Subclass 491 Costs & Timeline
SUBCLASS 491 REGIONAL PROVISIONALUnderstanding the complete cost and timeline for your 491 journey is essential for planning. This guide covers all expenses from preparation to permanent residence, plus realistic timeframes for each stage.
?? Total Cost Summary
Quick Cost Overview
Preparation: AUD $2,000-3,500 | Visa Application: AUD $4,640+ | Total to PR: AUD $7,000-10,000+
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Stage 1: Preparation Costs (AUD $2,000-3,500)
| Item | Cost (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | $300-1,200 | Varies by assessing authority |
| English Test | $385-450 | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL |
| Educational Documents | $200-500 | Certified copies, translations |
| Police Certificates | $50-300 | Per country (all 10+ years) |
| Passport Photos | $15-30 | Certified copies |
| Document Certification | $100-300 | JP, lawyer, notary |
| Translation Services | $0-800 | NAATI-certified if needed |
| Migration Agent (optional) | $0-5,000 | Optional professional help |
Stage 2: State Nomination Costs (AUD $200-330)
| State/Territory | Nomination Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| NSW | $330 |
| Victoria | $330 |
| Queensland | $200 |
| South Australia | $300 |
| Western Australia | $200 |
| Tasmania | $220 |
| ACT | $300 |
| NT | $330 |
Note: Family sponsorship has no fee
Stage 3: Visa Application Costs (AUD $4,640+)
| Applicant | Visa Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant | $4,640 |
| Partner (18+ years) | $2,320 |
| Each Child (under 18) | $1,160 |
| Second Installment (if partner lacks functional English) | $4,885 |
Example Family Costs:
- Single applicant: $4,640
- Couple (no children): $6,960
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): $9,280
- Add $4,885 if partner doesn't have functional English
Stage 4: Health & Character Costs (AUD $500-1,500)
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Health Examination (adult) | $300-450 each |
| Health Examination (child) | $150-250 each |
| X-ray | $85-150 each |
| Additional Police Certificates | $50-200 |
Stage 5: Path to PR - Subclass 191 (AUD $445+)
After 3 years on 491 visa:
| Applicant | Visa Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant | $445 |
| Partner | $225 |
| Each Child | $115 |
Plus:
- Updated health checks: $300-450 per adult
- New police certificates: $50-200 per country
- Document certification: $100-200
Total Investment Summary
Minimum Total (Single Applicant):
- Preparation: $2,000
- State nomination: $200
- Visa application: $4,640
- Health/character: $500
- 191 PR application: $445
TOTAL: ~AUD $7,785
Typical Family (2 adults + 2 children):
- Preparation: $3,000
- State nomination: $300
- Visa application: $9,280
- Health/character: $1,500
- 191 PR application: $900
TOTAL: ~AUD $14,980
?? Additional Costs: Budget extra for:
- Retaking English tests (if scores expire)
- Re-doing police checks (validity periods)
- Migration agent fees (if using one)
- Relocation costs to regional Australia
? Complete Timeline
Phase 1: Preparation (2-8 months)
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | 4-12 weeks |
| English Test Preparation & Completion | 1-8 weeks |
| Document Gathering & Certification | 2-4 weeks |
| Police Certificates | 2-12 weeks |
Phase 2: EOI & Nomination (Instant - 12 weeks)
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Submit EOI in SkillSelect | Instant |
| Apply to State for Nomination | 1 day |
| State Nomination Decision | 4-12 weeks |
| Receive Visa Invitation | Automatic (instant) |
Phase 3: Visa Application (60 days to lodge)
- Prepare documents: 1-2 weeks
- Complete application form: 1-3 days
- Upload & submit: 1 day
Phase 4: Visa Processing (8-14 months)
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Health Examination Request | 1-4 weeks after lodging |
| Complete Health Exams | 1-2 weeks |
| Case Officer Assignment | 2-6 months |
| Document Verification | Varies |
| Final Decision | 8-14 months total |
Official Processing Times:
- 75% of applications: Processed within 8-10 months
- 90% of applications: Processed within 11-14 months
Phase 5: Living on 491 (3-5 years)
- Minimum for PR eligibility: 3 years
- Visa validity: 5 years total
- Build towards 191: Live, work, earn income in regional Australia
Phase 6: PR Application - Subclass 191 (3-6 months)
- Preparation & lodgement: 1-2 weeks
- Processing: 3-6 months typically
- Decision: PR granted!
Total Timeline: First Step to PR
Realistic Timeline
Minimum: 4-5 years (prep + processing + 3 years residence + 191)
Typical: 5-6 years total
If delays: Up to 7 years
Detailed Breakdown
- Preparation: 2-8 months
- EOI to nomination: 1-3 months
- Visa processing: 8-14 months
- Living on 491: 3 years minimum
- 191 processing: 3-6 months
Total: 4.5 - 6+ years from start to PR
Cost-Saving Tips
- DIY approach: Skip migration agent to save $2,000-5,000
- Prepare early: Avoid rush fees for documents
- One English test: Score high first time to avoid retakes
- Efficient document gathering: Get all police checks simultaneously
- Partner English: If partner can achieve functional English, save $4,885
- Family sponsorship: No nomination fee vs state nomination fee
Timeline Tips
- Start early: Begin skills assessment and English test ASAP
- Police checks first: These take longest in some countries
- Keep documents current: English tests valid 3 years, police checks 12 months
- Respond quickly: Fast responses to case officer = faster processing
- Complete applications: Lodging incomplete application = longer processing
- Track your time on 491: Keep detailed records of residence and income
Ready to Move Forward?
Now you understand costs and timeline - let's compare 491 with other visa options!