Visa 491 is a 5-year temporary category for designated areas outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Visa 491 adds 15 points in the points test and is the most accessible category. This article explains it in detail.
Visa 491 là gì
Visa 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa) is a 5-year temporary visa for skilled workers who choose to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. The designated area covers all of Australia except the largest cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Visa 491 requires nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by a relative living in the designated area. It applies to professions on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL (Regional Occupation List). It adds 15 points in the points test – the highest amount.
Benefits and commitments
Visa 491 allows living, working and studying in the designated area for 5 years. It provides access to Medicare and public education for children (depending on the state). However, it does NOT grant the right to live in the largest cities except in some special cases.
The main commitment is to live and work in the designated area for at least 3 years with a minimum income in order to be eligible for the 191 visa (Permanent Residence Skilled Regional). Only after receiving the 191 does the migrant have full PR.
Why visa 491 is a good choice
Visa 491 adds 15 points – the highest among all categories. This helps many applicants with scores of 65-80 (not competitive enough for the 189) still have a chance to migrate to Australia via the regional path.
Designated areas include cities such as Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Gold Coast, Darwin, and all of Tasmania and the Northern Territory. These are places with fully developed infrastructure but recognized as areas needing to attract migrants. Regulations may change.
You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.
Summary
Visa 491 is a 5-year temporary visa for designated areas (all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), adding 15 points (the highest). Professions on MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL, requiring state nomination or sponsorship by a relative in the area. Commitment to live/work for 3 years with a minimum income before applying for 191 PR. Suitable for those with scores of 65-80. Areas include Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Gold Coast, and Darwin.
