After You Apply

After submitting your Subclass 491 application, there's a waiting period while your application is assessed. This guide explains what to expect, processing times, visa grant, and the pathway to permanent residence through Subclass 191.

Processing Times

Current Processing Times

According to the Department of Home Affairs:

Factors Affecting Processing Time

• Application completeness: All documents provided upfront = faster
• Document quality: Clear, certified documents reduce delays
• Verification requirements: Employment and qualification checks take time
• Health examinations: Delays in completing exams slow processing
• Police certificates: Overseas authorities' delays impact timeline
• Additional information requests: Prompt responses speed processing
• Case officer workload: Department capacity affects all applications

?? Communication from Department

How You'll Be Contacted

• ImmiAccount messages: Primary communication method
• Email notifications: Alerts when new messages available
• No phone calls: Department rarely calls applicants

Types of Communication

• Acknowledgement: Confirming application received
• Health examination request: Instructions to undergo health checks
• Request for information: Additional documents or clarifications
• Decision notification: Final decision on your application

?? Health Examinations

When to Complete

• Wait for official request via ImmiAccount (typically 1-4 weeks after lodging)
• Must be completed within specified timeframe (usually 28 days)
• Book appointment immediately upon receiving request

Finding a Panel Physician

• Use the official Panel Physician Finder on Home Affairs website
• Only panel physicians approved by Home Affairs can conduct exams
• Results submitted electronically to department

Examinations Required

Standard:

• Medical examination (Form 26 or eMedical)
• Chest X-ray (for 11+ years, not for pregnant women)
• HIV test (for 15+ years)

Additional (if required):

• Hepatitis B and C tests
• Additional specialist examinations

Costs

• Adult: AUD $300-500 per person
• Child: AUD $200-350 per person
• Payable directly to panel physician

?? Police Certificates

When Required

• Every country lived in for 12+ months in last 10 years (since age 16)
• Must be issued within 12 months of visa application
• Include NAATI translation if not in English

Obtaining Certificates

• Australia: AFP check (AUD $42-70, 1-2 weeks)
• Overseas: Contact police authority or embassy (varies, some take 3-6 months)
• Upload to ImmiAccount when ready

?? Visa Grant

Grant Notification

• Email and ImmiAccount message notification
• Grant letter with visa details
• Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) access

What Your Visa Includes

• 5-year validity: From date of grant
• Multiple entry: Travel in and out of Australia freely
• Work rights: Unlimited work in regional Australia
• Study rights: Enroll in any course
• Medicare: Access to public healthcare
• Family included: Partner and children receive same visa

Visa Conditions

• Condition 8579: Must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas
• Notify address changes: Update Home Affairs within 14 days of moving
• Maintain compliance: Follow all Australian laws

?? Living on Your 491 Visa

First Steps After Grant

1. Activate visa: Must enter Australia before initial entry date
2. Move to regional area: Settle in designated regional Australia
3. Find accommodation: Rent or buy in regional area
4. Secure employment: Start working in your field
5. Set up services: Bank account, Medicare, phone, utilities
6. Track everything: Keep records of residence and income from day one

During Your 491 Period

• Live regionally: Maintain residence in regional Australia
• Work: Full employment freedom within regional areas
• Earn income: Must earn minimum $53,900/year taxable income for 3 years
• Keep records: Tax returns, employment records, address history
• Update Home Affairs: Notify of address changes

Pathway to Permanent Residence (Subclass 191)

After 3 Years on 491

Applying for Subclass 191

When eligible (after 3 years):

1. Lodge Subclass 191 application online
2. Provide proof of residence (utility bills, leases, employment records)
3. Provide proof of income (3 years of tax returns)
4. Update health examinations
5. Update police certificates
6. Pay visa fee (around AUD $445 main applicant)

191 Processing

• Processing time: 3-6 months typically
• No points test: Just meet the requirements
• No occupation list: Not tied to original occupation
• Family included: Whole family transitions to PR

After 191 PR Grant

Complete Timeline Summary

Tips for Success

During Processing

• Check ImmiAccount weekly
• Respond to requests immediately
• Complete health exams promptly
• Keep contact details updated
• Don't make travel plans until visa granted

While on 491 Visa

• Document everything: Save all tax returns, payslips, utility bills, leases
• Meet income threshold: Ensure you earn $53,900+ each year
• Stay compliant: Always live in regional areas
• Build your life: Establish yourself, save money, grow career
• Plan for 191: Start gathering evidence 6 months before eligible

? Common Issues & Solutions

Issue: Processing Delay

Solution: Be patient. Only contact if significantly past standard times. Ensure you've responded to all requests.

Issue: Request for Additional Information

Solution: Respond within timeframe given (usually 28 days). Provide exactly what's requested.

Issue: Health Concerns

Solution: Be honest in health declarations. Department assesses case-by-case. Additional medical opinions may be requested.

Issue: Police Certificate Expired During Processing

Solution: Department may request updated certificate. Apply for new one when requested.

?? Congratulations!

You've completed your journey through the Subclass 491 visa guide! Whether you're just starting to research or waiting for your visa grant, you now have comprehensive knowledge of the entire process from start to permanent residence.