Important updates regarding the Subclass 491 Visa of Australia

The Subclass 491 (Skilled Workers Regional Provisional) Visa will come into effect from 16th November 2019. Preparations for the same are in full swing by the Immigration Dept. of Australia. 

The Subclass 491 Visa aims to invite qualified and skilled workers to the Regional Areas of Australia for a specified period. This Visa will replace the current Subclass 489 Visa of Australia. 

16,000 Visa places have been allocated for the Subclass 491 Visa by the Dept. of Home Affairs. There are  500 occupations which have access to this visa category. 

Just like other Skilled Migration programs in Australia, the Subclass 491 will also be a points-tested Visa program. Highest scoring candidates of in-demand occupations will be invited to submit an Australia Visa application. Initially, the Subclass 491 will be granted for 3 years. Visa holders who complete the mandatory stay of 3 years in the Regional Areas can then proceed to file for the Subclass 191 PR Visa. 

Subclass 491 Visa holders will be allowed to change regional areas. They will also be allowed to switch occupations. However, they will not be allowed to move to other states or territories in Australia. Also, 491 Visa holders are barred from applying to any other Skilled Migration Programs for the first three years. 

The visa application fee for the Subclass 491 Visa is $4,045 for the primary applicant. The fee for the spouse and children are $2,025 and $1,010 respectively, as per SBS News. 

Y-Axis offers a wide range of visa services and products for aspiring overseas immigrants including Australia General Skilled Migration Program via RMA, Australia Skilled Regional Visa, Australia Temporary Skilled Work Visa, and Australia Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485. We work with Registered Migration Agents in Australia. 

If you are looking to Visit, Study, Work, Invest or Migrate to Australia, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Consultant. 

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