Regional Visas

Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Attracting the right talent in regional Australia requires a strategic approach. Not all applicants are quality leads, and finding candidates with the precise skills your business needs can be a significant challenge. For employers operating in designated regional areas, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) presents an excellent opportunity to source skilled professionals who are committed to living and working outside major metropolitan centres.

This visa allows skilled individuals, nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative, to live, work, and study in regional Australia for up to five years.

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Understanding the Subclass 491 Visa

The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa designed to address regional skills shortages. While employers do not directly sponsor applicants for this specific visa in the same way as the Subclass 482 or 186 programmes, understanding how it operates is crucial for businesses looking to hire eligible candidates who already hold or are applying for this visa.

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Key Applicant Requirements

To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, the applicant must:

• Be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative.

• Have a profession listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

• Hold a suitable and valid skills assessment for their occupation.

• Satisfy the points test requirements.

• Receive an official invitation to apply.

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Visa Streams and Conditions

The Subclass 491 visa comprises two main pathways, both starting from a base application cost of AUD 4,910.00.

1. Main Applicant Pathway

This is for the skilled worker addressing the regional shortage.

• Duration:Grants a stay in Australia for up to 5 years.

• Conditions:The visa holder must live, work, and study in a designated regional area. They have the flexibility to travel to and from Australia as often as required while the visa remains valid.

• Pathway to Permanency:Visa holders can apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time the visa is granted, provided they meet all subsequent compliance conditions.

2. Subsequent Entrant Pathway

This stream keeps families together by allowing the family members of a primary Subclass 491 visa holder to join them.

• Duration:The subsequent entrant can stay in Australia until the primary family member’s visa expires.

• Conditions:The applicant must be a recognised member of the primary visa holder's family unit.

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Strategise Your Regional Recruitment

Navigating regional skilled migration and filtering through the market to find candidates who will genuinely add value to your operations takes careful planning. We provide integrated recruitment, immigration, and settlement solutions to ensure you secure the exact talent your business requires.

Book a free employer consultation with Konnecting today to discuss your regional workforce strategy.

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Source of Information:The details provided in this article are sourced directly from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs