How to Apply for Subclass 491 Visa Australia From Pakistan?
491 Visa Australia
Australia is emerging as a leading country for international migrants who are looking for a luxury lifestyle and amazing opportunities at workspaces.
Therefore, A Subclass 491 Visa Australia is a tremendous opportunity for skilled workers to work in Australia for 5 years to showcase their talent.
What is A Subclass 491 Visa Australia?
Pakistan’s highly skilled workforce and their families can live and work in selected regional areas of Australia by obtaining a Subclass 491 visa Australia which is the point-based system. This visa presents an ideal opportunity for the people of Pakistan to integrate into lively local communities while contributing towards the development of those regions. Furthermore, holders of this particular type of Australian visas may be eligible for various state benefits such as healthcare facilities among others.
Who Can Apply for 491 Visa Australia from Pakistan
Replacement of 489 with 491 Visa
An alternative to the Subclass 489 Visa, the Subclass 491 Visa Australia has been created. This change was made with the intention of simplifying and enhancing Australia’s Regional Migration Program. The 491 Visa Australia allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas just like the 489 Visa but it has additional visa conditions and requirements.
Ranking Systems for Invitation to Apply for a Subclass 491 Visa
Subclass 491 Visa makes use of a points-based ranking order to measure skill migration eligibility. Those applying acquire points contingent on among other things age, proficiency in the English language, education qualifications, skilled job undertaken as well as other relevant criteria. It is a candidate with the highest score that the system gives priority indicating that they have more potential economically speaking in Australia.
Effect on Current 489 Visa to 887 Visa Pathway
People who have the Subclass 489 Visa and want to change it to the Subclass 491 Visa Australia can still get their permanent residency with ease. But those who are planning to move further by applying for the Subclass 887 Visa should know that the conditions required are almost the same as before. These few changes will help them carry on without any hitches during this process.
Nomination by an Australian State or Territory Government Agency
Anyone wishing to apply for a Subclass 491 Visa needs to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency. These bodies are actively looking for people who have the skills they need for their particular economy and workforce. Some states that can nominate for Subclass 491 Visas are:
- New South Wales
- Victoria, Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
Subclass 491 Visa Australia Benefits from Pakistan
Here are some of the key benefits of a 491 Australia Visa:
Discover Regional Opportunities
This Visa enables skilled workers and their families to live and work in designated areas of Australia.
Permanent Residence Visa
One of the top benefits of a 491 Visa is a chance to achieve permanent residency status in Australia. The validity of this visa is 5 years, however after working in regional areas for at least 3 years, one becomes eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident 190 Visa.
Welfare Programs
The subclass 491 Visa grants access to health and welfare programs that provide support during challenging times. One can enjoy the same rights as Australian citizens upon permanent residency.
Healthcare and Education
With a 491 Visa Australia, one will have access to Australia’s world-class health and education system with some Government-subsidized services.
Eligibility Criteria For 491 Visa Australia From Pakistan
You must meet the following 491 visa Australia requirements.
Age | You must be under 45 years on age upon receiving an invitation to apply. |
Nomination or Sponsorship | You can receive an invitation either from a sponsor living in Australia already or a nominated by the Government. |
Health | You need to undergo medical examinations to meet the health requirements. |
Character Proof | You must provide proof of no criminal record from your country’s police. |
English Proficiency | The English Language is crucial. Depending on the job type, you might undergo a language like IELTS to showcase your proficiency in English. |
Skill assessment | You must comply with the skill evaluated by the Australian assessing authority. |
Expression of Interest | You must submit an Expression of Interest through the SkillSelect System, which involves assessment and ranking based on your points. |
491 Visa Australia Documents Requirements for Pakistanis
The documents for 491 Visa are classified in the following categories:
Major Documents:
- Passport
- Marriage Certificate
- Police Clearance Certificate
- English Language Test
For Applicants with age 18-25:
- Passport
- Financial Dependency Proof
- Birth Certificate
- Adoption Papers (For Specific Cases)
If you are applying through a relative, then your sponsor needs to provide following requirements:
- Age Proof (above 18 years or above)
- Declaration of your sponsor
- Proof of sponsor being your relative
- Permanent Residency Proof
Can Students Apply for Subclass 491 Visa Australia?
Yes, a student dependent can apply for a 491 visa while staying in Australia, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the visa. The 491 visa, also known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, is designed to encourage skilled workers and their families to live and work in regional areas of Australia
Subclass 491 Visa Points Requirements
A Subclass 491 Visa operates on a point-based system with a requirement of 65 points on the table for the approval. The overview of these points is:
| Age | Points |
| at least 18 but less than 25 years | 25 |
| at least 25 but less than 33 years | 30 |
| at least 33 but less than 40 years | 25 |
| at least 40 but less than 45 years | 15 |
English Skills
| English Test | Points |
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Overseas skilled employment – (outside Australia)
| Number of years | Points |
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 |
| At least 8 years | 15 |
Australian skilled employment – (in Australia)
| Number of years | Points |
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| At least 1 but less than 3 years | 5 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 10 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 15 |
| At least 8 years | 20 |
Partner skills
| Requirement | Points |
Your spouse or de facto partner must also be an applicant for this visa and meet age, English and skill criteria For you to be eligible for the award of these points your partner must be an applicant for the same visa subclass and must not be an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen. Additionally, you will need to provide evidence that when you were invited to apply for this visa they:
| 10 |
Total Cost of 491 Subclass Visa Australia
| Visa Subclass | Base Application Charge | Additional Applicant Charge 18 And Over | Additional Applicant Charge Under 18 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) | AUD4,640.0 | AUD2,320.0 | AUD1,160.0 |
491 Visa Australia Processing Time From Pakistan
There is no specific time for Visa processing. However, usually it takes 6 to 12 months to get the status of your application.
how to apply for 491 visa australia step by step
The application process for a 491 Australia Visa comprises several steps, which include:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the age, skills, and English language proficiency requirements for the Subclass 491 Visa.
- Obtain Skills Assessment: Get your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge an EOI through the SkillSelect system, providing details about your skills, qualifications, and experience.
- Await Invitation: Wait for an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 Visa, which is issued based on your points score and other eligibility criteria.
- Lodge Visa Application: Once invited, submit a complete visa application along with all required documents and pay the applicable fees.
- Health and Character Checks: Undergo medical examinations and provide evidence of good character as part of the visa application process.
After You Apply:
- Application Assessment: Your visa application will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Application Outcome: Await a decision on your visa application. You may be required to provide additional information or attend interviews if necessary.
- Visa Grant: Upon approval, you will receive a notification of visa grant, outlining the visa conditions, validity period, and other relevant details.
- Travel to Australia: Once your visa is granted, you can make arrangements to travel to Australia within the specified timeframe.
- Start Your Regional Journey: Begin your new life in Australia’s regional areas, exploring opportunities for work, study, and community engagement.
What Are the Main Regional Areas for 491 Visa Australia?
Regional areas include Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Lake Macquarie, Illawarra, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra.
Subclass 491 Visa Skilled Occupation List
- Accommodation and Hospitality Managers
- Accountant (General)
- Actuary
- Acupuncturist
- Advertising Manager
- Advertising Specialist
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Aeroplane Pilot
- Agricultural Consultant
- Agricultural Engineer
- Agricultural Scientist
- Agricultural Technician
- Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
- Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)
- Ambulance Officer
- Amusement Centre Manager
- Anaesthetic Technician
- Anaesthetist
- Analyst Programmer
- Animal Attendants and Trainers
- Apiarist
- Aquaculture Farmer
- Arborist
Check the complete list here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can You Stay With a 491 Visa in Australia?
You can stay in Australia for 5 years. However, you can apply for Permanent Residency after working in regional areas for 3 years.
Who Can Apply for a Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa in Australia?
Applicants who receive a nomination letter from an Australian territory or a sponsor already living in Australia can apply for Subclass 491 Vias.
How to Convert Your Subclass 491 Visa Into a PR Visa Subclass 191?
You can convert your subclass 491 into a PR 191 visa only if:
- Have been working in regional Australia for at least three years.
- Have a full-time work experience of a minimum of one year in Australia.
- Meet the requirements of character and health by the Australian Government.
- Are earning AUD 53900 or more per annum for three consecutive years
How to Get PR After a 491 Visa?
You can get a Permanent Resident Visa after working in South Australia for at least 3 years with Subclass 491, provided you comply with the requirements.
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