The criteria to be eligible for State and Regional Sponsor Visa must be from a stream of study, work, or family. Moreover, If you meet the State/Regional specific criteria, you must have 65 points to apply for the State/Regional Migration.
To begin with, Australia’s State and Regional Sponsored Visa, also known as the subclass 491 visa, is a popular option for skilled workers who migrate to Australia. The visa is designed to encourage skilled workers to live and work in Australia’s regional and low-population growth areas.
Many migrants and ex-pats in Australia have chosen state and regional migration as one of their top migration options. Over the last few years, the number of invites and permanent residency granted under the State and Regional Migration Stream has skyrocketed.
This blog post will discuss the requirements, benefits, and process for obtaining a State and Regional Sponsored Visa in Australia.
State and Regional Sponsor Visa (Subclass 491)
With this visa, you can study and work in a designated region of Australia for five years. You can also travel in and out of Australia and bring family members. If eligible, you can also apply for permanent residence (subclass 191).
You must be under 45 years of age to apply for this visa. And have competent English skills (for example, at least a 6.0 IELTS or 50 PTE score).
Likewise, you also must have a job listed on the Skilled occupation list. With the Australian Government, you should not have any debt and not have a visa canceled, or an application refused before.
Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Worked Regional Visa
To be eligible for a regional sponsorship visa Australia, an applicant must have a relevant occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and a suitable skills assessment.
Additionally, the applicant must have at least two years of work experience in their chosen occupation and meet the English language requirements.
Benefits of the 491 Visa
One of the main benefits of the 491 visa is that it allows skilled workers to live and work in regional and low-population growth areas of Australia. This can be especially appealing for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle.
Additionally, the 491 visa has a shorter waiting period than other skilled migration visas and allows holders to bring their families to Australia.
State and Regional Sponsorship
To apply for a visa 491, an applicant must have a valid sponsorship from a state or territory government or an eligible family member who lives in a designated regional area in Australia.
The sponsor must provide a letter of support and demonstrate that the applicant’s skills and qualifications will benefit the regional area.
The Process
The process for obtaining a 491 visa involves several steps. First, the applicant must submit an expression of interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. The applicant will be invited to apply for the visa if the EOI is successful.
Next, the applicant must submit a complete visa application, including all required documentation, and pay the visa application fee. The Department of Home Affairs will then conduct a thorough review of the application and may request additional information or an interview.
Criteria your sponsor must fulfill
To fulfill the criteria of being a sponsor, they must be at least 18 years old and usually an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident in a designated area of Australia.
An eligible relative can be,
- a parent
- a child or step-child
- a brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother, or step-sister
- an aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt, or step-uncle
- a nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew, or step-niece
- a grandparent or a first cousin
Furthermore, we strongly recommend that if you plan to file for the PR (Permanent Residency), you need to try and get as many points as possible. For example, you can take the Professional Year Program, CCL tests, or other similar programs.
🎓Learn more: Skilled Independent Visa
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Conclusion
The State and Regional Sponsored Visa, or 491 visa, is an excellent option for skilled workers looking to migrate to Australia. It allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia’s regional and low-population growth areas.
Moreover, It offers several benefits, such as a shorter waiting period and the ability to bring the family along.
However, obtaining a 491 visa requires a valid sponsorship from a state or territory government or an eligible family member who lives in a designated regional area. The process involves several steps, including submitting an expression of interest and a complete visa application and paying the visa application fee.
FAQ
Q: What is a State or Regional Sponsored Visa in Australia?
State or Regional Sponsored Visa is a type of visa that allows individuals with specific skills or qualifications to live and work in a designated regional or low-population growth area of Australia. These visas are sponsored by an Australian state or territory government or an eligible family member living in a designated area.
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for a State or Regional Sponsored Visa in Australia?
To be eligible for a State or Regional Sponsored Visa, applicants must have an occupation that is on the relevant state or territory’s occupation list, meet the English language requirements, and have skills and qualifications that match the nominated occupation. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they can settle in the designated regional or low-population growth area.
Q: How long is a State or Regional Sponsored Visa valid?
State or Regional Sponsored Visa is generally valid for up to four years. After the visa expires, the holder may be eligible for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) if they meet the criteria.
Q: What are the benefits of living and working in Australia’s regional or low-population growth area?
Living and working in a regional or low-population growth area of Australia can offer many benefits, including a lower cost of living, a relaxed lifestyle, and the opportunity to be part of a tight-knit community. Additionally, regional or low-population growth areas often have a high demand for skilled workers, making it easier for visa holders to find employment.
