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494 Visa and 491 Visa For Perth
Breaking News!!
More great news for visa applicants in Perth. (and the Gold Coast). Perth has been designated as a Regional area for the new skilled visa changes coming on the 16th November 2019. This may mean Perth can be used for the new 491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional) and new Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa. It should also mean that those who study in Perth can obtain an extra 5 points for studying in Perth. In addition, it could be that those applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa 485 may now be eligible for a 3 year visa, instead of 2. Confirmation will follow in due course. More of a reason to come to Perth!!!
Below is a brief summary of the 491 visa and 494 visa:
491 VISA (SKILLED WORK REGIONAL VISA) – PROVISIONAL
Summary
For people who are nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia. (Perth is now regional). Closes the Subclass 489 (Skilled – Regional (Provisional)) visa (Subclass 489) to primary applicants.
When does it start?
The 491 visa commences on 16 November 2019.
How long is the visa duration?
The new Skilled Work Regional subclass 491 visa will enable eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years.
When can I apply for permanent residency?
Visa holders who are eligible will be able to apply for a Permanent Residence visa after three years.
What is the process to apply for the 491 visa?
Applicants for this visa must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area and be invited to apply for the visa, following submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. 491 visa is a skilled visa (points tested).
Is there a limit on visa places?
Yes the subclass 491 visa has 14,000 places allocated per year, which requires either state government nomination or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.
What is the age limit for the 491 visa?
The age limit for the 491 visa is 45 years of age.
Will I require a skill assessment for the 491 visa?
Yes most likely a full skill assessment will be required in your chosen occupation. Note you cannot use your Graduate Visa 485 skill assessment.
What points will I need to get an invite?
Good question!! We will only know the details on the required points after we get the data on the invitations issued under the new 491 visa. Currently, 65 points is the minimum. However, in reality much higher points are required for an invite. (eg 80/85).
Are there any changes to the Points test for the 491 visa?
Yes there are significant changes being made to the points test for all skilled visas. (189 visa, 190 visa, 491 visa).
The main changes are:
- 15 points for nomination by a State or Territory government agency or sponsorship by a family member residing in regional Australia, to live and work in regional Australia
- 10 points for a skilled spouse or de facto partner
- 10 points for certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) qualifications;
- 5 points for a spouse or de facto partner with ‘competent English
- 10 points for applicants without a spouse or de facto partner (ie single people)
Can I apply for permanent residency after 3 years?
Possibly!! However, it will most importantly depend on the income you have earned. Ouch!! PR does not come easy these days... This will require a primary applicant to submit evidence of their minimum taxable income for least 3 income years. Regional provisional visas are valid for five years and the income requirement should be met for three out of those five years. How much do you need to earn? Well, most likely over $53,900.
Are there any restrictions on the 491 visa?
Yes, holders of the new regional provisional visas will be subject to visa condition 8579, requiring the visa holder to live, work and study in regional Australia. You can go on holiday to Sydney so do not worry about that!! If a visa holder chooses not to reside in regional Australia, this may result in cancellation of their visa. Ouch!!
How much is the 491 visa?
The 491 visa cost is currently $4,045 for the main applicant, $2,025 for an applicant who is at least 18 and $1,010 for an applicant who is less than 18.
494 SKILLED EMPLOYER SPONSORED REGIONAL VISA
Summary
A new and enhanced employer-sponsored visa to assist regional Australia, with two streams: Employer Sponsored and Labour Agreement. Note Perth is classed as regional. Closes the Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa, except for certain transitional applicants. Subclass 187 is superseded by Subclass 494.
When does the 494 visa start?
The 494 visa commences on 16 November 2019.
How long is the visa duration?
The new Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494 visa will enable eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. For an applicant who satisfies the primary criteria, it is a temporary visa permitting the holder to travel to, enter and remain in Australia for 5 years from the date of grant.
When can I apply for permanent residency?
Visa holders who are eligible will be able to apply for a Permanent Residence visa after three years as with the 491 visa.
What is the process to apply for the 494 visa?
The first step would be to find an employer willing to offer you a job and sponsorship. Get those CVs out there!!
Step 1 - Sponsorship
Step 2 - Nomination Application (plus approval by the Regional Certifying Body (RCB))
Step 3 - Visa Application
We can speak to your employer for your on your behalf to check their eligibility.
Please email me at [email protected], we would be happy to help if you have any questions.
Is there a limit on visa places?
Yes, the subclass 494 visa has 9,000 places allocated per year.
What is the age limit for the 494 visa?
The age limit for the 494 visa is 45 years of age.
Will I require a skill assessment for the 494 visa?
Yes most likely a full skill assessment will be required in your chosen occupation. Note you cannot use your Graduate Visa 485 skill assessment.
Do I need work experience to apply for the 494 visa?
Yes, you must have at least three years of full time and relevant skilled work experience. For those on the Graduate Visa 485, it is super important to find employment as soon as possible to build up the 3 years experience.
What english level do I need for the 494 visa?
You will need 'Competent English' level to meet the requirements. See below:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) At least 6 for each of the 4 components
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) At least 50 for each of the 4 components
- Occupational English Test (OET) At least B for each of the 4 components
- Cambridge C1 Advanced test At least 169 in each of the 4 components
Can I apply for permanent residency after 3 years?
Same as with the 491 visa above. It will most importantly depend on the income you have earned. This will require a primary applicant to submit evidence of their minimum taxable income for least 3 income years. Regional provisional visas are valid for five years and the income requirement should be met for three out of those five years. How much do you need to earn? Well, most likely over $53,900, same as with the 491 visa. In addition, you should have worked in the designated regional area for at least three years, whilst holding a 494 visa.
How do I apply for permanent residency from the 494 visa?
Permanent residence is applied for through a new visa called the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa. You can apply when the following is met:
1. You have worked in the designated regional area for at least three years, whilst holding a 494 visa
2. You can show earnings of at least $53,900 annually for three years. Note if your partner has earned the $53,900 then they can apply for the 191, so only one of you needs to show the 3 years of annual salary. Please note also that you do NOT need to be nominated by an employer to make an application for the 191 visa. This is a major difference to the RSMS 187 visa.
What are the employer requirements for the 494 visa?
In summary:
- Your employer must be located in a designated regional area of Australia. (excludes employers in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne). The regions of Newcastle, Wollongong and the NSW Central Coast will become designated regional areas
- Your position is on the relevant occupation list
- Your employer will need approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in your area
- The position must be full-time, genuine and likely to be available for five years
- You must be paid at the market salary rate
See Visa Makers for all the requirements.
Are there any restrictions on the 494 visa?
Yes, holders of the new regional provisional visas will be subject to visa condition 8579, requiring the visa holder to live, work and study in regional Australia. You can go on holiday to Sydney so do not worry about that!! If a visa holder chooses not to reside in regional Australia, this may result in cancellation of their visa. Ouch!!
How much is the 494 visa?
The 494 visa cost is $4,045 for the main applicant, $2,025 for an applicant who is at least 18 and $1,010 for an applicant who is less than 18.
What if I want to leave my employer on a 494 visa?
Should a 494 visa holder cease their employment, they are provided with a grace period of 90 days to find another employer sponsor and be nominated.
Thank you for reading to the end. I hope it helps you on your migration journey.
If you have any questions on the new 491 or 494 visa please email me directly and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Andrew McAuley (MARN: 1278335)
Email Andrew McAuley with your visa question now or complete the contact form below:
[email protected]
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