491 Regional State-Sponsored Provisional Visa
491 Regional State-Sponsored Provisional Visa Overview
The 491 visa (Skill Work Regional Provisional Visa) was introduced on November 16, 2019, replacing the previous 489 visa. This visa is valid for 5 years and is designed for applicants who do not meet the criteria for the 189 Independent Skilled Migration or 190 State-Sponsored Skilled Migration visas. It provides two options: state/territory government sponsorship or family sponsorship, allowing applicants to live and work in regional areas of Australia.
Transitional Provisions
Applications for the 489 visa submitted before November 16, 2019, will be processed under the original provisions. Holders of the 489 visa can apply for the 887 visa to obtain permanent residency after working in a regional area for 1 year and living there for 2 years.
Definition of Regional Areas
Since November 2019, all areas in Australia, except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, are defined as regional areas, making them eligible for the 491 visa application.
491 Visa Points System
- Single applicant: +10 points
- Spouse is an Australian citizen or permanent resident: +10 points
- Spouse is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident but has English proficiency of IELTS 4 x 6: +5 points
- State or territory nomination: +15 points
- Eligible regional family sponsorship: +15 points
- Completed 2 years of study in a regional area: +5 points
- Holds a STEM degree from Australia: +10 points
491 Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Must receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs and apply within the validity period.
- Applicant must be under 45 years of age.
- Valid skills assessment, excluding assessments for 485 visa.
Sponsorship options include
- State or territory government nomination.
- Family sponsorship from eligible relatives living in regional areas, over 18 years of age.
Pathway to permanent residency
- After living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years, meeting residency and income requirements, 491 visa holders can apply for a 191 visa to obtain permanent residency.
Fees
- Primary applicant: AU $4,115
- Dependent applicant over 18 years old: AU $2,060
- Dependent applicant under 18 years old: AU $1,030
- If the spouse or adult child’s English level is below IELTS 4.5, a language training fee of AU $4,885 per person applies.
Note: Policies and fees are subject to the latest information released by the Australian Department of Immigration.