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Category: 491 Visa

  • Skills Assessment For Australian Visas – Approved...

    A Skills Assessment for Australian visas may be required depending on which visa subclass you plan on applying for. They are required to demonstrate you have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience to effectively work in your chosen occupation. The assessment can only be completed through an approved skills assessing authority.

    For the majority of visas, the Skills Assessment will need to be completed before lodging your visa application. If you are required to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for your chosen visa, then it is recommended to complete your Skills Assessment prior to submitting your EOI.

    Australian visas that require a Skills Assessment

    There are a number of Australian visas that will require you to complete a Skills Assessment in order for you to meet the visas requirements. These visas include:

    *Not everyone applying for a TSS visa will be required to complete a Skills Assessment. Only applicants holding specific passports and being nominated for certain occupations will be required to complete the Skills Assessment. If you are applying for a TSS Visa make sure you have checked If you need to complete a skills assessment based on your occupation and nationality.

    Skills Assessment Authorities

    For Australian immigration purposes, a Skills Assessment must be completed through a government-approved skills assessment authority. Below lists all approved skills assessing organisations that can complete the Skills Assessment.

    Need help completing your Skills Assessment for Australian visas?

    If you need to complete a Skills Assessment in order to be eligible for a TSS Visa subclass 482, then contact us today. We can assist you in gathering all of the required documents, finding the correct RTO for your occupation, submitting your documents and application, and coordinating the whole process with the RTO.

    Send us a message using the contact form below, and we will get in contact with you to explain what to do.

    Get help completing the Skills Assessment with Visa Jobs

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    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Get professional help completing your SA

    Completing a skills assessment can be very complex, stressful, and time-consuming. Get in contact with Visa Jobs today and our team can help you through the entire process. 

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  • Where Is Classed As Regional Areas In...

    If you’re planning to migrate to Australia through the regional 491 or 494 visas or if your occupation is on the ROL or STSOL occupation lists for the TSS/482 visa, you will want to understand where is classed as regional areas in Australia.

    In this article we will explain exactly where is classed as regional areas in Australia for immigration purposes and how not being regional for occupations on the STSOL (TSS visa only) can affect your chances of Permanent Residency (PR).

    Why knowing where regional areas in Australia are matters

    Both the state sponsored 491 and employer sponsored 494 visas are regional visas, so you’ll want to know where you can live and work. 

    For the TSS visa, occupations that can be sponsored will fall under one of three occupation lists. Occupations under the 482 visa can live and work anywhere in Australia and will have a pathway to PR through the 186 or 186 TRT visas, as long as they meet the visa requirements. 

    Occupations on the STSOL occupation can also live and work anywhere in Australia, however, if they plan on applying for PR, their options are more limited compared to occupations on the MLTSSL. The 186 visa is not an option but the 187 TRT is as long as they have lived and worked for the same employer in a regional areas for three years, and they meet the other visa requirements. Finally, for occupations on the ROL occupation list, the visa will only be granted if you are to be nominated by an employer in a regional area. Therefore, if you are going to be applying for a TSS visa, regional areas may play an important factor when finding an employer.

    Where are regional areas in Australia and where is not

    The simplest way to look at this is that the majority of locations outside of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, are classed as regional areas in Australia for immigration purposes. 

    If you plan on living and working near any of these three major cities, then you may want to know exactly which postcodes are classed as regional so you don’t breach your visa conditions or do not qualify for PR visas in the future.

    For immigration purposes, the regional definition comprises of three categories:

      • Category 1 – Major cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (not regional)
      • Category 2 – Cities and major regional centres: Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Wollongong, Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart (regional)
      • Category 3 – Regional centres and other regional areas: All other locations (regional)

    The below table lists which postcodes are classed as regional for each state or territory.

    Alternatively, if you are only interested in living in specific places type their name into the Australian Post Office’s postcode finder to find out the area’s postcode. You can then check if it is regional based on the table below.

    Summary

    Understanding where is classed as regional areas in Australia is especially important for anyone who plans on applying for a 491, 494 or for TSS visa applicants wanting a pathway to PR through STSOL or ROL occupations.

    If your aim is to transition from a TSS visa to PR then make sure when finding your TSS sponsored job you only apply to jobs in regional areas. Otherwise you may find you have wasted three years working in an area that doesn’t lead to PR. Simply being aware of which areas are counted as regional will ensure you are doing everything right when working towards your future PR status.

    No matter which Australian visa you are interested in, if you need help, have questions, or want to know what to do next, contact Visa Jobs and our will explain what to do.

    Contact us today

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    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Let Visa Jobs help you get your TSS visa

    If you are interested in learning more about the TSS/482 visa, contact us today. We will explain the process, TSS visa requirements, and which documents to gather. We can get your visa eligibility assessed by MARA Registered Migration Agents and then connect you with employers or recruiters.

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  • How To Calculate Your Points Score For...

    Planning on lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the 189, 190, or 491 visas, the one of the first steps will be to calculate your points score for Australian visas. This is to make you meet the minimum requirement of 65 points. In this article, we will look at how points are calculated.

    How to calculate your points score for Australian visas - 491, 189, & 190

    When applying for any of the points-based visas you start off by submitting an EOI. As part of the EOI process, you will be given an indicative points score based on the information you provide relating to the points criteria. If you do not score a minimum of 65 points you will not qualify and will not receive an invitation to apply for the visa, so it’s important you calculate your points score before submitting your EOI.

    You can calculate your points score for Australian visas by using the general skilled self-assessment test, below explains how each section is scored. Calculating your own points should only be used as a guideline, it is always recommended to use a Registered Migration Agent who will be able to do a thorough assessment of your points and advise accordingly.

    Calculating your point score

    To calculate your current point score for Australian visas, answer the questions for each section below, keep a note of the points you score for each section and then add them up at the end. 

    It’s important to remember that your final points score will be calculated at the time you are invited to apply for the visa. Therefore, the score you calculate today should only be used as an estimate as your answers to each question may change by the time you receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

    Section 1: Visa Subclass

    Which of the following visas are you planning on applying for?

    Maximum score = 15 points

    Section 2: Age

    Which age bracket do you fall into?

    Maximum score = 30 points

    Section 3: English Language Ability

    What is your English language ability?

    Maximum score = 20 points

    Section 4: Employment History

    Part 1: Overseas Skilled Employment Experience

    In the last 10 years, how many years of experience (from outside of Australia), do you have in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation?

    Maximum score = 15 points

    Part 2: Australian Skilled Employment Experience

    In the last 10 years, how many years of Australian work experience do you have in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation?

    Maximum score = 20 points

    Note. You can only score a maximum score of 20 points in this section ‘Employment History.’ That means if your combined score for Part 1 and Part 2 is over 20 points, you will only be awarded 20 points.

    Section 5: Educational Qualifications 

    What is your highest level of recognised qualification completed in Australia or from overseas?

    Maximum score = 20 points

    Section 6: Australian study requirement

    Have you successfully completed studies in Australia for a degree, diploma, advanced diploma or trade qualification(s) that is relevant to your nominated occupation? The course must have taken a minimum of two years to complete, and have been taught on a full-time basis and in English.

    Maximum score = 5 points

    Section 7: Study in Regional Australia or a low population growth area

    Have you completed and been awarded a degree, diploma, advanced diploma or trade qualification(s), where the course took a minimum of two years to complete, was full-time, the campus of your institute was located in a regional area of Australia and you also lived in a regional area during the two years of study?

    Maximum score = 5 points

    Section 8: Specialist education qualifications 

    Have you completed a Masters by research or PhD (Doctorate degree) by an Australian educational institute which included a minimum of two years of study in a specialist field (currently STEM and ICT)?

    Maximum score = 10 points

    Section 9: Professional year in Australia

    Since finishing studying, have you completed a professional year in Australia in your nominated occupation? Currently, this is only available for Engineers, Accountants and ICT professionals, and must have been completed within four years of you being invited to apply for the visa.

    Maximum score = 5 points

    Section 10: Credentialed community language

    Do you hold a recognised qualification in a credentialed community language? 

    Recognised qualifications must be for translating or interpreting by the National Accreditation Authority for translators and Interpreters and include being;

    • accredited at a paraprofessional level or above, or
    • having a community language credential, or 
    • having been certified at a certified provisional level or above.

    Maximum score = 5 points

    Section 11: Partner skills

    Which of the following applies to you:

    Maximum score = 10 points

    Summary

    Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of your point score for Australian visas and your visa options. If you plan on lodging an EOI for either the 491 or 190 state-sponsored visas, we highly recommend in addition to calculating your points score, you check each state or territory’s current list of occupations that can apply and additional requirements, as these may vary from the general visa requirements. Each state or territory will regularly update their website 491 and 190 pages to reflect its current requirements, so they are worth monitoring. You will find links to each state or territory’s 491 and 190 pages through our Visa Jobs 491 and 190 visa pages.

    If you have questions, need help, or have any questions, contact Visa Jobs today.

    Contact Visa Jobs

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    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Let Visa Jobs help you get your Australian visa

    If you are interested in learning more about points-based visas, contact us today. We will explain the process, visa requirements, and connect you with Registered Migration Agents. Get started today with Visa Jobs!

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    jonathan m
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  • The Australian 491 Visa Occupation List &...

    Anyone interested in the state-sponsored 491 visa, will not only need to make sure their occupation is on the Australian 491 visa occupations list, but that it is also listed by whichever state or territory they plan on being sponsored by. 

    Let’s take a closer look at the full list of occupations for the 491 visa, as well as how to check each state or territory’s current list and any additional requirements they may have.

    What is the 491 visa

    The Skilled Work Regional Visa subclass 491, permits you and your family to work, live, and study in Australia’s regional areas for a period of 5 years. It is a point-based visa that requires one of Australia’s states or territories to sponsor you unless you have an eligible relative in Australia to sponsor you. 

    The 491 visa is a great option for migrants wanting a pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). So if that’s your goal, it’s worth taking the time to learn more about the 491 visa and to make sure you meet the visa requirements. Those who are eligible can apply for permanent residency after 3 years through the 191-subclass visa.

    Every Australian state and territory has its own list of occupations that they have a shortage of within their local labour market. Their occupation lists are regularly updated and often includes additional requirements that must be met, as well as the visa requirements. So, before you start spending a lot of time gathering documents or submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI), check that your occupation is listed for the 491 visa, and then that it is listed by your desired state or territory’s in their 491 occupation list.

    Here is what we suggest you start off by doing:

    Step 1 – Checking the 491 visa occupations list

    As per the 491 legislative instrument, there is a set list of occupations that are listed for the 491 visa. This list of occupations has been summaries in the table below:

    Last updated March 2022

    Finding your occupation’s ANZSCO description

    On the ANZSCO website you will find the full ANZSCO description for your occupation. First, copy your occupation’s ANZSCO number from the table above → click the button directly below → you’ll be redirected to the ANZSCO site → then finally, paste your ANZSCO number into the search bar (top right of page). 

    Find the ANZSCO description for your occupation

    Step 2 – Checking each state and territory’s 491 occupation list

    From the main 491 visa occupation list, each state and territory will create their own list of occupations to reflect their current labour shortages and which skilled workers they want to attract to their state or territory. 

    Not only will they have their own list of occupations, but often have additional requirements that must be met, in order to be invited to apply. Some examples of additional requirements have been that you must be already in Australia or in the state/territory, you may need a higher score than the standard 65 points, or you may need to have a job offer from an employer within the state.

    To check the most recent occupation list, and any additional requirements for each state and territory, the following links will help:

    Step 3 – Start the process

    Hopefully, you have now checked the main 491 visa occupations list as well as each state and territory, and found your occupation.

    Next, you will need to calculate your point score to make sure you meet the minimum required score. Then as with all Australian visas, you are going to have to gather a number of documents to prove you meet the visa requirements.

    As with most Australian visas, understanding what to do or what is required can be complicated and frustrating. If you want professional help understanding your visa options, or applying for the 491 visa, contact us. Visa Jobs has partnered with a number of experienced and friendly Registered Migration Agents who can guide you from start to finish.

    Get started today

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    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Need our help?

    Regardless what visa you plan on applying for or what you need help with, we are here to guide you through the process.

    We offer a number of services and what we can’t directly help you with, we have formed partnerships with various companies that will be able to help you.

    Get in contact with us today to find out more or ask any questions you may have.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
    Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    jonathan m
    Continue Reading
  • Understanding The Regional 491 visa

    If you are looking to move to Australia and live in a regional area, the Skilled Work Regional 491 visa is the perfect option for you! This provisional visa allows you to live, study and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. In this blog post, we will outline everything you need to know about the 491 visa: from who it’s for to costs, and more!

    What is the Skilled Work Regional 491 visa

    The Skilled Work Regional 491 visa allows you and your family to live, study and work in regional areas of Australia for up to five years. After three years, and as long as you are eligible, you will be able to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through the Skilled Regional Visa subclass 191.

    Unlike employer-sponsored visas, you will need to be nominated by either an Australian state or territory government, or by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.

    Calculating your point score

    The 491 Visa, like the 189 and 190 visas, is a points-tested visa which means you’ll need a minimum of 65 points. You are invited to apply for this visa based on your occupation and point score. Therefore, the higher your point score, the higher your chances of being invited to apply versus other applicants.

    If you apply for a Skilled Work Regional 491 Visa, you’ll receive an extra 15 bonus points that aren’t available on the 189 or 190 Visas. This can help people who were unable to meet the necessary 65 points or get invited through the 189 or 190 Visas.

    Want to see how many points you would score? Check out our article which lists each section and how points are allocated, so you can calculate your own score. 

    Calculate your point score

    Occupation available for the Skilled Work Regional 491 visa

    Not only do you have to pass the points test, but your occupation must also be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List for the 491 visa, and then on one of the state or territory occupation lists.

    Each Australian State and territory will publish a list of occupations that they struggle to find skilled workers for, in their region. Not only will the occupation list vary for each state or territory but each state or territory may have additional requirements you must meet such as higher point scores, being located in Australia, or a certain level of experience. It’s therefore recommended to check the occupation lists and requirements for each state or territory before submitting your Expression of interest (EOI).

    Check to make sure your occupation is listed for the 491 visa and then check each state’s and territory’s occupation list.

    How to Check state/territory's current occupation lists and requirements?

    We understand how complex and confusing Australian immigration can be, so we want to make life as easy as possible for you. We’ve linked each state or territory’s 491 visa page below so you can check their current list of occupations and requirements. It’s worth checking these pages regularly as they often update their occupation lists and requirements.

    You must be invited to apply for the 491 Visa

    For the Skilled Work Regional 491 visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillsSelect and then wait to be invited to apply by an Australian state or territory.

    Your point score will be calculated when you submit your EOI. Australian state and territory government agencies will be able to see your EOI and point score to determine whether they want to invite you to apply. They generally have a set number of visas allocated to them, so limit the number of invitations sent out each month or period. As a result, they allocate their invites to occupations they have a skill shortage for and then EOIs for those occupations with the highest point scores.

    Dependent family members may be included in your 491 Visa application at the time of lodgement or after approval. This visa can be applied for while you are onshore in Australia or while you are offshore.

    For the 491 visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillsSelect and then wait to be invited to apply by an Australian state or territory.

    Your point score will be calculated when you submit your EOI. Australian state and territory government agencies will be able to see your EOI and point score to determine whether they want to invite you to apply. They generally have a set number of visas allocated to them, so limit the number of invitations sent out each month or period. As a result, they allocate their invites to occupations they have a skill shortage for and then EOIs for those occupations with the highest point scores.

    Dependent family members may be included in your 491 Visa application at the time of lodgement or after approval. This visa can be applied for while you are onshore in Australia or while you are offshore.

    What the 491 visa allows you to do

    Like with any Australian visa, it’s critical you understand what you are allowed to do once the visa is granted.

    The 491 visa allows you to:

    • Live and work in a regional area within your nominated state or territory for 5 years
    • Study
    • Work for any regional employer within your nominated state or territory
    • Bring your partner and family
    • Transition to Permanent Residency (PR) – if eligible 

    The 491 visa requirements

    Do you like the sound of the Skilled Work Regional 491 visa thus far? If you do, fantastic; but, as with all Australian visas, you must ensure that you meet all of the visa requirements.

    To be granted a 491 visa, you must make sure you meet all of the points below:

      • Be under the age of 45 at the time of being invited to apply for the visa
      • Your chosen occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and on one of the state or territory occupation lists
      • Have a positive and valid Skills Assessment in your nominated occupation*
      • Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
      • Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply for the visa
      • Qualify for the points test (currently 65 points)
      • Demonstrate a Competent
      • Level of English or higher
      • Meet the health and character requirements

    Places in Australia that are classed as Regional

    As one of the key requirements for the 491 visa is that you must be living and working in a designated regional area within your nominating state or territory, it’s important you know where is classified as regional.

    For immigration purposes, everywhere in Australia is classified as regional apart from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. You can check which postcodes and areas are classified as regional through our blog 

    Learn more about where is regional in Australia and search specific postcodes here. 

    Main costs involved

    The cost is a major consideration for most people when deciding the best visa option for them. The following are the main fees associated with applying for a 491 visa:

    Other costs you may want to factor in might include flights, skills assessment, English tests, police certificates and translation services if required.

    Like the sound of the 491 visa? Let Visa Jobs help!

    The 491 visa is a popular option for many skilled migrant workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. As this visa is state-sponsored, unlike the TSS visa, you don’t have to find an employer to sponsor you, which gives you more freedom when a job. What’s more, it provides a pathway to Permanent Residency after three years which is most people’s goal.

    If you are interested in the 491 visa or have questions, contact Visa Jobs. We work with a number of reputable Registered Migration Agents who can guide you through the entire process from document gathering and completing the skills assessment, to lodging your EOI and visa application.

    Contact us to start the process

    Learn more about Australian visas

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    Disclaimer

    All of the information provided has been gathered and written based on general information that is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.

    This information is not legal advice and should be used for general information purposes only. 

    We strongly recommend you engage a Registered Migration Agent who can complete a full assessment and advise you accordingly. If you would like to be connected with a Registered Migration Agent, please contact us and we will find an agent to help you.  

    Need our help?

    Regardless what visa you plan on applying for or what you need help with, we are here to guide you through the process.

    We offer a number of services and what we can’t directly help you with, we have formed partnerships with various companies that will be able to help you.

    Get in contact with us today to find out more or ask any questions you may have.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
    Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    jonathan m
    Continue Reading
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