Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Another way to live and work in Australia is with the Subclass-491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa. This is a Temporary Work Visa to Australia which is granted for five years to a skilled migrant who has been nominated by an Australian State or Territory governmental agency, or who has been sponsored by an eligible family member who is living in Australia, and who also satisfies the other eligibility criteria for this GSM visa subclass. Although this is a Temporary Work Visa to Australia, which is valid for five years from the date it is issued and it cannot be renewed, the Subclass-491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa does have a pathway to Australian permanent residency for those who qualify for the Subclass-191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa which launches on November 16, 2022.
The Subclass-491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa permits a skilled foreign worker and his/her eligible family members to live, work and study in a Regional Designated Area of Australia (examples include Adelaide, Canberra, Geelong, Gold Coast, Hobart, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, Perth, and Wollongong), and allows them to travel to and from Australia, during the five years that their Australian visa is valid.
In order to qualify for the Subclass-491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa, the foreign worker needs to obtain a minimum of 65 points for his or her total score, which is based on points that are issued for age, English language abilities, skilled work experience, educational qualifications, partner skills (if relevant), and additional factors. Other requirements include: having an occupation that is on the Skilled Occupation List for this GSM visa subclass; receiving a positive Skills Assessment; having at least “Competent” English language abilities; submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) containing their required information; receiving a nomination from a State or Territorial governmental agency in Australia or getting sponsored by an eligible family member living in Australia; being less than 45 years of age when the Invitation to Apply (ITA) is given; satisfying the criteria for good character and good health; filing the Australian Visa Application, including all of the required documents, within the 60-day time limit; paying the Australian Visa Application Fee; and signing the Australian Values Statement.
Please note that this is a summary of the eligibility requirements for this GSM Australian visa subclass, other criteria may need to be satisfied, and the requirements and procedures are subject to change by the Australian government. The Australia Immigration Agency works with an Australian legal practitioner who is also registered with MARA, stays informed on the latest regulations and can assess your eligibility for immigration to Australia. To learn about your options, click here!