Regional areas are undoubtedly hardest hit by skills shortages. Increasing the number of Australian permanent visas (Visa 189 and Visa 190) but failing to offer appealing incentives for regional-specific visas, means migrants are likely continue to seek employment opportunities in the more populated capital cities.
In the midst of this debate on regional settlement, subclass 491 visa has gained considerable success in the recent past. It allows the successful applicants to;
- stay in Australia for 5 years
- live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
- apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted
Nomination or Sponsorship
You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative.
Score 65 points
You must score 65 points in order to receive an invitation to apply for this visa. Calculate your points
Age
You must be aged under 45 to be invited to apply for the visa, meaning, you can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation.
If you turn 45 after submitting your EOI and you haven’t received an invitation, you will not one.
Skill Assessment
You must have a positive Skill Assessment, in your nominated occupation, from the relevant assessing authority unless you are exempt.
Some applicants may be exempt if you are a medical or legal practitioner*.
English
You must have at least Competent English to apply for this visa.
Health & Character
You must meet the health and character requirements (Unless you are exempt
Here are the post codes for regional areas. Any post code falling outside the list falls under metropolitan areas and do not qualify under subclass 491 visa.