491 Visa is a provisional visa that allows its holders to live and work in regional Australia for 5 years. This provides opportunities for career growth and advancement as well as access to world-class education and healthcare. It also opens up a pathway for permanent residency after 3 years of living and working in the regional area.
The visa is a points-tested visa and applicants must score 65 points or more to be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs through SkillSelect. This is an extremely competitive visa and many of the requirements are quite complex including checking that your occupation is listed in the Skilled Occupation List, obtaining a positive skills assessment, meeting the IELTS requirement and ensuring you submit a well-structured application.
Demystifying the 491 Visa: Your Ultimate Guide to Regional Sponsored Migration
Having the right professional on your side to guide you through this process will increase your chances of successfully obtaining the visa. At VEM we provide guidance and support to our clients throughout the entire visa process from determining eligibility, securing sponsorship or State/Territory nomination and preparing a strong application that maximizes your chances of success.
NSW nomination under this visa is now managed centrally through the NSW Government through a single portal. However, NSW still has published nomination criteria that must be met and as a result, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure a NSW nomination. We have a team of migration experts who can help you navigate through the complex requirements and make sure your NSW nomination application is as strong as possible.