The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in regional Australia. This visa allows skilled workers to stay in regional areas and gain the experience needed to potentially apply for permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nomination or Sponsorship: You must be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative.
- Skilled Occupation: You must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Skills Assessment: A suitable skills assessment must be obtained for the nominated occupation.
- Invitation to Apply: You must be invited to apply.
- Points Test: You must meet the points test (based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, etc.).
Key Features:
- Duration: Stay in Australia for up to 5 years.
- Regional Requirement: You must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Travel: You can travel to and from Australia as often as you like during the visa’s validity.
- Permanent Residency Pathway: After 3 years on a subclass 491 visa, you may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), effective from 16 November 2022.