclass 491 visa will be granted.

Benefits of the Subclass 491 Visa

The Subclass 491 visa offers a range of significant benefits for skilled migrants:

• Five-Year Stay: Live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to five years.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: After living and working in a designated regional area for at least three years and meeting specific income thresholds, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191).
• Access to Medicare: Visa holders and their family members gain access to Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, which covers many medical expenses.
• Family Inclusion: You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your visa application, allowing your family to join you in Australia with full living and working rights.
• Additional Points: You receive an additional 15 points towards your SkillSelect points score for securing state/territory nomination or family sponsorship, which significantly boosts your chances of receiving an invitation.
• Increased Job Opportunities: Regional areas often experience skill shortages, leading to more job opportunities and potentially less competition for skilled workers.
• Lower Cost of Living: Living expenses, including housing, are generally lower in regional areas compared to major cities, allowing for a more affordable lifestyle.
• Travel Flexibility: You can travel to and from Australia multiple times while your visa is valid.

Updates and Considerations for 2025

The Australian immigration landscape is subject to change. Here are some key updates and considerations for Subclass 491 visa applicants in 2025:

• No Minimum Income for PR Pathway (Updated 2024): A significant change is the removal of the minimum income threshold requirement for transitioning from the Subclass 491 visa to the Subclass 191 permanent residency visa. This change aims to make the pathway more accessible for regional visa holders.
• Expanded Medical Benefits: Subclass 491 visa holders now receive free medicals, including surgeries and health examinations, covered by the government, further enhancing access to healthcare.
• Broad Occupation Eligibility: All three skilled occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) are eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, offering a wider range of occupational options compared to some other skilled visas.
• Processing Times: While variable, recent data indicates that 50% of state/territory nominated Subclass 491 applications are processed within 11 months, and 90% within 17 months. Family-sponsored streams might have different processing times.
• Regional Stay Requirement: It is a strict condition of the visa that you must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years before becoming eligible for the permanent Subclass 191 visa.
• State-Specific Nomination Criteria: Each Australian state and territory has its own specific nomination requirements, occupation lists, and application windows. It is crucial to research and meet the criteria of your chosen nominating state or territory.

Tips for a Successful Application

To maximize your chances of a successful Subclass 491 visa application, consider the following tips:

• Accuracy and Completeness: Ensure all information provided in your EOI and visa application is accurate and all required documents are complete. Incomplete applications can lead to delays or refusal.
• Positive Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the correct assessing authority for your nominated occupation well in advance.
• Meet English Language Requirements: Aim for the required English proficiency level and provide valid test results.
• Aim for Higher Points: While 65 points is the minimum, a higher points score (e.g., 75-80+) increases your competitiveness and chances of receiving an invitation.
• Research State/Territory Requirements: Thoroughly understand the specific nomination requirements of the state or territory you intend to be nominated by, as these can vary significantly.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a registered migration agent for personalized advice and assistance with your application, especially given the complexities of immigration law and policy.

Final Thoughts

The Australia Work Visa (Subclass 491) presents an invaluable opportunity for skilled individuals worldwide to establish a life in regional Australia, contribute to its economy, and ultimately achieve permanent residency. By understanding the eligibility criteria, navigating the application process diligently, and staying informed about program updates, applicants can effectively pursue this pathway to a prosperous future Down Under.