491 state requirements

The Subclass 491 visa is a skilled regional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. Here's an overview of the state requirements for the Subclass 491 visa:

  1. Eligible Occupation: Applicants must nominate an occupation that is on either the relevant state or territory's skilled occupation list or the Combined Occupation List for Regional Australia. Each state and territory maintains its own list of occupations in demand, and these lists may differ from the national skilled occupation list.
  2. Skills Assessment: Applicants must have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation. The skills assessment ensures that the applicant's qualifications and work experience meet the requirements for the nominated occupation.
  3. State Nomination: To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government in Australia. Each state and territory has its own criteria for nominating applicants, which may include factors such as occupation demand, work experience, and ties to the region.
  4. Commitment to Live and Work: Applicants must demonstrate their genuine intention to live, work, and study in the designated regional area for which they are nominated. This may include providing evidence of employment or job opportunities in the region.
  5. Expression of Interest (EOI): Before applying for the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government's SkillSelect system. State and territory governments can then view and potentially nominate applicants from the EOI pool.
  6. Health and Character Requirements: All applicants and any accompanying family members must meet Australia's health and character requirements. This typically involves undergoing health examinations and providing police clearance certificates.
  7. Minimum Points Requirement: Applicants must score a minimum number of points on the GSM points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, qualifications, and other factors.
  8. Regional Residence Requirement: Once granted the Subclass 491 visa, holders must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia. They must also provide evidence of having lived in a designated regional area for at least three years to be eligible for permanent residency.

It's essential to check the specific requirements and processes for the Subclass 491 visa with the state or territory government you intend to be nominated by, as requirements can vary between regions. Additionally, immigration policies and requirements are subject to change, so applicants should regularly check the official website of the relevant state or territory government and the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information.