Australia’s two most popular visa categories – Subclass 189 and 190 – receive an overwhelming amount of interest from foreign workers, since these are direct pathways to permanent residence. However, these are highly selective pathways that only select the most highly qualified workers. In this case, the Australia491 i.e. the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, offers a perfect alternative for those who are willing to be more patient for permanent residence.
Candidates under all
three visas are assigned points based on various eligibility criteria including
age, work experience, education, English skills, adaptability, single status or
accompanying partner’s skills, and nomination or sponsorship (if applicable).
While 65 points are enough to qualify, the number of points required to receive
an invitation is higher.
The 491 visa is suitable for low-scoring
candidates, as they can instantly gain 15
additional points for being nominated by an Australian state or territory,
or sponsored by an eligible relative. States and territories nominate
candidates who have submitted an Expression of Interest for the visa, and can
meet local labor market requirements in designated regional areas. Those who
meet the point cut-off, which changes with each invitation round, are invited
to apply for the visa.
If the visa
application is approved, the applicant (and accompanying family members, if
any) can live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up
to five years. After three years of living and working in the regional area,
the visa holder can apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191
visa. So, while the Subclass 491 visa initially allows for temporary residence,
it eventually opens the door to permanently Migrate to Australia.
This is a very viable
option for people who have a low point score, or whose occupations are not
in-demand across Australia or in specific states and territories. If you cannot
qualify for the 189 or 190 visas, you must explore the possibility of attaining
permanent residence through the Australia 491 Visa. It is important to understand the detailed
requirements for nomination or sponsorship, and prepare a strong application
for the state authorities as well as the federal immigration department. For
guidance and support at every step of this process, trust India’s most
legitimate and reliable immigration consultants – at Visa Experts.
