491 Visa Requirements & Family Sponsored Eligibility

If you are considering migration to Australia, it is important to know the elements of the 491 visa requirements, and particularly the eligibility aspects surrounding family sponsors if you are intending to make an application using the family-sponsored stream. At ImmigrationBuddy, our first priority is classifying complicated visas pathway into a simplified process, so you can make informed decisions about your future.

Let us cover the important points given below that will affect your eligibility for the 491 family-sponsored visa requirements.

What is the 491 Visa?

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa is a temporary visa that allows workers to live and work locally in Australia. It is a points-tested visa, which allows you to shift to permanent residence after fulfilling the requirements.

There are two streams:

• State or Territory nominated
• Family sponsored

This blog will focus on the Family Superened category as it is one of the application streams that people overlook, and it may be your go-to strategic advantage. 

The key 491 Visa Requirements

The basic requirements for 491 visa applicants are as follows:

• Age: Under 45 years of age. 
• Skills Assessment: Your nominated occupation must have a positive skills assessment from the required assessing authority. 
• Occupation List: Your occupation needs to be listed on the 491 skilled occupation list.
• English Proficiency: Suitable tests of English (IELTS 6 or equivalent).
• Points Test: minimum 65 points, and the higher score, will increase your chances of getting invited.
• Health and Character: You need to satisfy health and character. 

Tip: If you can have a sponsoring relative in a designated regional area, this will benefit you greatly, especially if you are having trouble getting a state nomination.

491 Family-Sponsored Visa Requirements:

Family sponsorship under the 491 visa is a very good pathway if you meet the following criteria:

Sponsor Eligibility:

Your sponsor must be:

• 18 years or older,
• Permanent resident and Citizen of Australia, or Eligible citizen through New Zealand.
• Living in a designated local regional area
• Your eligible family members like a parent, child, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent or grandchild, or first cousin.

No State Nomination Required:

Your application will not require a state or territory nomination, as it is replaced by a family sponsor.

One Sponsor Per Application:

Only one family member can be your sponsor, but they have to provide evidence that they live in a designated regional area and evidence of their relationship to you.

A Loyalty to a Local Lifestyle:

Both parties need to show that they are genuinely aiming to live and work locally in Australia.

Common Mistakes in the Application

• Sponsorship documentation is Incorrect: Even the smallest mistake in providing evidence of family relationships or residential address can result in the refusal or decline of your application.
• Assuming all occupations fit: Not all skilled occupations will qualify via the family-sponsored stream.
• Assuming points incorrectly: Do not count on the minimum (65 points). Most applicants approved are 80+.

Approval Success Suggestions

• Early audit your points: Use professional services to value your points and figure out where you need to improve your score.
• Evidence: Important evidence, like birth certificates, proof of address, and marriage documents is required 
• Use experts: A relocation expert (like ImmigrationBuddy) can help to identify gaps that you may not even consider.

FAQs

Q1: Can I include Family on my 491 visa when I apply? 
Ans. Yes, you may include your spouse/partner and dependent children. 

Q2: How long is the 491 visa? 
Ans. The visa lasts for 5 years. After 3 years of living regionally and having met the income threshold, you are eligible for permanent residency (subclass 191). 

Q3: Is it easier to get the 491 visa via family sponsorship or state nomination? 
Ans. It depends on your occupation, points, and sponsor. Family sponsorship could be quicker, but it can rely heavily on several checks for eligibility. 

Q4: Can my sponsor live in a major city like Sydney or Melbourne? 
Ans. No. The sponsor needs to live in an area designated as regional.

Q5: May I get extra points if I was family sponsored? 
Ans. Yes, 15 points more are given for eligible family sponsorship.