Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be under 45 at the time of invitation |
| Skills Assessment | Required for an occupation on the skilled occupation list |
| English Proficiency | At least Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) |
| Points Test | Minimum of 65 points |
| Nomination/Sponsor | Required from a state/territory or eligible family member |
| Health & Character | Must meet standard requirements |
Family Sponsored Visa Requirements
| Sponsor’s Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship/Residency | Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen |
| Location | Must reside in a designated regional area |
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old |
| Relationship to You | Parent, child, sibling, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, grandparent, cousin (Step, adoptive, and de facto relations are included) |
491 Visa Conditions
- Regional Residency: You must live, work, and study only in a designated regional area.
- Address Updates: Keep your address and contact details up to date with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Visa Compliance: Follow all visa conditions and Australian laws.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
One of the key benefits of the 491 visa is its pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.
To be eligible for the 191 visa, you must:
- Have held a 491 visa for at least 3 years
- Have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area during that time
- Have complied with all 491 visa conditions
- Have provided the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Notices of Assessment for at least 3 income years while holding your 491 visa
Important: There is no specific minimum income threshold required. The focus is on proving your ongoing contribution through regular tax return lodgements.
By meeting these requirements, you can apply for the 191 visa, which grants permanent residency and the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
