The 491 family sponsored visa refers to the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa pathway where an eligible family member sponsors a skilled worker to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.
This visa is points-tested and provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting residency and income requirements.
Contents
What Is the 491 Family Sponsored Visa?
The 491 family sponsored visa allows skilled migrants to receive nomination from an eligible relative who lives in a designated regional area of Australia.
Unlike employer sponsorship, this pathway relies on family nomination rather than a job offer.
Who Can Sponsor Under 491 Family Sponsored?
To qualify for 491 family sponsored nomination, the relative must:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Reside in a designated regional area
- Be related to the applicant as an eligible family member
Eligible relationships typically include siblings, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and certain in-law relationships.
Applicant Eligibility Requirements
Applicants under the 491 family sponsored pathway must:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Score at least 65 points on the migration points test
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment
- Meet competent English requirements
- Pass health and character checks
Family sponsorship provides additional points toward the total points score.
Points Test Advantage
Applicants under the 491 family sponsored route receive 15 additional points on the migration points test, improving their chances of receiving an invitation.
Regional Residence Requirement
Visa holders must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas. Most locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane qualify as regional for migration purposes.
Visa Validity and Pathway to PR
- Visa validity: 5 years
- Must meet minimum taxable income requirement
- Eligible to apply for Subclass 191 permanent residence after meeting conditions
Permanent residency eligibility requires compliance with regional residency and income thresholds.
Application Process
- Step 1: Obtain skills assessment
- Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Step 3: Receive invitation to apply
- Step 4: Lodge visa application
- Step 5: Complete medical and police checks
- Step 6: Await Department decision
Processing times vary based on occupation demand and government workload.
Costs Involved
- Visa application charge
- Skills assessment fees
- English language test fees
- Medical examination costs
Family sponsors are not required to pay employer levies, unlike employer-sponsored visas.
Common Challenges
- Meeting minimum points threshold
- Proving genuine family relationship
- Maintaining regional residence compliance
- Changes to skilled occupation lists
Accurate documentation and honest points claims are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 491 family sponsored visa permanent?
No. It is a provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191.
Do I need a job offer?
No. A job offer is not mandatory under the family sponsored stream.
Can I include family members?
Yes. Eligible dependents may be included in the application.
Final Thoughts
The 491 family sponsored visa provides skilled migrants with a valuable regional pathway to Australian permanent residency. Meeting points requirements and regional conditions significantly improves long-term success.