SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) VISA - SUBSEQUENT ENTRANT (Subclass 491)

What is subclass 491 - skilled work regional (provisional) visa – subsequent entrant?

The Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subsequent Entrant is a visa category under Australia's immigration system. It allows certain family members of Subclass 491 visa holders to join them in Australia. This visa is specifically for family members who were not included in the original application but wish to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia with the primary visa holder. It provides similar benefits as the primary Subclass 491 visa, including the opportunity to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa pathway, if eligible.

This visa enables you to:

• • • Reside in Australia for the duration of its validity
    • Work, study, and live in a specified region of Australia
    • Travel to and from Australia without restrictions while the visa remains valid
    • Apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa
      (subclass 191) if you meet the eligibility criteria

Designated Regional Area

You must reside, work, and study exclusively within a specified region.

Duration of Stay

This visa is temporary, allowing you to remain until the expiration of the visa held by your family member.

Extended Stay

You cannot extend your stay in Australia with this visa. Please explore other visa options.
If you aim to settle permanently in Australia, you may qualify for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Include Family

You can include family members in your application. You can:

• Include them when you submit your visa application.
• You can add a dependent child after submitting the application. However, it needs to be done before a decision is taken on your visa application.

Family members applying for the visa must meet our health  and character requirements. Those not accompanying you to Australia might also need to meet these requirements.

If your partner or dependent children are not included in this application, please provide a reason (e.g., they already hold Australian citizenship or are permanent residents).

Visa Cost

• Starting from AUD 4,770.00 for the main applicant (excluding ISEMS charges).
• Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application.

An extra fee, called the second instalment charge, may be required for applicants 18 years or older with less than functional English. This fee is payable only upon request and only if the visa is to be granted. The second instalment charge is AUD 4,890 (excluding ISEMS charges).

To estimate your visa costs, use the Visa Pricing Estimator, which does not account for the second instalment or other expenses. Additional costs may include health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

How to apply

You can apply for the visa whether you are in or outside Australia at the time of application and decision, but you must not be in immigration clearance.

If you apply while in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A (subclass 010), Bridging B (subclass 020), or Bridging C (subclass 030) visa. Otherwise, your application will not be processed.

Processing Times

To estimate processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This tool provides processing times for recently decided applications. Please note, it serves as a general guide and may not reflect your specific application.

Your applications will be evaluated on individual basis and hence, the processing times can vary due to:
• Whether you have submitted a complete application with all necessary supporting documents.
• How quickly you respond to requests for additional information.
• The time required to perform checks on the supporting information provided.
• The time it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly regarding health, character, and national security requirements.

Your Obligations

You and your family must adhere to all visa conditions and Australian laws.
Learn more about conditions for this visa.

Travel

You can travel in and out of Australia as often as you like while the visa is valid. Time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa duration.

Visa Label

Your visa will be digitally linked to your passport, so no physical label will be placed in your passport.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

1. Age Requirement

There is no age restriction for this visa.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this visa, you must:

Be a member of the family unit of a subclass 491 visa holder. If you are in Australia when you submit your application, you must hold either a substantive visa or a subclass 010 Bridging A visa, a subclass 020 Bridging B visa, or a subclass 030 Bridging C visa.

3. Level of English Language

To qualify after receiving an invitation, you must have at least Competent English

4. Health Requirement

It is important to meet the requirement listed here for you and any other family as well.
Family members who are not accompanying you, might also have to meet the health requirement, if requested.

5. Character Requirement

Family member who are applying along with you, and are above 16yrs, must also meet the character requirement. Family members who are not accompanying you, will also have to meet the requirement. Check the list here

6. Sign the Australian values statement

If you are above 18yrs, you must have read and understood:

a. Have read or been explained, the Life in Australia booklet

b. Have to confirm you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws, when you sign or accept the Australian Values Statement.

7. Should not have any previously refused or cancelled visa application

Your history will be checked before making a decision on your application. This means you may not be eligible for this visa in case there were any previously refused or cancelled visa application.

You may still apply for a permanent visa in some circumstances, even if you had previously cancelled or an application that was refused. You can see the limitations here

If you are applying for Visa from outside of Australia, you can check here

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

• Ensure you gather and prepare all necessary documents. You may also need to undergo health exams.
• Submit proof of your identity and relationships. Additionally, you must provide documents for your partner and any dependent children.
• You must submit your application online. You can be either inside or outside of Australia when you apply. Ensure you have a valid passport.
• Learn about the actions you can and must take following your application.
• Await the decision on your visa application. If granted, you will receive your visa details and be able to live and work in Australia permanently. If your visa is granted, you will receive:
  • Your visa grant number
  • The commencement date of your visa
  • Any applicable visa conditions

Please retain a copy of this decision.

If your visa application is refused:

• The reasons for the visa refusal
• Whether you have the right to seek a review of the decision.

Please note, the application charge will not be refunded if your application is refused.

NOTE: For detailed information on the application process, contact ISEMS today.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

Arriving in Australia

If you are outside Australia when your visa is granted, you must enter Australia before the specified date provided in your visa grant letter.

Before You Depart

Ensure you have the following:

• • A valid visa for entry into Australia
  • A valid passport or other acceptable travel document

At the Border

Upon arrival in Australia:

You must complete the Incoming Passenger Card , which will be provided to you onboard.

We offer an automated process using facial recognition technology and ePassports through SmartGate which may expedite your exit from the airport.

While in Australia

• Remain in Australia for the duration of your visa's validity, which is 5 years from the grant date.
• Reside, work, and study in designated areas or specified regions of Australia as per your visa conditions.
• Travel to and from Australia as often as you wish while the visa remains valid.
• Apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) if eligible.
• Work in any occupation and for any employer as per the visa's work and residence conditions.
• Use VEVO to check your specific conditions, work requirements, and study obligations.

Your Responsibilities on this Visa

• Ensure compliance with all visa conditions and Australian laws, as outlined in your visa grant letter or VEVO
• Notify us of any changes, such as:
  • Updates to your contact details, including phone number, email, address, or passport.
  • Changes in your relationship status.
  • Birth of a child.

Learn how to inform us of any changes in your circumstances.

Understanding Your Stay Duration

• This visa is temporary.
• To determine your departure date or when to apply for another visa to remain in Australia, consult your visa grant letter and VEVO.

Extending Your Stay

• You cannot prolong your stay in Australia by extending this visa. You must apply for a new visa if you wish to stay longer.
• Explore your options.
• If you aim to reside permanently in Australia and you or your partner have fulfilled the work and residency criteria, you might qualify for the Permanent Residence

Traveling with Your Visa

• You can travel outside Australia and return as often as you like while your visa remains valid.
• Time spent outside Australia does not extend the duration of your visa.
• Check your conditions in VEVO for details.
  For New Zealand Passport Holders
  • If an immigration officer processes your clearance at our border, we recommend informing them that:
  • You hold a Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).
  • You do not wish to be granted a Special Category visa (subclass 444).
  • Failure to inform them may result in being granted a subclass 444 visa. Obtaining a subclass 444 visa could impact your eligibility for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), as well as your eligibility for permanent residency or Australian citizenship in the future.

Demonstrating Your Visa Status

• To provide proof of your visa status and conditions to anyone, use VEVO .

Employment

• You have the flexibility to work in any occupation for any employer, in accordance with the work and residence conditions stipulated in your visa.
• You must reside and work in an area specified as a designated regional area.
• Review your specific conditions in your visa grant letter or VEVO
• Australian workplace laws protect your rights and entitlements. Familiarise yourself with your workplace rights.

Bringing Family

• Family members who did not initially apply for the visa with you can apply later to join you in Australia as subsequent entrants.

Leaving Australia

Before Departure

Ensure your travel documents are in order:

• • You must possess a valid passport or an acceptable travel document to depart Australia and return.
  • If applicable, confirm that your visa remains valid and permits re-entry into Australia. Verify your visa validity using VEVO.

At the Border
Fast Exit Option
We offer an automated process that utilises facial recognition technology and your ePassport. Using  could expedite your exit from the airport.

After you leave
​Claiming Your Superannuation (if leaving Australia permanently)
If you are leaving Australia with no plans to return, you may be eligible to claim your superannuation
You likely have funds in a superannuation account if you:

• • • Are 18 years old or older
    • Earned AUD 450 or more before tax in a month while working in Australia

Learn how to access your superannuation.

Documenting Your Visit to Australia
To obtain proof of your travel history to and from Australia, request your international movement records.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.