SKILLED REGIONAL (Provisional) VISA

The famous skilled regional visa (Sub-class 489) has been replaced by a Sub-class 491 visa on 16th November 2019. Australian Government is pushing and encouraging people to live, work, or study in regional areas to develop the economy of these areas through skilled regional visa sub-class 491.

Professionals who want to build their careers and settle with their families in a regional area of Australia can choose to apply under skilled work regional visa (Provisional). The regional visa allows skilled workers and their families to study or work, and live in a regional area of Australia for 5 years.

Skilled Regional Visa is a temporary visa and Visa holders can apply for a Permanent Residency after 3 years through the pathway program. Once an individual gets a regional visa, he or she will not be allowed to apply for any other skilled visa in Australia for at least 3 years. Visa holders must complete at least 3 years in the designated regional area.

Sub-Class 491 Overview and Benefits:

Once the candidate gets a 491 visa and has worked or studied for 3 years in that regional area with an income of 35,900 AUD annually in any occupation, then the candidate can apply for a Permanent residency visa through Pathway.

Benefits:

• The candidate is allowed to live in a regional area for 5 years,
• There is no restriction to work under the nominated Occupation code. An individual can work in any filed i.e. an applicant can apply under MTSSL, STSOL, and ROL,
• There are no constraints on travelling all over Australia,
• Most importantly, there is no cut-off point system.

Eligibility Criteria:

From the 100 point grid, the applicant must secure 65 points based on age, qualification, work history, English proficiency, adaptability, and an additional 15 points from state or territory. To be eligible, the candidate:

• Must not be above 45 years
• Must have relevant occupation under MTSLL, STSOL, and ROL.
• Must have skill assessment with relevant assessing Authority for the occupation
• Must have competent English skills
• Must meet the health requirements
• Must meet the character requirements
• Must not have any outstanding debts towards the Australian government.

Application Process:

Upon meeting the desired requirements, the candidate must submit an expression of interest. Expression of Interest (EOI) process is an online application that contains a number of questions related to the applicant’s background, education, and work profile.

Following is the standard process-flow for application under sub-class 491:

• Step 1: Check the eligibility requirement and verify occupation in demand.
• Step 2: Get the skilled assessment done from relevant Skill assessment authority, which is an organization that will assess skills, Education, and work experience based on Australian Standard.
• Step 3: Appear for the English proficiency test. Fortunately, the Australian immigration authorities accept scores from various English ability tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL.
• Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest on the skill select portal.
• Step 5: On receiving the nomination from regional government or state. Government authority reviews the application and issues ITA.
• Step 6: Once the ITA is received, the application will be submitted online within 60 days. The government will further analyze the application and decide if an individual can become a permanent resident. During this process, an individual would be required to produce positive medical test reports along with a clear criminal record check.

Assistance by Winny Immigration:

Winny Immigration would be able to ease your application process by:

• Conducting an in-depth profile assessment as well as identification of the fastest and the best-suited pathway for you
• Superintending unique documentation and ensuring that your virtues are highlighted in the best manner possible before the visa officer, and
• Providing constant updates regarding the status of the application with the help of your client – relationship manager.