@Pandabelle0405 , I just gathered this info. HTH. 🙂
When will I be invited to apply for a 491 visa?
There is a ranking systems for an invitation to apply for a 491 visa. The rankings are:
Equal first: Applicant with a skilled partner OR applicants without a partner
Second: Applicant with A partner who can demonstrate Competent English (but does not have the skills for skilled partner points)
Third: Applicant with a partner who is ineligible for either competent English or Skilled partner points.
Can 491 visa holders lodge other visas?
491 visa holders cannot lodge certain visas until they have held a 491 visa (and met its conditions) for three years. This includes skilled PR visas (189 and 190), business visas (124, 132 and 188), employer nominated PR visa 186 and the onshore partner visa (820). This requirement to reside and work in a designated regional area is underpinned by the need to support economic development and population growth in regional areas.
How does the 491 visa lead to permanent residency?
The 491 is a five-year visa. You can access permanent residence through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa when the following is met:
You have lived, worked or studied in the designated regional area for at least three years, whilst holding a 491 visa, and
You can show earnings of at least $53,900 for three years. If you have a partner, only one of you needs to show this salary level (through tax returns) and this person would be the main applicant for the 191 visa