Skilled Work Regional Provisional (Subclass 491) Visa

Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa

Department of Home Affairs Australia recently announced that Subclass 489 visa will be replaced by the new the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa subclass 491. Now, more updates have come with regards to transition of subclass 489 in to new Subclass 491 visa.

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is a points-tested visa for applicants sponsored by a State or Territory government agency or sponsored by a family member residing in a designated regional area.

These changes are relevant to the existing Subclass 489,189 and 190 as well as the new Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa, which will also start on November 16, 2019.

The changes to the points test will include:

• 10 points for Specialist Educational qualifications. Currently 5 points.
• 10 points for applicants with a skilled spouse or de facto partner (under 45 with Competent English, suitable skills assessment and with an occupation on the same skilled occupation list). Currently 5 points.
• 10 points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner or who have a spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen or a Permanent resident (New).
• 5 points for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who has competent English (New).
• 15 points for applicants who are nominated by a State or Territory government, or who are sponsored by a suitable family member. Currently 10 points.

When all points except partner qualifications are equal, invitations will be ranked in the following order:

• First: Applicants with a skilled spouse or de facto partner.
• Second: Applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who demonstrates Competent English but who does not have the skills to obtain skilled partner points.
• Third: Applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who is ineligible for either competent English or Skilled partner points.

How does the 491 visa leads to permanent residency?

The 491 is a five-year visa. You can access permanent residence through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa when the following is met:

• You have lived, worked or studied in the designated regional area for at least three years, whilst holding a 491 visa, and
• You can show earnings of at least $53,900 annually for three years. If you have a partner included in your 491 application, only one of you needs to show the three years of annual salary (through tax returns) at or above $53,900. Your partner can be the main applicant for the 191 visa if they can demonstrate meeting this requirement.

Transition arrangements: Key dates

Overall these changes in the subclass 491 visa offer increased opportunities for skilled migrants in regional Australia. The new visa is going to make it more attractive to migrate to regional Australia, especially for those who want to live in Regional Western Australia and Queensland.