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Subclass 491 & Subclass 494

Subclass 491 & Subclass 494


Regional Areas for Subclass 491 and 494 Visas

  • Brisbane
  • Gold Coast
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Sydney

 

Broader Occupations Lists for 491 Visas and 494 Visas

Employers in regional Australia, as well as State and Territory governments, who sponsor regional skilled migrants has a broader range of occupations.

 

Advantages of 491 Visa

  • Subclass 491 visa applicants can claim more points in the Schedule 6D points test.
  • Priority processing.
  • Mandatory requirement that all applicants must live, work and study in a regional area for at least 3 years.
  • Strict obligation to report any change of circumstances to the Department within 14 days.
  • May be required to attend an interview or provide supporting evidence to demonstrate that the applicants are living and working in regional Australia.

 

Key Attributes of 491 Visa

  • Primary visa applicants must be under 45 years of age.
  • Primary visa applicants must have Competent English language skills.
  • Positive skills assessments are mandatory at the time of application.
  • 5-year visa duration.
  • 2 invitation pathways:
    • State / Territory nomination; and
    • Family sponsorship.
  • Stricter requirement on regional residence and employment – new conditions 8578, 8579, 8580 and 8581.

 

Key Attributes of 494 Visa

  • Operating within the Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) framework
  • 2 streams:
    • Employer-Sponsored; and
    • Labour Agreement.
  • Regional compliance conditions + 8608 (similar to 8607).
  • Labour Market Testing must be undertaken, irrespective of the International Trade Obligations exemptions.
  • Regional Certifying Body certification must be provided regarding the Australian Market Salary Rate.
  • Minimum 3 years of full-time experience in the nominated occupation or a related field at the same level of skill.
  • Meet health and character requirements (one fail – all fail).
  • SAF contribution must be paid in a sum of $3,000 for small business and $5,000 for a larger business.
  • Pro-rata SAF levy applies if the nomination relates to a change of the sponsoring employer.
  • Eligible for Medicare – health insurance not required.

 

Please speak to our solicitors for complete assessment.

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