Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 12 to 24 months (state nominated), 10 to 21 months (family sponsored)
- Fee
- AUD $4,770
- Validity
- 5 years (provisional), pathway to permanent residence after 3 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. Requires nomination from a state/territory government or sponsorship from an eligible family member living in regional Australia. Minimum 65 points (includes 15 points for regional nomination). After 3 years of living, working, and earning in regional Australia, holders can apply for permanent residence via subclass 191.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Open to all nationalities
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Age
Must be under 45 years of age at time of invitation
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Employment
Must have a positive skills assessment and be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Police clearance
Countries required: All countries lived in for 12+ months in last 10 years; Validity months: 12
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Skills assessment
Assessing authority: Relevant authority for nominated occupation; Occupation list: Combined regional occupation list (varies by state)
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Health exam
Panel physician required: Yes; Validity months: 12
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Points assessment
Assessment system: SkillSelect Points Test (includes 15 points for regional nomination); Minimum points: 65
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Language test score
Accepted tests: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CAE, OET; Minimum score: Competent English: IELTS 6.0 in each band minimum
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain skills assessment, apply for state nomination or family sponsorship
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Online application
Submit EOI via SkillSelect. After receiving nomination/invitation, lodge visa application within 60 days
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Fee payment
Pay AUD $4,770 visa application charge
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Processing wait
Wait 12-24 months for processing