Many people dream of going to Australia, but it can be a daunting task. With so many visa options available, it's hard to know which one is right for you. The 491 Visa is a provisional option for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. The best part is that it's also a great choice for those looking for permanent residency, as you can apply for it after only three years of being in the country.

What does the 491 Visa give you?

• Stay in Australia for five years with the 491 visa.
• Enjoy living, working, and studying in a designated regional area of Australia.
• Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want during the validity of the visa.
• Become eligible to apply for permanent residence after three years from the visa grant date.
• Access Medicare benefits while the visa is valid.

What are the 491 Visa requirements?

To be eligible for Visa 491, you must be nominated by a state or territory government agency or have sponsorship from an eligible relative. Additionally, your occupation should be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list (make sure to check the Australian Immigration website for any updates to this list), and you must have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation. Lastly, meeting the points test is also a requirement for qualification.

When you get your invitation to apply you can then apply online, and you can be inside or outside Australia. You then have 60 days from the date of your invitation to apply for the visa, so it’s always best to be as prepared as possible when going into it.

How much does the 491 Visa cost, and how long does it take?

The current Visa 491 cost ranges from $4,640.00, and the processing time varies as follows:

• 25% of applications are processed within 6 months.
•  50% of applications are processed within 10 months.
• 75% of applications are processed within 14 months.
• 90% of applications are processed within 18 months.

What about family?

A family member of someone with a 491 Visa can also be eligible to join them. This visa is designed for the family unit members of individuals holding a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The family member can stay in Australia for the duration of their own visa validity. With this visa, you can enjoy living, working, and studying in a specified regional area of Australia, as well as have the freedom to travel to and from Australia as many times as you wish while the visa remains valid. The cost for this visa starts at $4,640.00.

Getting your subclass 491 Visa might seem complicated, but if you follow the correct steps and make sure you have the right requirements for it, it won’t take long to obtain. Remember to always check the Australian immigration website for updates just in case anything changes. Good luck!

Meet the Experts on Allied Health Jobs Australia 

Imagine a service that helps you take care of the whole process of taking the plunge to live and work overseas. From deciding where to live, securing employment, and helping you to navigate the relevant migration approvals, at Allied Health Jobs Australia, these are the core of what we do best. 

Unlike agents who only help with the migration process, or recruiters who only take care of job placement, AHJA has consciously niched down into allied health as our area of expertise. Fundamentally, becoming an AHJA client doesn’t mean that the services stop once your visas are approved. For people who have made it to the migration application process, our 100% success rate means that we’re just as invested in your journey as you are.

As a qualified allied health care professional, you’re in demand - and Australia wants you. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what a future in the Land Down Under could look like for you, get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation chat to explore your options.