What is the 5 year work visa in Australia?

The Subclass 491 or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa allows skilled migrants to reside, study, and work in Australia for up to 5 years. Subclass 491 is one of the most preferred pathways for skilled workers looking to live and work in any of the designated regional areas of Australia. To qualify for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, you must have a valid nomination from the Australian territory or state government, score the required points in the points test, and have a valid skills assessment, along with other criteria. Along with the 491 visa, there are also other provisional work visas, such as the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), with a validity of 5 years. Both visa pathways allow you to apply for PR in Australia after meeting the residency requirements.

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Types of 5-year work visas in Australia

Many work visa options are available in Australia; however, there are only two major 5-year work visas for individuals looking to reside in Australia for up to 5 years.

The two different types of 5-year work visas in Australia are:

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491): The 491 visa is particularly for skilled workers looking to live, work, and even study in Australia for up to 5 years. An eligible family member in Australia must invite you or have a state nomination to qualify for the visa. The 491 visa also allows you to apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa pathway after living in the country for at least 3 years.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): The 494 visa is for skilled workers who have received sponsorship from a regional Australian employer. It is a type of temporary visa that allows you to stay for a maximum of 5 years in the country.

Note: Both the provisional visas allow individuals to stay in Australia for up to 5 years, providing a pathway to PR, upon eligibility.

Also, read…

What is the difference between Subclass 491 and 494 visas?
 

Who can apply for a 5-year work visa in Australia?

To be eligible for a 5-year work visa in Australia, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have a valid and original passport
• Have an occupation that is listed on the eligibility List
• Must have an Invitation to apply for the visa
• Be under 45 years of age to receive an invitation to apply
• Have a valid skills assessment
• Have English language proficiency  
• Meet the given health requirement
• Have a criminal clearance record (character requirement)

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How to choose the right Australian 5-year work visa?

You can follow the simple steps given below to pick the right Australian 5-year work visa:

Step 1: Check your visa eligibility pathway

Check if you have a sponsoring employer visa (subclass 494 visa), have a nominated occupation in the skilled list (subclass 189 visa), or if you qualify for the Working Holiday visa.

Step 2: Check your occupation for the visa

After completing the above step, you must check if your occupation is listed on the eligible skilled occupations list.

Step 3: Skills Assessment

Get a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from any registered authorities.

Step 4: Points-test (if required)

You must score at least 65 points to qualify for skilled visas. The points-based system is only required to be taken if applicable.

Step 5: Meet the other eligibility criteria

Once you have completed all the above steps, you must also ensure that you meet the required eligibility criteria based on the visa you are applying for (Age, English language, sponsorship, nomination, health requirements, etc.).

Step 6: Apply for the visa

As the last step, after eligibility, you must gather all the necessary documents, pay the application fee, and submit your visa application.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Australian immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end assistance!
 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the 5-year work visa in Australia?

Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa) is a 5-year work visa in Australia. The 491 visa allows skilled workers to reside, study, and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. The Subclass 494 or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa is another pathway that allows you to stay in Australia for 5 years. However, before applying for the 5-year work visa in Australia, it is advised to check which visa type suits your profile the best.

 

2. Which Australian visa offers a 5-year stay?

The two main Australian visas that offer a 5-year stay are as follows:

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): You must be nominated by an Australian state government or territory to qualify for this visa. The 491 visa allows you to apply for permanent residency via Subclass 191 after spending at least 3 years in Australia.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): To qualify for this visa, you must be sponsored by an employer from a regional Australian area. The Subclass 494 visa also offers a pathway to PR.

Note: Both visa types are provisional visas for skilled workers looking to live and settle in designated regional areas of Australia.

 

3. Can the 5-year work visa lead to Australian PR?

Yes, a 5-year work visa, such as the Subclass 491 visa, can lead to Australian PR. With a Subclass 491 visa, you can qualify for permanent residency after staying in Australia for 3 years. You must have spent at least 3 years in Australia and fulfil specific other eligibility requirements to be eligible for Australian PR. After completing at least 3 years of residence with a 5-year work visa, you can apply for a PR with a Subclass 491 or Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

 

4. Who can apply for a 5-year work visa in Australia?

Skilled foreign workers can apply for a 5-year work visa in Australia. Work visas such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) allow you to stay, study, and work in Australia for up to 5 years. You must also meet specific eligibility criteria, such as:

• Have an occupation on the relevant skills list
• Have a positive skills assessment
• Sponsorship from an Australian family member or employer in Australia
• Nomination from the Australian state or territory government
• Must be proficient in the English language
• Be under 45 years of age
   

5. Do I need to meet the Australian points test to get a 5-year Australian work visa?

You must meet the Australian points test for a 5-year Australian work visa only if you are looking to apply for a skilled migration visa (Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa). One of the requirements for a skilled migration visa is to get at least 65 points in the Australian points test, which can get you an Invitation to Apply. It is also important to note that the points-based test does not guarantee an invitation; you must also meet other eligibility criteria to get a 5-year work visa in Australia.

 

6. How do I choose the right 5-year Australian work visa?

To choose the right 5-year Australia work visa, you must first check your eligibility, skills, and qualifications for regional migration. You can also follow the steps below to help you choose the right 5-year Australian work visa:

Step 1: Check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List

Step 2: Get a skills assessment

Step 3: Check if you are eligible for regional migration

Step 4:  Get a nomination

Step 5: Arrange the requirements

Step 6: Fill out the visa application form and pay the required fee

Step 7: Apply for the visa

 

7. How long can I stay on these 5-year Australian work visas?

You can stay for a maximum of 5 years on these 5-year Australian work visas. The 5-day period starts from the date the visa is issued, allowing you to reside, study, or work in a designated regional area of Australia. With a 5-year work visa, you can also qualify for permanent residence after residing in the country for at least 3 years. You can also travel in and out of Australia without any restrictions during your visa validity.