About This Visa
This visa will enable eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years.
Visa holders will be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence visa after three years. Applicants for this visa must be nominated by:
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an Australian state or territory government agency or
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sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area and be invited to apply for the visa, following submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Visa conditions, namely 8579 will be imposed which will enforce the government’s intentions that visa holders live, work and study only in regional areas. Visa holders may move between regional areas. Regional areas are defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Even Perth and Gold Coast are classified as regional areas. You may work in any occupation and for any employer in line with the work and residence conditions attached to your visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
491 visa holders can apply for Permanent Resident visa SC-191 if certain criteria are meet:
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must have held a subclass 491 or 494 visa for at least 3 years;
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have complied with the conditions on that visa;
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have met minimum taxable income requirements. You must show earnings of at least $53,900 per annum for three years
Your partner can also be the main applicant for the 191 visa if they can demonstrate this criteria.
491 Skilled Work Regional visa
491 Visa Requirements
Before applying for the visa it is important to ensure you meet the requirements for the visa.
This includes:
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Hold a Positive Skill Assessment for an occupation on the State or Regional List
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Currently aged between 18 – 45 years old
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Have Competent English or higher (6 minimum in IELTS or holder of approved passports)
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Have received a nomination by a Region or State to apply for the visa
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Meet health and character requirements
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Meet the pass mark in the skilled migration points test – currently 65.
TRIUMPHAL'S EXPERTISE
Our expert team has significant experience in handling general skilled visa applications, and can help you with:
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Getting your skills assessed
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Obtaining a nomination from a State or Territory Government
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Lodging visa applications within tight deadlines
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Managing your bridging visas
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Getting results with minimum stress and worry for you