Skilled Visa and Migration Guide

Skilled Visa and Migration Guide

Your Roadmap to Living and Working in Regional Australia

Have you ever thought about starting a new chapter in the beautiful regional areas of Australia? The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) opens doors to exciting opportunities for skilled individuals and their families. This visa is specially designed for those nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by eligible relatives. Whether you’re the main applicant or a subsequent entrant, this visa enables you to contribute to the growth and development of regional communities.

At Knowbal, we’re here to make your journey to regional Australia seamless and hassle-free. Ready to explore your opportunities?

Schedule a One-on-One Consultation with Us Now

Benefits of the Skilled Work Regional Visa

The 491 visa isn’t just about migration—it’s about embracing a better life.


Stay for Up to Five Years

You’ll have five years to live, work, and build your future in regional Australia. This gives you plenty of time to settle in, connect with your community, and make the most of your opportunities.


Experience Regional Living

Regional Australia has so much to offer, such as affordable housing, great career prospects, and a relaxed lifestyle. It’s the perfect environment for personal and professional growth.


Freedom to Travel

Need to visit family back home or travel for work? With the 491 visa, you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like while the visa is valid.


Pathway to Permanent Residency

After holding the 491 visa for three years and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) through the Subclass 191 Visa. This visa isn’t just a short-term solution; it’s an investment in your future.


Bring Your Family Along

Your family matters, and the 491 visa lets you include eligible family members. They, too, can live, work, and study in Australia, making it easier to build a new life together.

These benefits make the 491 visa a great choice for skilled individuals ready to take the next step. Want to know how this visa can change your life? Get in touch with us today!

Eligibility for the Skilled Work Regional Visa

Applying for the Skilled Work Regional Visa is straightforward if you meet the criteria.

Receive an Invitation

First, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If your skills and points meet the requirements, you’ll receive an invitation to apply.

Get Nominated or Sponsored

You’ll need either:

  • Nomination by a state or territory government, or
  • Sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a regional area.

This ensures your application is aligned with Australia’s regional development goals.

Be Under 45 Years Old

You must be under 45 at the time you receive the invitation to apply.

Pass a Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment in your chosen occupation proves your qualifications match Australia’s job market needs.

Meet the Points Test Threshold

You’ll need at least 65 points based on your age, skills, work experience, and other factors. Scoring higher boosts your chances.

Prove Your English Proficiency

Show you meet the minimum language requirements with an approved test like IELTS.

Meet Health and Character Standards

A clean bill of health and good character are essential to ensure you’ll contribute positively to Australian society.

Pay Off Any Government Debts

Make sure you don’t owe anything to the Australian government before you apply.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Don’t worry—Knowbal’s experts are here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to check your eligibility and get started!
+61 3 9448 1800

Understanding Regional Areas

The subclass 491 visa is designed to encourage skilled migrants to settle in Australia’s amazing regional communities.

But what does “regional” mean?

What Are Regional Areas?

Most places outside of the big cities—Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—are considered regional areas for migration purposes. These areas are grouped into two categories:

  • Category 1: Cities and Major Regional Centres

These include places like Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Canberra, Hobart, and Geelong.

  • Category 2: Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas

These are smaller towns and rural communities with lots of charm and opportunities.

Why Live in a Regional Area?

Regional areas come with special benefits to make settling in easier and more rewarding:

  • Faster visa processing and access to the Regional Occupation List, which includes more jobs than non-regional areas.
  • Graduates from regional universities can stay longer in Australia on post-study work visas—up to two extra years!
  • Some regions have special agreements, called Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs), to bring in workers for local jobs.

What Opportunities Are There?

Regional Australia offers a lot of opportunities like great career options, affordable living, and a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle. Whether you’re starting a new life or growing your career, these areas provide plenty of chances of living your dream life in Australia.

Want to learn more about which regional area is best for you?

Contact us today, and we’ll guide you through your options!
+61 3 9448 1800

Knowbal Application Process

At Knowbal, we know that applying for a visa can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to make the process straightforward and stress-free. 

Here’s how we assist you:

We begin by getting to know you—your background, skills, and career goals. This helps us assess your eligibility for the 491 visa and create a personalised plan tailored to your needs.

You’ll have a dedicated migration expert assigned to your case. They’ll be your go-to guide, ensuring your application is handled with care and professionalism from start to end.

We provide a detailed checklist and assist you in collecting all required documents, such as skills assessments, English test results, and supporting evidence for your EOI, ensuring they meet Australian immigration standards.

We’ll give you a clear checklist and help you collect everything you need, such as skills assessments, English test results, and evidence for your Expression of Interest (EOI). Our team ensures your documents meet Australian immigration requirements.

We’ll keep you informed every step of the way. Whether it’s the status of your application or answering your questions, our team is always available to provide updates and address any concerns.

With Knowbal by your side, you can feel confident every step of the way. Contact Knowbal to start your application today!

Why Choose Knowbal?

Knowbal is your trusted partner when it comes to navigating the complexities of Australian migration. Here’s why:

1

Expert Visa Advice

Our experienced team stays updated with the latest visa policies and requirements, so you always get accurate advice tailored to your situation.

2

End-to-End Support

From your first consultation to submitting your application, we manage every detail, making the process smooth and stress-free.

3

Proven Success Record

With a history of successful visa applications, we’ve helped countless clients achieve their migration dreams. Their success stories speak for themselves.

4

Tailored Support

Your goals are unique, and so is our approach. At Knowbal, we take the time to understand your circumstances and provide customised solutions to help you achieve your objectives efficiently.

5

Transparent Communication

Knowbal believes in transparent communication. We keep you informed at every stage, answering your questions and addressing your concerns promptly.

Choosing Knowbal means choosing confidence, clarity, and care. Book your consultation now!

Client Success Stories - Hear from People Who’ve Made It!

We believe that the best testament to our service is the success of our clients. Here’s what a few of our clients have to say about their experience with Knowbal:

Dhruvin gajjar
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“I would like to share my wonderful experience with Knowbal Migration and education. I must mention Nilesh sir and Nirav for assisting me to get 190 visa. Overall the staff is highly professional and provides all the visa pathways to their clients. All the quarries from immigration were handled quite professionally and today I have received the outcome with 190 visa grant. Thank you Knowbal Migration and education for your support.”
Dharati Patel
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“We are so lucky to have knowbal Migration team with us during our PR journey. Finally we got our PR with the help of this team. I am so greatful specially thanks to Rishavbhai, Niravbhai and Nileshbhai. Ravinderbhai and Dhruvbhai also helped us when we got stuck regarding documentation and other matters. Thank you very much all of team members who supported us to achieve our desired dream.”
Mattie Ashby
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“Knowbal and specifically Rishav were great in helping me get my visa and PR. Their knowledge, experience and quick response time to any issues or queries made the whole process easy. I would highly recommend Knowbal.”
Hirak Panchal
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“The team at the Knowbal showcased unparalleled professionalism and expertise throughout the entire PR journey, ensuring that all requirements were met promptly and accurately. The staff at the agency exhibited a remarkable level of empathy and understanding, making me feel supported and reassured every step of the way. Special thanks to Trushen, Risav, and Krunal for making my dream of permanent residency a reality.”

Each story is unique, but they all share one thing in common—a smooth, reliable experience with Knowbal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Australia offers several skilled regional visas designed for migrants and their families who want to live and work in regional areas:

  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For people nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member.
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): For individuals sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
  • Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191): Available from November 2022 for those who meet the requirements after holding a provisional regional visa.

To apply for permanent residency, you’ll need to show you’ve lived and worked in regional Australia while holding a skilled regional provisional visa.

Yes, you can! The 491 visa allows you to include eligible family members through the subsequent entrant pathway. This means your spouse, children, or other dependents can apply for a visa to join you in regional Australia after your visa is granted.

Your family members will also have the right to live, work, and study in designated regional areas. This ensures you can all build a life together in Australia.

The processing time for the 491 visa typically ranges from 17 to 20 months. The timeframe can vary depending on factors like:

  • The completeness of your application.
  • How quickly you provide requested information.
  • Your individual circumstances.

Submitting a thorough and accurate application can help speed up the process.

The base application fee for the 491 visa is AUD 4,770. Additional costs may include:

  • Fees for dependent family members included in your application.
  • Costs for required documents such as skills assessments, medical exams, and police checks.

Our team can help you understand all the costs involved and ensure you’re financially prepared.

Yes, your visa application can be refused if it doesn’t meet the requirements. Common reasons include:

  • Not meeting eligibility criteria such as the points test, skills assessment, or health and character standards.
  • Providing incorrect or incomplete information.
  • Having outstanding debts to the Australian government.
  • A history of visa cancellations or refusals.

At Knowbal, we ensure your application is accurate and meets all criteria, minimising the risk of refusal. If you have concerns, contact us for expert guidance!

At Knowbal, we ensure your application is accurate and meets all criteria, minimising the risk of refusal. If you have concerns, contact us for expert guidance!

Have more questions? Contact us today for personalised advice and support!

Take the First Step Towards Your Future in Regional Australia

Ready to turn your dream into reality? The Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is your pathway to living and working in Australia. At Knowbal, we provide expert guidance and personalised support to make your migration journey smooth and stress-free. Contact us now to book your consultation and take the first step towards your future in regional Australia!
+61 3 9448 1800