This visa is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live and work in Designated regional areas of Australia up to 5 years. This visa is also a point based visa for skilled workers which are either sponsored by an eligible relative living in designated region or by state or territory government agency.
To be eligible for this visa you:
- score at least 65 points in point test
- submit an EOI through SkillSelect and EOI must be accepted and you got invitation to lodge visa application
- must be nominated by state or territory government agency for the nominated occupation or sponsored by an eligible relative in the designated regional areas in Australia
- have your nominated occupation in Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) if an eligible relative is sponsoring you or your nominated occupation in Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) if state or territory government agency is nominating you.
- have a positive skill assessment in your nominated occupation from relevant assessing authority
- must be aged under 45 at the time of invitation to apply for visa
- must have competent English
- must meet health and character criteria
Points for the Invited Pathway in the point test are awarded in the following categories:
- Age
- English language
- Australian and overseas work experience
- Australian study requirement
- Educational Qualification
- Specialist Educational Qualification
- Australian Professional year Qualification
- Community Language Qualification
- Study in regional Australia
- Partner Skill Qualification
- Designated Area sponsorship qualification
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After living in designated regional area for 3 years and working in that area for at least 3 years while holding Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491, you become eligible to lodge an application for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) which is a permanent visa.