491 Visa: Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

What parts of Australia are “designated regional areas”?

Most locations of Australia outside major cities (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) are classed as designated regional areas for migration purposes.

How will points be allocated for the 491 visa? 

• 15 points for nomination by a family member or a regional part of a state or territory
• 10 points for Masters or PhD level Australian qualification in specific areas (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – STEM). This change is driven by the importance of STEM skills to Australia’s ongoing innovation and economic success.
• 10 partner points, if one of the following apply:
  You have a skilled partner. This means that your partner is under 45 years of age, obtains a positive skill assessment in a job on the same shortage list as you and has Competent English; or
  b. You are single; or
  c. You have a partner who is an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen
• 5 points if your partner who can demonstrate Competent English. The partner can be over 45 years of age and does not need to work in a skilled occupation

Points will still apply based on your age, qualification, years of overseas and/or Australian skilled work experience, Australian study and English skills.

The revised point system will apply to all skilled migration visas.

Why are partner points changing?

The Productivity Commission found that secondary applicants (partners of skilled migrants) should also be assessed, given their contribution to the Australian community, workforce and economy. The current point system does not allocate appropriate weight to the skill of a partner.

When will I be invited to apply for a 491 visa?

The Expression of Interest (EOI) with the highest points score will receive an invitation to apply for the visa before EOIs with lower points scores. In cases where EOIs have equal points scores, the Department will determine the priority based on the date and time the EOI achieved its score for that subclass. This is referred to as a ‘tie break’ or ‘date of effect’. The EOI with the earlier date of effect will be invited first, followed by EOIs with later dates of effect.

Can 491 visa holders lodge other visas? 

491 visa holders cannot lodge certain visas until they have held a 491 visa (and met its conditions) for three years. This includes skilled PR visas (189 visa and 190 visa), business visas (124 visa, 132 visa and 188 visa), employer nominated PR 186 visa and the onshore partner visa (820 visa).

This requirement to reside and work in a designated regional area is underpinned by the need to support economic development and population growth in regional areas.