What is subclass 491 visa in Australia

The 491 visa Subclass is a Provisional Skilled Work visa for regional areas in Australia. It belongs to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) category as a subclass. Its primary aim is to motivate skilled workers to reside, work, and establish themselves in the designated regional regions of Australia. The previous Subclass 489 visa has been replaced by the Subclass 491 visa.

The Australia 491 visa lasts for 5 years, and upon finishing 3 years, you may qualify to apply for a PR visa in Australia.

What are the benefits of 491 visa in Australia

The 491 visa provides numerous benefits to those who receive the visa:

1) Regional Possibility: The Subclass 491 visa permits you to reside and work in specified regional regions of Australia. These regions frequently exhibit reduced population densities.

2) Route to Permanent Residency: The holder of the 491 visa can seek Australia PR via the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa subclass 191 after residing and working in a regional area for a designated duration (3 years).

3) Priority Handling: The processing of 491 visa applications is being prioritized, resulting in quicker processing times and reduced waiting periods compared to other visa types.

4) Travel Adaptability: Subclass 491 permits several entries and exits from Australia throughout its validity, offering flexibility for travel and visits abroad.

5) Medicare Accessibility: Holders of the Subclass 491 Visa can register for Australia’s public healthcare system, called Medicare, granting them access to medical services and subsidized medicines.

6) Funded education: Holders of the 491 visa in Australia and their families can study in Australia as domestic students and may qualify for scholarships aimed at regional students.

Australia 491 skilled work regional visa requirements

The requirements for the 491 visa pertain to the criteria needed to apply for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). People who fulfill the 491 visa criteria can apply for this visa. To be eligible for the 491 visas to Australia, applicants must also satisfy the subsequent conditions.

1) In-demand profession: Your job needs to be recognized or sought after in the appropriate skilled occupation list in Australia. Almost 77 job positions are qualified to seek 491 visas in Australia. Verify if your job is included in the Regional Occupation List Australia for a 491 visa application.

2) Age criteria: You should be within a specific age range, typically under 45 years at the time of the invitation.

3) Evaluation of Points: To qualify for an Australia 491 visa, you need to achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points assessment. You will receive an extra 15 points upon being nominated by a specified regional area in Australia. Determine your Australia PR points utilizing the Australia PR Points calculator.

4) Evaluation of Skill Assessment: You need to obtain a favorable skills evaluation from the appropriate assessing body for your chosen occupation (ANZSCO code).

5) Proficiency in the English Language: You need to prove your English language ability by obtaining the necessary score on a recognized English language exam, like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The required minimum score for the English language is 6 bands or a corresponding PTE score. Nonetheless, the requirements might differ from one profession to another.

6) Receive a nomination or endorsement: Be proposed by an Australian specified regional area or backed by a qualified family member residing in a designated regional area of Australia.

7) Health and character criteria: You must meet health and character requirements and submit your full checkup report. 

What are the Australia fees for a 491 visa

For primary applicants, the Subclass 491 visa costs AUD 4,910 (Rs 270,000). It may change based on a number of variables, including the sponsoring region’s location, the applicant’s age, and the number of dependents listed in the application.

Subclass 491 additionally entails expenses for medical examinations, PCC, and English language competence tests. Please see the information below.

Please find the current cost of the 491 visa for Australia.

Factors	Fee in AUD	Fees in Rs.
Base application charge	AUD 4910	Rs. 270,050/-
Additional applicant charges 18 and over	AUD 2455	Rs. 135,025/-
Additional applicant charge under 18	AUD 1230	Rs. 67,6500/-
Other fee
Skill assessment fee	AUD 500 – 1000	Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 55,000
IELTS examination cost	Rs. 17,000
MEDICAL exam cost	Rs. 6,000

What is the processing time of the Australia 491 Visa

Subclass 491 visa processing times might differ based on a number of variables such as.

1. The caliber of your application; 
2. The intricacy of your situation; and 
3. The quantity of applications DHA was processing at the time of your application.
4. The projected processing period for a subclass 491 visa is now five months.

How to apply for 491 visa Australia step by step

1) Verify Eligibility:  Please confirm that you meet the ANZSCO Code requirements, age restrictions, points test, English language proficiency, and other pertinent conditions for the 491 visa.

2) Skill evaluation: You must go through a skills evaluation with an appropriate evaluating authority. The occupation for which you are applying will determine the assessing authority. Your credentials, abilities, and work history will be assessed by the skills assessment to make sure they fulfill the requirements for the position you have chosen.

3) Compile your paperwork: Gather all the supporting documentation required for your 491 visa application, including as an English language competence test, a skills evaluation, and proof of work.

4) Expression of Interest (EOI): Use the Skill Select system to submit an EOI, which will determine your point total and place you in relation to other applicants.

5) Apply for Nomination: If you are nominated by a specified regional area, DHA Australia and regional nomination organizations will have access to your profile once you are in the pool. Only specific regions of Australia are required for the candidate and all family members to reside, work, and further their education.

6) Invitation to Apply: If you are invited to apply for a visa, you will need to submit a formal application together with supporting documentation, such as employment and educational certificates, a police clearance, and a health assessment.