Australia, renowned for its dynamic society, strong economy, and breathtaking natural scenery, has consistently attracted highly qualified professionals from around the globe. The Australian immigration system provides numerous avenues for individuals desiring to reside and perform in this dynamic nation, among which the 491 Skilled Regional Visa has gained significant popularity. This visa prepares the applicant not only for new employment prospects but also for permanent residency.
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What is 491 Skilled Regional Visa?
Provisional visa 491s are intended for skilled workers who desire to work and reside in regional Australia.
It is a component of an initiative by the Australian government to foster regional development through the attraction of highly qualified individuals to locate in sparsely populated regions.
This visa grants authorization for permanent residency via the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa for five years.
Eligibility Criteria:
For applicants to qualify for the 491 visa, they must:
- Be nominated by an agency of an Australian state or territory government, or be sponsored by a family member who meets the eligibility criteria and resides in a designated regional area.
- Possess a job that appears on the pertinent list of qualified occupations.
- Individuals must be below 45 years of age when they receive an invitation.
- Comply with the English language minimum requirement.
- Achieve a minimum score of 65 on the immigration points examination, which evaluates credentials such as age, professional background, and academic achievements.
Application Process:
The 491 visa application procedure consists of the following steps:
- Skill Evaluation: Ensure that your qualifications and skills have been evaluated by the appropriate assessing body for your field before submitting your application.
- EOI: Expression of Interest Submit an expression of interest via the SkillSelect website. While not in the form of a visa application, this merely expresses your desire to be evaluated for a skilled visa.
- State Nomination or Family Sponsorship: Secure sponsorship from a family member residing in a designated regional area or a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Visa Application: Once invited, the 491 visa application can be submitted formally.
Benefits of 491 Skilled Regional Visa and PR in Australia:
- Academic and Employment Rights: The 491 visa grants permission to reside, work, and study in an Australian region that has been designated. This visa permits skilled workers to pursue opportunities for further education or training and to acquire valuable work experience.
- How to Acquire Permanent Residency: Provisional in nature, the 491 visa facilitates entry into the United States as a permanent resident by means of the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191). Visa holders who satisfy residency and employment requirements may petition for permanent residency (PR), which grants them indefinite permission to reside and work in Australia.
- Obtaining Medicare: Visa-holding individuals and their immediate relatives are qualified to utilize Medicare, the public healthcare system of Australia. This ensures that the visa holder and their family have access to subsidized hospital care, prescription medications, and medical services, thereby contributing to their overall health and well-being.
- The Sponsorship of Families: Under the 491 visa, visa holders may sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency. This program affords eligible relatives, such as spouses, de facto companions, dependent children, and other members of the family, the chance to reside together in Australia.
- Travel Adaptability: Applicants of the 491 visa are granted unrestricted entry and exit to Australia for the duration of the visa’s validity. The aforementioned adaptability empowers individuals with visas to visit kin and acquaintances abroad, as well as travel for business or pleasure, all while preserving their residency status.
- Obtaining Social Services: Visa holders are granted access to a variety of social services and benefits as permanent residents of Australia. These include social security payments, assistance for families, and, if necessary, support services for migrants and refugees.
- Procurement of Employment Opportunities: In Australia, the possession of a PR visa grants access to a diverse array of employment prospects spanning multiple sectors. PR holders are unrestrictedly permitted to work for any Australian employer, which enables them to pursue their professional ambitions and goals.
- Educational Advantages: Access to government-funded universities and subsidized education expenses are available to PR holders and their family members in Australia. This encompasses providing children and adults with access to high-quality educational and training opportunities.
- Routes to Acquire Citizenship: Visa holders who meet additional eligibility requirements and have resided in Australia for a specified period of time as permanent residents may be eligible to petition for Australian citizenship. Citizenship in Australia grants additional privileges and rights, such as the ability to vote and obtain consular assistance abroad.
- The life quality: With its clean environment, excellent healthcare and education systems, diverse culture, and outdoor lifestyle, Australia is renowned for its high quality of life. Permanent residents can experience the advantages of residing in a secure, hospitable, and diverse nation that offers ample prospects for both personal and professional development.
Living in Regional Australia:
Access to quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, as well as frequently less congestion and a lower cost of living than in main cities, distinguish regional Australia.
Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and certain areas of Western Australia are renowned for their hospitable populations and varied employment opportunities.
Permanent Residency Pathway:
You may petition for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after three years of holding the 491 visa, provided you have studied, worked, or resided in a regional area and met the income requirements.
Conclusion:
By strategically utilizing the 491 Skilled Regional Visa, one can not only advance their professional trajectory in Australia but also acquire permanent residency.
By adhering to eligibility requirements, performing meticulous preparation, and demonstrating a dedication to residing in the region, this visa has the potential to grant you access to a gratifying existence in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How can I get PR after a 491 visa in Australia?
If you live and work in South Australia for three years on the subclass 491 visa and meet the minimum taxable income level for at least three years (see the Department of Home Affairs website), you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
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Can I apply for another visa while on a 491 visa in Australia?
A holder of a subclass 491 visa will not be able to apply for other skills-based visa streams in Australia unless they have completed at least three years of stay in a designated regional area unless exceptional circumstances allow otherwise.
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Is education free in Australia for a 491 visa?
485, 491, and 494 visa holders pay 50% of the tuition fees above. Evidence of a visa will be required upon application to confirm your tuition fee rate. A non-refundable application fee of AU $150* per student will be charged for all new applications.
