Australian Subclass 491 Visa

Index

1. What is Australian Subclass 491 Visa?
2. What are the eligibility requirements for this visa?
3. What is the processing time and processing fee?
4. What is the application process?
5. What should you keep in mind if you are nominated under Subclass 491?
6. What are the important documents for Subclass 491?
7. Why Stark Visas?

What is Australian Subclass 491 Visa?

The Great Southern Land is truly the land of innumerable opportunities. By applying for an Australian PR Visa, you can unlock all these excellent opportunities and benefits that come alongside. A country whose economic growth knows no bounds opens its arms for thousands of skilled professionals to be a part of this growth. Australia’s minimum wage rate is higher than most countries, and its currency is one of the strongest currencies. The Australian currency is anticipated to see substantial growth in 2024.

There are many pathways for an Australian Permanent Residency Visa; Subclass 491 is one such point-tested provisional pathway that can help you attain a Permanent Residency. Subclass 491 can be called a “Provisional Residency Visa,” in which an Australian state invites you to work in a designated region if you are deemed a prospective skilled worker. You have the provision to live, work and study only in the designated region for 3 years. 

What are the eligibility requirements for this Visa:

1. You must acquire a nomination by an Australian state or territory government agency or get sponsored by an eligible relative who meets the following conditions:

• The relative should be above 18 years of age
• They must be a resident of the designated region
• They must be an Australian Citizen, have their Australian PR, or is an eligible New Zealand citizen
• This relative can be:
• Your parent
• Your child or step-child
• Your brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother, or step-sister
• Your aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt, or step-uncle
• Your nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew, or step-niece
• Your grandparent or first cousin.

   If your partner applies for this visa, this eligible relative can also be theirs.

2)  A minimum of 65 points must be achieved in the Australian Immigration points calculator. Your score depends on various underlying factors: Age, English Proficiency, Educational Qualifications, Work Experience in Australia or any international work experience, qualifications from Australia, State sponsorship/nomination, and the qualification level of your spouse/common-law partner.

3) Age Factor 18-45 years: You must be 45 or below 45 when the invitation to apply is issued. 

4) It would be best to acquire a thorough skill assessment 3 years before the invitation was issued.

5) You must be proficient in English: You should score good points in any certified English Language Test (IELTS/PTE) to prove your English competency.

6) You and your family who have applied for the visa must fulfill all the Medical and Character requirements. These certificates must be attested via certified authorities.

7) You must submit an EOI through DOHA’s Skill Select Interface before application.

8) Australian Values Statement: You must sign the Australian Values Statement that states that you must adhere to the Australian Way of Life and obey the Australian Laws.

What is the Subclass 491 Visa Processing Time and the Processing Fee?

The processing time for the Subclass 491 Visa is approximately 6-8 months. However, certain factors drive this process and ensure a smooth processing:

• You must file your application with all the essential documents attested and attached.
• You must respond to queries and additional details quickly
• Certified authorities must assess your supporting documents
• The external agencies' response plays an important role: Your medical, character, and national security-related documents must be there with you on time.

The Cost of Application for the Primary Applicant is AUD: 4115

A second installment may occur if you have a family member who is 18+ and has less than functional English. A fee of AUD 4890 is charged under such circumstances.

What is the application process?

The application process for the Subclass 491 Visa is straightforward. These are the following steps:

Step 1: You must take the Skill Assessment Test from a well-recognized skill assessment institution

Step 2: Submitting an Expression of Interest is mandatory. You have to apply through the SkillSelect portal

Step 3: You must wait until a designated state authority sends an ITA to you

Step 4: Apply within 60 days of receiving the invitation

What should you keep in mind if you are nominated under Subclass 491?

There are certain things you must be aware of before you apply for the Subclass 491 visa:

1)     You are not covered under Medicare benefits

2)     If you are above the age of 45, you are ineligible for this visa.

3)     You must live and work for 3 years (you must adhere to the contract) before applying for Permanent Residency.

4)     This is a transitional visa, which means it can serve as a pathway to permanent residency.

5)     You cannot apply for another PR Visa before completing your contract period (3 years).

6)     You and your family members who have the subclass 491 visa can live, work, or study only in the designated region.

7)     You can travel to and from Australia indefinitely until the visa expires.

8)     You cannot stay beyond five years with this visa, nor can you extend the time frame.

What are the important documents for Subclass 491?

• These are the supporting documents that back your EOI.
• If you are aged between 18-23, these documents are mandatory.
• If you have a dependent member who is above 23 years of age, these documents are a prerequisite:
• These documents must be provided by the relative who is sponsoring you

What are the Important Documents Required for Subclass Visa 491?

Following are the documents you will need for the subclass visa 491:

• A valid passport.
• Documents, including marriage or divorce certificate and relationship status.
• Character certificate.
• Skill assessment documents.
• Language proficiency proof.
• Sponsorship documents proof.
• Family member ID proof, character certificate, and language proof. 

Looking for an Australian Subclass 491 Visa as an easy pathway to immigrate to Australia? Are you all decked up and ready to make a move? Let Stark Visas be your guiding star. 

If you think you have all the skills that it takes, then what is stopping you? Contact Stark Visas and let us assist you further!