491 visa latest news
The 491 visa, also known as the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa, is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. Here are the latest news and updates on the 491 visa:
Latest News:
- Changes to the 491 visa nomination process: From November 2022, the Australian government has introduced changes to the 491 visa nomination process. Now, state and territory governments will have more flexibility to nominate candidates for the 491 visa, and the nomination process will be more streamlined.
- Increased nomination caps: The Australian government has increased the nomination caps for the 491 visa, allowing more skilled workers to be nominated for the visa. This is expected to benefit regional areas and help address labor shortages.
- New occupation lists: The Australian government has released new occupation lists for the 491 visa, which include additional occupations that are in demand in regional areas. The new lists are effective from November 2022.
- Extension of the 491 visa: The Australian government has extended the 491 visa program until June 2025, providing more time for skilled workers to live and work in regional areas.
Key Updates:
- Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for the 491 visa, applicants must have a positive skills assessment, meet the required points score, and have a nomination from a state or territory government.
- Points system: The 491 visa uses a points-based system to assess applicants. Points are awarded for factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and qualifications.
- Regional areas: The 491 visa is only available for work in regional areas of Australia, which are defined as areas outside of major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
- Pathway to permanent residency: The 491 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, with eligible applicants able to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) after 3 years.
Tips and Advice:
- Research regional areas: Before applying for the 491 visa, research regional areas to ensure they meet your career goals and lifestyle preferences.
- Meet the eligibility criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the 491 visa, including having a positive skills assessment and meeting the required points score.
- Prepare a strong application: Ensure your application is strong by providing detailed information about your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
- Seek professional advice: Consider seeking professional advice from a registered migration agent to ensure your application is complete and accurate.
I hope this information is helpful!