Subclass 491 Application Process

The Subclass 491 application involves multiple stages: EOI submission, nomination/sponsorship, invitation, and visa lodgement. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process.

Application Overview

1?? Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Before You Start

Creating Your EOI in SkillSelect

Step 1: Create Account

• Visit SkillSelect website
• Create account with email and password
• Verify your email address

Step 2: Complete EOI Form

• Personal details (name, DOB, passport)
• Nominated occupation (from regional lists)
• Skills assessment details and reference number
• English test results
• Work experience (last 10 years)
• Education qualifications
• Points claims (all criteria)
• Partner details (if claiming partner points)
• State preference (if seeking state nomination)

Step 3: Select Visa Type

• Select "Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)" as your visa type
• You can also select 189 and 190 if interested in multiple options
• Indicate state nomination OR family sponsorship

Step 4: Submit EOI

• Review all information carefully
• Check your points calculation (should be 50+ base points)
• Submit your EOI (no fee required)

2?? Stage 2: Nomination/Sponsorship Application

Option A: State/Territory Nomination (Most Common)

Step 1: Research State Requirements

• Visit official state government websites
• Check if your occupation is on their regional list
• Review specific requirements (work experience, English, connections)
• Understand application process (invitation vs direct application)

Step 2: Prepare Nomination Documents

• Passport copies
• Skills assessment
• English test results
• Detailed CV/resume
• Employment evidence (if required)
• Commitment statement
• State-specific documents

Step 3: Apply to State

• Use state's nomination portal/system
• Complete nomination application form
• Upload all required documents
• Write compelling commitment statement
• Pay nomination fee (AUD $200-330)

Step 4: Wait for Decision

• Processing: 4-12 weeks typically
• State may request additional information
• Check email and state portal regularly

Option B: Family Sponsorship (Alternative)

Requirements:

• Eligible family member in regional Australia
• Sponsor must be citizen/PR, 18+, lived in region 12+ months
• Sponsor submits sponsorship form with proof of relationship and residence
• No fee for family sponsorship

Nomination Outcomes

3?? Stage 3: Receiving Visa Invitation

After Nomination Approval

• Your EOI is automatically updated with nomination
• +15 points added to your score
• Department of Home Affairs issues invitation (usually within days)

Invitation Notification

• Email sent to SkillSelect email address
• Check SkillSelect correspondence section
• 60-day countdown starts from invitation date

4?? Stage 4: Lodging Visa Application

Step 1: Create ImmiAccount

• Visit ImmiAccount portal
• Create account or log in if you have one
• Link your visa invitation to ImmiAccount

Step 2: Start Visa Application

• Log into ImmiAccount
• Select "New Application"
• Choose "Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)"
• Application pre-populated from your EOI

Step 3: Complete Application Form

Applicant Details:

• Personal information (name, DOB, nationality)
• Contact details (email, phone, address)
• Passport details
• Identity documents

Nomination/Sponsorship Details:

• Nomination approval number OR sponsorship details
• Nominating state/territory OR sponsor information
• Commitment to live in regional area

Family Members:

• Add partner and dependent children
• Details for all family members (even if not migrating)
• Non-migrating family members must be declared

Points Claims:

• Confirm all points claims from EOI
• Provide evidence for each claim
• Include +15 nomination/sponsorship points

Health and Character:

• Answer health declaration questions
• Declare any criminal history
• Confirm you meet character requirements

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents (see Requirements page):

• Nomination/sponsorship approval (ESSENTIAL!)
• Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
• Skills assessment
• English test results
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Work experience evidence
• Police clearances (if ready)
• Evidence for all points claims

Step 5: Pay Visa Application Charge

• Primary applicant: AUD $4,640
• Partner (18+): AUD $2,320
• Child (under 18): AUD $1,160
• Additional charge: If partner lacks functional English - AUD $4,885 extra
• Payment: Credit card or PayPal

Step 6: Submit Application

• Review all information carefully
• Check all documents uploaded
• Click "Submit" button
• Save Transaction Reference Number (TRN)

After Lodging

What Happens Next

1. Health examinations: Instructions sent within days/weeks
2. Police certificates: Upload if not already provided
3. Case officer assigned: Reviews your application
4. Additional information: May be requested
5. Decision: Grant or refusal notification

Processing Times

• 75% of applications: Processed within 8-10 months
• 90% of applications: Processed within 11-14 months
• Times vary based on completeness and verification needs

? Application Checklist Summary

Pro Tips

• Apply to multiple states: If eligible, increase chances
• Start police checks early: Can take 2-3 months in some countries
• Keep documents current: English tests and police checks have validity periods
• Respond quickly: Fast responses speed processing
• Monitor email: Critical communications via email
• Save everything: Keep copies of all submissions

Ready for the Next Step?

Application lodged? Learn what to expect during processing and after visa grant!