The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa has emerged as a popular route for many skilled workers who wish to call Australia home. Instead of an immediate residency, this visa allows successful candidates to live and work in regional areas for up to five years. After this time, having satisfied the visa’s conditions, which include the work and residence obligations, applicants will be in a position to progress to permanent residency.
One of the Subclass 491 visa’s requirements, however, is that it is only offered on an invitation basis via the SkillSelect program and State Nomination Programs. It is a points tested program and your points total will largely determine if you are invited to apply.
The standard minimum pass mark of 65 points still applies; yet you will generally need a score of at least 75 points to stand a realistic chance in the competitive invitation pool, unless you nominate an occupation from a critical sector. The good news is that there are several practical steps you can take to increase your points in order to improve your chances not only of being invited, but also of being granted the visa.
Tip #1: Increase your English test scores
Higher scores on one of the three approved English tests — IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT — are one of the easiest ways to increase your points quickly. English language ability is the most significant component in the points test, and you can score up to 20 points depending on your test score.
The breakdown is generally as follows:
- Competent English: 0 points (minimum requirement for eligibility).
- Proficient English: 10 points.
- Superior English: 20 points.
If you have “Proficient” English, you can retake the test to get “Superior” for 10 instant extra points on your total score. Practice tests, online coaching, and language courses tailored to specific tests will help you study and score higher.
Tip #2: Gain more skilled work experience
Work experience is a huge factor in the overall points calculation. Points are awarded for both overseas and Australian skilled work experience, with local experience being given greater weight.
- Foreign work experience: up to 15 points (8+ years skilled work in nominated occupation).
- Australian work experience: up to 20 points (8+ years skilled work in nominated occupation).
If you have already come to Australia on a temporary visa and are working, an extra year or two will help boost your overall points. Also, ensure your work experience is relevant to the ANZSCO code you nominate and that you have supporting evidence. (contracts, payslips, etc.)
Tip #3: Earn accredited qualifications
Educational qualifications have a significant impact on your SkillSelect score. You can gain:
- 10 points for a diploma, trade, or advanced diploma qualification.
- 15 points for a bachelor’s degree.
- 20 points for a master’s degree or doctoral degree.
Completing a qualification from a registered Australian institution looks great on an application. It can also lead to other opportunities. As an added bonus, if you receive a regional qualification (eligible by studying a minimum of 2 academic years in a regional area), that’s an extra 5 points.
Tip #4: Complete a Professional Year Program
Professional Year Programs (PYPs) are formal, 12-month traineeships and internship programs offered to international graduates in certain areas of accounting, engineering and IT. They provide relevant work experience in a professional setting. If you have completed a PYP in Australia, you can earn an additional 5 points for SkillSelect.
Plus, these programs also provide an employment edge and highly relevant Australian work experience that can prove valuable for long-term migration as well.
Tip #5: Add partner skills for bonus points
Skilled partners can give an application a big points boost if your spouse or de facto meets certain criteria. You can get:
- 10 points for a skilled partner with a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation, with competent English.
- 5 points for a partner with only competent English.
If you are single, or if your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you are automatically awarded 10 points.
Tip #6: Get a state or territory nomination
To apply for the Subclass 491 visa, you must first get a nomination from one of Australia’s states or territories. This is worth 15 points in the points test. States and territories have different nomination criteria that focus on occupation lists, residency requirements, and the availability of work in regional areas.
Each state or Territory in Australia has its own set of priority areas, for example, engineering and health care in South Australia, while a state like Tasmania may be more in need of hospitality workers or IT professionals. Tailoring your skills and experience to suit what a state is looking for will make you a much more competitive candidate.
Tip #7: Pass a CCL test
You can gain an extra 5 points on your SkillSelect points assessment if you pass the NAATI Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test. It tests your skills in comprehending written and spoken English and in translating English into a language of your choice. It is an excellent opportunity for bilingual candidates to earn more total points.
Tip #8: Work or study in a regional area
Living, working, or studying in a regional area can get you more points and preference when it comes to the nomination. Regional areas are a big focus, and most states will prefer candidates who are already established in their regional workforce.
Candidates who undertake at least 2 years of study at a regional study institution also receive five extra points and a stronger nomination case. Importantly, this is also an opportunity to start building regional references and networks that will make life in a new area much easier once you do receive approval.
The Subclass 491 visa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a future for yourself as a skilled regional worker in Australia. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that many perfectly eligible and highly qualified individuals will never be invited to apply for a 491 visa because they don’t have enough points.
It’s not just a matter of being eligible, though – it’s also a question of ensuring your application stands out among the hundreds of other skilled professionals in order to ensure that your application is the best choice. Every additional point that you can add to your SkillSelect score is a step further up the rankings and a big step closer to that long-awaited invitation.
Improving your English score, gaining relevant work experience, undertaking a regional qualification, or even nominating your partner’s skills are all useful tips you can implement in order to move up those rankings. Also, many people use Australian migration services to help them reach their points goal and guide them through the complex visa process.
