Australia has introduced a new 5-year visa aimed at attracting skilled and talented workers for the growth and development of the country’s regional areas.
The newly announced pathway gives 42000 new visas every year to applicants who aren’t hesitant to live, study, and work in Australia’s regional areas for a short period. A total of 500 occupations are eligible for this visa, and applicants can receive 15 extra points for their points test.
Plus, a subclass 491 visa offers priority processing, making it even more attractive.
What Is The 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional subclass 491 visa was recently launched. It is said to be the most convenient immigration option for eligible applicants.
491 visa holders are permitted to live and work in regional areas of Australia with less population. Don’t forget that the Australian government has marked such areas as future growth zones for the next 5 years.
In case you are wondering, most of the areas fall under regional Australia with the exception of metropolitan cities like Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
A Pathway To Australian Permanent Residency
This visa may limit the holder to living and working in regional Australia for 5 years, but there’s a catch. 491 visa holders can use the 191 visa to apply for permanent residency and live anywhere in Australia after spending only three years working in a regional area on an annual salary of AUD$53900. Obtaining permanent residency gives visa holders access to state-funded education, Medicare, and various social benefits.
A 491 visa permits the primary applicant and their immediate family members to live, study, and seek employment in a designated regional area for 5 years. However, they can apply for Australian permanent residency using the 191 visa after completing three years in Regional Australia.
How To Qualify For The 491 Visa For Australian Immigration?
Interested applicants need a state nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency to qualify for the 491 visa. Plus, applicants must confirm their profession is mentioned on the state’s skilled occupations list to be eligible for state sponsorship. Those looking to get family sponsorship must ensure that their family member has permanently lived in a regional area for 2 years. Moreover, your occupation should be on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List or MLTSSL.
We advise you to get in touch with an immigration consultant to find out the process for the 491 visa if you want to migrate to Australia successfully.
We hope you found this information helpful. Follow our blogs for the latest updates and informative content on Australian immigration.
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