This is a five-year provisional visa for skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
This visa allows you to live in regional Australia. Currently all of Western Australia is considered regional. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information on the subclass 491 visa.
For occupations which require licensing or registration before being permitted to work in Western Australia, a positive skills assessment and State nomination does not guarantee you will meet the licensing or registration requirements of the relevant licensing or registration authority. Those considering applying for Western Australian nomination are advised to check with the appropriate licensing or registration authority to verify their suitability for licensing or registration.
State nomination streams
You can be nominated through one of two streams.
1. The general stream: If you have an available occupation on the Western Australian skilled migration occupation list eligible for the intended visa subclass and can meet the additional requirements.
2. The graduate stream: If you gained a Certificate III or higher qualification in Western Australia and have an available occupation on the Graduate Occupation List eligible for the intended visa subclass and can also meet the additional requirements.
Requirements:
| | General stream | Graduate stream |
| Meet Department of Home Affairs eligibility requirements for the intended visa subclass | Y | Y |
| Nominated occupation is available on the relevant list | Western Australian skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) | Graduate occupation list (GOL) |
| Meet minimum English requirements for the nominated occupation | Y | Y |
| Work experience | A least one year Australian or three years overseas work experience in nominated (or closely related) occupation | At least six months paid Australian work experience in nominated (or closely related) occupation. OR Full-time employment contract in Western Australia for a minimum of six months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation. |
| Contract of employment* | Full-time employment contract in Western Australia for a minimum of 12 months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation. | |
| Have a Certificate III or above qualification from an accredited Western Australian educational institution | N | Y |
| Meet the two years Western Australian study requirement | N | Y |
| Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds | Only if you are not currently living in Western Australia | Only if you are not currently living in Western Australia |
| English Requirements | » an English language level of ‘proficient’ must be obtained by candidates nominating an ANZSCO7 Major Occupation Group 1 (Managers) or Group 2 (Professionals) occupation; or » for all other eligible occupations an English language level of ‘competent‘ must be obtained; » English language ability must be demonstrated by achieving the minimum English test scores in all four components in a single test as set out under English language test. » candidates who hold a passport from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the United States, Canada and New Zealand are considered to have met the minimum English language requirements and are exempt from undertaking an English proficiency test; | » an English language level of ‘proficient’ must be obtained by candidates nominating an ANZSCO Major Occupation Group 1 (Managers) or Group 2 (Professionals) occupation; or » for all other eligible occupations an English language level of ‘competent’ must be obtained. » English language ability must be demonstrated by achieving the minimum English test scores in all four components in a single test as set out under English language test. » candidates who hold a passport from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the United States, Canada and New Zealand are considered to have met the minimum English language requirements and are exempt from undertaking an English proficiency test. |
| Additional Requirements | Provide evidence showing sufficient funds to cover settlement costs and living costs for at least three months. | Provide evidence showing sufficient funds to cover settlement costs and living costs for at least three months. |
* Excluding occupations specified as ‘Regional WA only’. Candidates nominating occupations that are designated ‘Regional WA only’ must provide evidence of a job offer/contract in a specified ‘Regional WA only’ area.
If you qualify for both the General and Graduate stream, you will be offered an invitation through the General stream in the first instance.
