Applying for a 491 (Provisional) Visa

You may be able to apply for a 491 Visa if you meet the following requirements:

OCCUPATION & SKILLS
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.

You must perform a successful skill assessment through the authorised assessing authority to show that you have the skills and qualifications to work in your chosen occupation.

POINTS TEST & INVITATION
You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for this visa

You must score a minimum of 65 points to be invited to apply, however, invitations are often issued to applicants with more than 65 points.

The most recent invitation round outlines the point scores which attracted invitations. There are also some occupations which require more than 65 points to be considered.

You must meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.

Calculate your points

ENGLISH
You can provide evidence of at least competent English, however, additional points will be awarded for proficient and superior English scores

Improve your English score through an Online English Academy

AGE
You must be aged under 45 to be invited to apply for the visa, meaning, you can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation

HEALTH & CHARACTER
You must meet the health & character requirements

How long will it take to get a decision on your 491 visa?

Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491)– State/Territory Government Nominated Regional:
75% of visas are processed within 58 days
90% of visas are processed within 76 days

Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491)– Family Sponsored Regional:
75% of visas are processed within 57 days
90% of visas are processed within 71 days

Include your family

Applicants can include the following people in their 491 application:

-> Dependent children/stepchildren
-> Partner

PARTNERS
Your married or de facto partner can be the same or opposite sex. Applicants must prove:
• the relationship is genuine and continuing
• you live together, or do not live separately on a permanent basis.
• your partner is at least 18 years of age when the application is lodged (there are some exceptions)
• you are not related by family (if you are in a de facto relationship)
• you and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others

CHILDREN

To be eligible to be included or added to this visa, a child must:

• be your child or a stepchild from a current or a previous relationship (in certain circumstances);
• not be married, engaged to be married, or have a de facto partner; and must be:
• under 18 years of age
or
• over 18 years of age but not yet turned 23, and be dependent on you or your partner
or
• over 23 years of age and be unable to earn a living to support themselves due to physical or cognitive limitations and be dependent on you or your partner (Note: The child will still need to meet Australia’s health requirement)
or
• a dependent child of a child who is eligible under 1, 2 or 3 above.

HEALTH & CHARACTER

All family members must meet health and character requirements. All applicants over 16 must provide police clearances.

If you would like to apply for another employer-sponsored or skilled visa, you may be eligible to apply for one of the below visas:

• 482 TSS Visa
• 186 Visa (ENS)
• 189 Visa
• 190 Visa
• 494 Visa

If you would like to discuss your Australian visa eligibility with a registered migration agent, click here to book a consultation.