Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – State Nomination Requirements | Visa Aid Australia
Overview of Subclass 491 State Nomination
The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia.
This visa allows you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas and provides a pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191.
State Nomination Allocation – Subclass 491 (2023–2024)
The following nomination levels have been assigned for 2023–24 (in relation to the prior financial year) after consultation with States and Territories:
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STATE
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SKILLED NOMINATED (SUBCLASS 190) VISA
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SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (SUBCLASS 491) VISA
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BUSINESS INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT PROGRAM (BIIP)*
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Victoria accepts onshore and offshore applicants for Subclass 491 based on occupation demand and state priorities.
ACT State Nomination – Subclass 491:
The following invitation round will occur before July 14, 2023.
The Australian government has instructed ACT to propose candidates who can aid in the post-COVID economic recovery. The following requirements must be satisfied before you submit an application for the nomination.
- lived in Canberra for a minimum of three months.
- the first of the following
- The ACT Critical Skills List includes the nominated occupation (as of July 2022), OR
an employer in the ACT who is the major sponsor of a subclass 457/482 visa: - You’ve spent at least three months working for the sponsor in Canberra.
- At the time of the nomination application, the visa must be valid for at least 12 months.
- Must have been employed for at least three months by an ACT employer in Canberra (paid employment, and for
Western Australia – Subclass 491 Nomination Updates.
Western Australia regularly updates its Subclass 491 nomination program based on labour market needs and migration priorities.
- newly added professions on the qualifying lists
- the $200 application fee is not charged
- reducing the duration of the work contract from 12 to 6 months
- lowering criteria for applicants to show they have enough money
- eliminating further English language requirements for management and professional positions, and
- lowering the need for work experience for the 2022–2023 program year to 6 months
491 Visa Nomination Streams
- The occupation must be in the occupational list for the General Stream.
- must be an Australian resident;
- Obtain linguistic proficiency. This criterion is dependent on the occupational group.
- Proficient – IELTS 7 for ANZSCO Groups 1 and 2.
- All additional professions that qualify: Competent, IELTS score of 6.
- must have at least three years of Australian work experience, or at least one year of experience in the nominated (or substantially comparable) occupation, during the previous ten years.
- experience working abroad in the profession nominated (or a closely comparable one)
- throughout the last ten years.
- You must be in possession of a legitimate full-time work offer in Western Australia.
- chosen profession for at least…
Graduate Stream – Eligibility Requirements
- The occupation must be in the list of occupations for the Graduate Stream.
- must be an Australian resident;
- Obtain linguistic proficiency. This criterion is dependent on the occupational group.
- Proficient – IELTS 7 for ANZSCO Groups 1 and 2.
- All additional professions that qualify: Competent, IELTS score of 6.
- study in Western Australia for at least two years.
- In Western Australia, you must have a six-month contract of employment in your chosen (or closely comparable) occupation or at least six months of work experience in the selected occupation.
- If you don’t live in Western Australia, be sure you have enough money to settle.
Regional Western Australia only’ occupations
- Candidates who are nominating a regional vocation must show proof of a job offer or contract of employment in a place the Commonwealth has designated as a Regional Center or other Regional Area.
- Postal codes in the following regions: 6041 to 6044, 6084, 6207, 6213, 6215 to 6537, and 6560 to 6770
Northern Territory – Subclass 491 Requirements
The online application system now accepts onshore applications for Northern Territory nomination under the General Skilled Migration program. While the national border restrictions are in force, offshore applications are still not accepted.
New South Wales – Subclass 491 Requirements
Stream 1: I reside and work in regional New South Wales.
- possess a current skills evaluation for a job on the Stream 1 Combined Occupations List.
- .having spent the last 12 months or more residing in a NSW designated regional area; and
- having worked for at least the preceding twelve months in your specified occupation, or a job that is closely similar, in a designated regional area of NSW.
Stream 2: I recently finished my studies in Regional NSW
- possess a current skills evaluation for a profession listed on your specified region’s occupation list.
- have finished your studies or education at a supplier of education, where:
- The research was finished during the last 24 months.
- The educational institution is located in a NSW designated regional district.
- the research satisfies the Home Affairs-determined Australian study criteria; and
- The degree attained via this study was judged to be closely linked to
- by the appropriate assessment authority, your designated profession; and
- having completed your studies while residing in a recognized regional district of NSW
Stream 3: I am qualified for a position that is needed in regional NSW.
- possess a current skills evaluation for a profession listed on your specified region’s occupation list.
- be a resident of an Australian state or territory at the time.
- Stream 3 now allows offshore applicants to submit a ROI. The chance of receiving an invitation to apply is quite low. We highly advise all potential offshore applicants to look into all other possible migration options. Please schedule a meeting to go over your options and possible directions.