Skilled Work Regional Visa

Skilled Work Regional Visa

About Skilled Work Regional Visa

The Skilled Work Regional (491) visa is a program designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas of South Australia. This visa offers opportunities for individuals with the skills and qualifications needed to contribute to the economic growth and development of these regions. With the 491 visa, successful applicants can live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years. This visa pathway not only provides a chance for skilled individuals to pursue their careers in South Australia but also offers a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191). It is an excellent opportunity for those seeking a rewarding and fulfilling life in regional South Australia.

To be eligible applicants must

To apply for this skilled migration visa, you must:  

• be under the age of 45  
• have a valid skills assessment  
• have an eligible skilled occupation  
• have at least 65 points – you can check your points on the Department of Home Affairs points calculator  
• have at least Competent English 

Please note this is a general summary only – check the Department of Home Affairs Subclass 491 visa webpage for the latest information. 

For South Australian state nomination for this visa, you must: 

• meet the Department of Home Affairs visa requirement 
• meet state-specific occupation requirements and have skills in an occupation on our State Skilled Occupation List 
• be eligible for state nomination under one of South Australia’s nomination streams 

Benefits of the Skilled Work Regional Visa

1. Regional Work Opportunities: The visa provides access to a wide range of employment opportunities in designated regional areas of South Australia. These regions often have specific skill shortages, creating more job prospects for skilled individuals.
2. Extended Stay: Holders of the 491 visa can live and work in South Australia for up to five years. This extended stay allows individuals and their families to settle down, establish roots, and contribute to the local community.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: The 491 visa serves as a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191). After meeting certain requirements, visa holders can apply for permanent residency, granting them long-term stability in Australia.
4. Access to Public Services: Visa holders and their families can access various public services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare benefits, ensuring their well-being and quality of life in South Australia.
5. Sponsor Family Members: The 491 visa allows individuals to sponsor eligible family members for temporary or permanent visas, promoting family reunification.
6. Opportunity for Regional Growth: By encouraging skilled migration to regional areas, the visa program supports the economic growth and development of these regions. Skilled workers bring their expertise, contribute to local industries, and stimulate regional economies.
7. Points towards Permanent Residency: Holding a 491 visa grants individuals additional points under the General Skilled Migration points test, enhancing their chances of obtaining permanent residency in the future.

Expenses for getting a Skilled Work Regional Visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 is associated with a cost, including AUD$4,045 for the main applicant, and a separate charge for each family member who applies with the main applicant. The overall cost depends on English language competence, along with costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. 

The Visa Pricing Estimator is available through the Home Affairs website, although second installment charges and other costs are not included. An extra payment may be required for all applicants aged 18 years or older who have less than functional English. This charge is known as the second installment, and will cost AUD$4,890.