Hi guys! I was trying to look for answers dito sa forum kaso medyo na overwhelm din ako sa wealth of info available. I wanted to ask for advice sa scenario namin ng husband ko.
Both of us are working in IT and we're interested in migrating to AU in the long term. Ideal sana samin yung visa 189 or 190 pero based lang sa mga nabasa ko dito, it seems napaka competitive tsaka it can take years before you receive ITA.
In this case, would it make sense to go for 491? Can we lodge multiple EOIs with different visa types, tapos either ako main applicant or siya? For visa 491 kasi medyo confused kami, should we both log applications for this visa, tas whoever gets invited first yun kukunin? Paano po yung partner dito,separate visa application nlng?
Would appreciate any inputs from anyone in the same boat. Thank you!
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Comments
Posts: 249Member
Joined: May 29, 2018
In my opinion, it is much better to lodge multiple EOIs - 189, 190, 491. More entries, more chances of winning As of the moment, 189 invites have stagnated. Hindi kaaya aya ang trend ng 189 invites ngayon regardless if you're onshore or offshore applicants. When it comes to 190 naman, each state has its own requirements such as # of yrs work experience, studies, or if you're already living there. You might want to check each state if you're eligible to submit an EOI.
Since ang government ay nagffocus na dumami ang mga tao sa regional, mas pinapaburan nila ang 491 invites ngayon. Kaya kung offshore ka at nakareceive ka ng 491 invite, grab it na! You'll never know kung kelan sila magiinvite for 189 or 190.
Both of you can lodge EOI, wala naman kaso yun. Declare nyo isa't isa as spouse na may positive skills assessment so both of you can get additional 10 points, and yes you are correct, whoever gets invited first will become the main applicant and their partner is the dependent. Basta i-declare nyo lang ang isa't isa sa EOI nyo Hindi nyo need magseparate ng visa application. Please remember lang din na once you've received your invite, cancel your other EOIs so can give chance to others
Master of Software Engineering
Jun 2018 Started AU Dreams
Aug 2018 Started inquiring about Student Visa pathway - AECC Global and KOKOS International
30-Aug-18 Got an offer with a full scholarship from Macquarie University Course: Master of Information Technology | Application Date: August 20, 2018
14-Sep-18 Got a conditional offer from Deakin University | Course: Grad Cert + Master IT | Application Date: August 20, 2018
10-Oct-18 1st PTE-A Exam
15-Oct-18 Got a full offer from Deakin University
20-Nov-18 Tuition Fee Payment
23-Nov-18 Received CoE from Deakin University
27-Nov-18 Insurance Payment (Medibank)
29-Nov-18 Medical at St Luke's BGC | Health Clearance Provided - No Actions Required
12-Dec-18 Student Visa lodgement
14-Dec-18 CO asked an additional de facto documents (Evidence of same home address)
19-Dec-18 Uploaded all documents to immi portal (Waiting time!!!)
02-Jan-19 Visa Grant!
Jun 2019 IT Grad Cert completed at Deakin Uni
Aug 2019 First Day in Uni Adelaide
Joined: Jul 16, 2021
@hikari Yes that makes sense. Thanks sa response! Mukhang pahirapan nga ang PR ngayon, so siguro better option na yung 491 para makapasok agad sa AU tas maka.add ng points once we do apply for OR.
Ask ko din sana if nakadeclare yung spouse as dependent sa 491 na EOI, would they be able to work din sa AU? Understanding ko is that they will also be granted 491 visa (if ever successful yung application) which means same rights as the main applicant noh?
Joined: Jul 16, 2021
Additional question din pala.. If multiple EOIs lodged, OK lang ba na same account / email address gamitin? May limitation ba, apart from needing to cancel the other EOIs once may invite na?
Posts: 831Member
Joined: Oct 24, 2016
Yung 491 visa has a direct pathway to PR. Once you comply with the visa conditions to live & work in a regional area for 3 years & earn the minimum salary required during those 3 years pwede na kayo mag-apply for the 191 PR visa. Hindi nyo na kailangan mag-add ng points kasi wala nang invitation needed to apply for PR.
Joined: Jul 16, 2021
Oooh that's interesting! So hindi na points based tong 191 visa noh. Bago lang pala to. And I assume once na PR ka na, you're no longer required to stay sa regional area, if ever.
Posts: 831Member
Joined: Oct 24, 2016
I'm under a 489 visa, which is the one na pinalitan ng 491 visa. Ang PR pathway ng 489 visa is the 887 visa. Naglodge ako ng application for the 887 visa the day after I complied with the 489 visa requirements. Once you lodge a PR visa application and you are onshore, you will be given a bridging visa. The bridging visa takes effect as soon as the 489 visa expires kung hindi pa granted yung PR visa. Pwede na lumipat to live and work anywhere in Australia once the bridging visa becomes active. Hindi na kailangan antayin ma-grant yung PR. Baka ganyan din yung 491 to 191 visa.
Joined: Jul 16, 2021
@maguero Thanks po for the response! Medyo nagka hope naman ako sa mga inputs nnyo. Hehe
Posts: 249Member
Joined: May 29, 2018
Yep no work restriction ang 491 kaya pwede magwork yung hubby mo. Entitled din sa Medicare ang 491 visa holders. May requirement lang yung 191 para makapagapply kayo. 1) You need to at least have 53k annual income for 3 consecutive years 2) You need to live in designated regional place for 3 years. Not sure kung meron pang ibang requirements, you may check the immi website for more info.
Master of Software Engineering
Jun 2018 Started AU Dreams
Aug 2018 Started inquiring about Student Visa pathway - AECC Global and KOKOS International
30-Aug-18 Got an offer with a full scholarship from Macquarie University Course: Master of Information Technology | Application Date: August 20, 2018
14-Sep-18 Got a conditional offer from Deakin University | Course: Grad Cert + Master IT | Application Date: August 20, 2018
10-Oct-18 1st PTE-A Exam
15-Oct-18 Got a full offer from Deakin University
20-Nov-18 Tuition Fee Payment
23-Nov-18 Received CoE from Deakin University
27-Nov-18 Insurance Payment (Medibank)
29-Nov-18 Medical at St Luke's BGC | Health Clearance Provided - No Actions Required
12-Dec-18 Student Visa lodgement
14-Dec-18 CO asked an additional de facto documents (Evidence of same home address)
19-Dec-18 Uploaded all documents to immi portal (Waiting time!!!)
02-Jan-19 Visa Grant!
Jun 2019 IT Grad Cert completed at Deakin Uni
Aug 2019 First Day in Uni Adelaide
Posts: 249Member
Joined: May 29, 2018
You can use the same email address and there's no limit to submitting EOIs.
Master of Software Engineering
Jun 2018 Started AU Dreams
Aug 2018 Started inquiring about Student Visa pathway - AECC Global and KOKOS International
30-Aug-18 Got an offer with a full scholarship from Macquarie University Course: Master of Information Technology | Application Date: August 20, 2018
14-Sep-18 Got a conditional offer from Deakin University | Course: Grad Cert + Master IT | Application Date: August 20, 2018
10-Oct-18 1st PTE-A Exam
15-Oct-18 Got a full offer from Deakin University
20-Nov-18 Tuition Fee Payment
23-Nov-18 Received CoE from Deakin University
27-Nov-18 Insurance Payment (Medibank)
29-Nov-18 Medical at St Luke's BGC | Health Clearance Provided - No Actions Required
12-Dec-18 Student Visa lodgement
14-Dec-18 CO asked an additional de facto documents (Evidence of same home address)
19-Dec-18 Uploaded all documents to immi portal (Waiting time!!!)
02-Jan-19 Visa Grant!
Jun 2019 IT Grad Cert completed at Deakin Uni
Aug 2019 First Day in Uni Adelaide
Joined: Mar 10, 2016
First of all, it’s too early to decide on what visa to apply for. Just be confined for now that you have 3 visa options - 189,190 and 491. Your focus should be your skills assessment application as this is your make and break. Between now and until you’re ready to lodge your EOI, a lot of things can change in terms. Hence this is when you become strategic and decide to choose ideally which visa to express interest for. Usually I still keep things open for my clients at this point and discuss with them which state are open to nominate and which one (based on previous experience on other cases) are likely to select you to apply for their state/regional nomination application.
Things can be overwhelming right now. You’ll find the more you research the more you realise it’s not a straightforward process so make sure you allocate sufficient time to research and that the info you’re getting would be the most uptodate process. E cause like I said, things change so quickly.
Hope that helps…good luck
Joined: Sep 15, 2019
Hi po. Mataagal na po ako nghihintay ng 189 but unfortunately wala pa rin. Napapaisip na mag 491. May mga tanong po ako sana may makasagot. Thank you so much.
1. Ano po ba ang benefits ng 491? I mean in terms of medicare, centrelink, child care/school subsidy meron na po ba?
2. Malaki po ba chance na ma PR after three years? ang requirement lang is be able to meet the min. annual taxable salary and ngstay sa regional area for three years?
Is it wise to grab 491 invite now than wait for 189? Thank you
Joined: Jul 16, 2021
@hikari @RheaMARN1171933 thanks po for your inputs!
@gyoza It seems based sa inputs nila mas possible mas mabilis nga si 491. Looking at processing times din sa site, around 90% nga applications ni 189 can take 33 months, compared sa 12 months ni 491.
However, Ms. Rhea is right na things can change at any given time. Sa side ko, nasa start pa lang ako sa process so focus muna on skills assessment. But when the time comes na mag lodge ng EOI, possible mag 491 nga kami.
Good luck to us all!
Joined: Mar 10, 2016
That’s correct, likely a 491…it’s been that way even before pandemic but I wouldn’t still rule out other visas for now
Posts: 249Member
Joined: May 29, 2018
Kung ako po nasa kalagayan nyo, ttry ko po muna mag ROI/EOI ng 491. Wala naman po mawawala kung maglolodge po kayo Mas maganda mag take action now na than later at baka manghinayang kayo sa oras na masayang. Malay nyo naman po, mauna nyo mareceive yung 189. Kung hindi man, at least may other option pa din kayo makapunta dito if ever maoffer-an kayo ng 491.
Master of Software Engineering
Jun 2018 Started AU Dreams
Aug 2018 Started inquiring about Student Visa pathway - AECC Global and KOKOS International
30-Aug-18 Got an offer with a full scholarship from Macquarie University Course: Master of Information Technology | Application Date: August 20, 2018
14-Sep-18 Got a conditional offer from Deakin University | Course: Grad Cert + Master IT | Application Date: August 20, 2018
10-Oct-18 1st PTE-A Exam
15-Oct-18 Got a full offer from Deakin University
20-Nov-18 Tuition Fee Payment
23-Nov-18 Received CoE from Deakin University
27-Nov-18 Insurance Payment (Medibank)
29-Nov-18 Medical at St Luke's BGC | Health Clearance Provided - No Actions Required
12-Dec-18 Student Visa lodgement
14-Dec-18 CO asked an additional de facto documents (Evidence of same home address)
19-Dec-18 Uploaded all documents to immi portal (Waiting time!!!)
02-Jan-19 Visa Grant!
Jun 2019 IT Grad Cert completed at Deakin Uni
Aug 2019 First Day in Uni Adelaide
Joined: Sep 15, 2019
Hi po. Thank you for input! Actually po nag ROI na ako sa 491 (SA) and ngemail na sila. Im buying time to submit sa last day. Sinasagad ko kumbaga, hoping mapaabot ko pa until April invitation round (hoping pa for 189). Nsa Adelaide na pala kayo wow! 491 visa po? Hindi ba mahirap mghanap ng work? I am a Chemical Engineer, asawa ko Mechanical Engineer. If you dont mind, ano pong field kayo?
Joined: Sep 15, 2019
Thank you! In terms of success rate ng temp. to PR transition, mataas ba chance? Kasi iniisip ko intead of waiting for 189 na ang tagal tagal, parang maigi nakatapak ka na sa Australia.. and doon ka na mgexplorepa ng ibang pathway to PR.
Super thank you for all your insights!
Joined: Sep 15, 2019
Thank you for your insight. and God bless us all!
Posts: 831Member
Joined: Oct 24, 2016
Note lang na pag na-grant ang 491 visa mo you can't apply for any PR visa except for the 191 PR visa, when you become eligible for that. So hindi ka naman makaka-explore ng ibang pathway to PR once you get here. May direct pathway to PR ang 491 visa so wala rin naman need to explore other PR pathways.
Posts: 249Member
Joined: May 29, 2018
190 SA ako waiting for grant. Pero nagstudent pathway kasi ako. Developer Programmer yung occupation na ninominate ko.
Regarding your concern kung mataas rate ng transition to PR, I believe yes as long as mafulfill mo requirements. 491 visa is valid for 5 years and you only need 3 consecutive yrs for the annual income requirement and 53k annually is attainable as long as may fulltime work ka Knowing na ChE ka, mas malaki ang pwedeng maioffer sayo.
Kung makakadagdag to sa decision factor nyo, pwede nyo din icheck yung processing time ng 491 and 189. As of today, 491 has 77 days to 12 months processing time only while 189 might take 16 to 24 months.
Master of Software Engineering
Jun 2018 Started AU Dreams
Aug 2018 Started inquiring about Student Visa pathway - AECC Global and KOKOS International
30-Aug-18 Got an offer with a full scholarship from Macquarie University Course: Master of Information Technology | Application Date: August 20, 2018
14-Sep-18 Got a conditional offer from Deakin University | Course: Grad Cert + Master IT | Application Date: August 20, 2018
10-Oct-18 1st PTE-A Exam
15-Oct-18 Got a full offer from Deakin University
20-Nov-18 Tuition Fee Payment
23-Nov-18 Received CoE from Deakin University
27-Nov-18 Insurance Payment (Medibank)
29-Nov-18 Medical at St Luke's BGC | Health Clearance Provided - No Actions Required
12-Dec-18 Student Visa lodgement
14-Dec-18 CO asked an additional de facto documents (Evidence of same home address)
19-Dec-18 Uploaded all documents to immi portal (Waiting time!!!)
02-Jan-19 Visa Grant!
Jun 2019 IT Grad Cert completed at Deakin Uni
Aug 2019 First Day in Uni Adelaide
Joined: Mar 10, 2016
That data is likely for onshore applicants and won’t be applicable for offshore since very few to none have been invited to lodge.
Joined: Mar 10, 2016
Just to correct the term used, 491 isn’t a temporary visa, it’s a provisional visa which could lead to PR as long as criteria are met.
That’s another way of exploring things and likely what you’re referring to is a student visa. That’s the route I took many moons ago but it’s not something I will highly recommend given the fact that it is a very expensive pathway which does not guarantee anything. 491 would likely be a faster route vs 189….it has always been that way even prepandemic. I’ve had a few who came to me asking for options as their student pathway didn’t work in their favour….so be very careful with this approach. Yes you can set your feet to Australia sooner via student visa but it doesn’t mean it will be faster to get a permanent visa. There are those cases where one kept on studying just to stay in Australia then his/her friend entered Australia with a PR na. So in short, ilang years nag aaral yung isa tapos yung isa stayed in the home country, lodged a pr visa, worked as normal, was able to save money then visa granted, was able to migrate smoothly vs the other one still studying, stressed about options and savings being depleted tapos working odd jobs kasi can’t find normal jobs within his/her industry because of the work limitation of their visa. Moral lesson here is probably best to do things slowly but surely.
It’s possible rules and process could change by the time you finish your course and you’ll end up having to do further studies just to remain lawful noncitizen in Australia or you go back home because all options have been exhausted.
Posts: 255Member
Joined: Feb 17, 2020
Go for it!!!!
Joined: Sep 15, 2019
Thank you! Fighting!
Posts: 187Member
Joined: Mar 15, 2019
I'm in the same exact situation a few months ago. I am offshore and I lodged my EOI for 189,190 and 491 Family and State. I was also hoping and praying for 189. Unfortunately, I was invited for 491 Family Sponsored Visa last October 21, 2021.
Once invited, you will have maximum 60 days to lodged the visa while invitation round for 189 comes every 90 days. This is when I weighed my options. I asked myself if I can afford to let it pass and wait for the next rounds? What if I let it pass and never get an invite again? Could I live with the guilt and remorse for myself? But what If I get invited for 189 on the next round?
I thought about it hard. Then I remembered the frustations of hundreds of applicants in facebook
groups and forums. Some people are re-enrolling on a course just to prolong their student visa and people waiting for years for invites.
So I lodged our visa last Dec 8, 2021. Medicals on January 5, 2022. Direct Grant last February 15, 2022. BM on May.
They published the earliest processing time at 77 days. I got it in 69 days, and I'm offshore. My lucky number. 😆
So there goes mine, I hope this will help you decide or something. Weigh your options and assess your situation. Don't let go what you can't afford to lose. Remember that some would kill for what you have now.
By the way, I was invited again on the January 2022 rounds. Unfortunately, I already lodged our visa a month ago. Good thing, I was invited on the same old 491 FS again. So no hard feelings. 😊
234611 MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST
491 FS : 90 pts
Age: 30
Experience: 10
Degree: 15
English : 20
Sponsor: 15
Assessing Authority: AIMS
TIMELINE
25 June 2016 ----------- IELTS exam (L: 7.5 R: 8.5 W: 6.5 S: 6.5) 7.5 overall
25 February 2019 -----------Documents for First stage Assessment sent to AIMS through Philpost
4 March 2019 -----------Documents for First stage Assessment received by AIMS
3 May 2019 -----------First stage Assessment result received
5 September 2019 -----------Second Stage Assessment (Examination) in Riyadh
12 November 2019 -----------AIMS examination result received (Passed)
11 October 2020 -----------PTE exam (Superior R:90 S:90 L: 90 W:90) I can't believe this
12 October 2020 -----------EOI submitted (491, 190, 189)
14 November 2020 -----------EOI updated (+5 points due to additional experience)
29 October 2021 ------------EOI for visa 491 Family Sponsored invited. I was aiming for 189 but I can't let this pass. Its
now or never. Passport used for EOI expired.
6 December 2021 -----------Passport renewed
8 December 2021 -----------491 Visa lodged
5 January 2022 -----------Medicals
15 February 2022 ------------ VISA GRANTED! Family of 6 - Direct grant.
A long journey, but a longer journey ahead. Keep the faith!
Joined: Jul 25, 2020
Regarding po sa pag file ng ROI. Pwede po ba na mag file ng ROI for both 491 and 190 from the same state, let say NSW. Thanks po sa sasagot.
Joined: Sep 15, 2019
Thank you for your insight. We were invited na for 491 (State sponsored) and we plan to push it na and not wait for 189..na wala din nmn guarantee. True ksi un mga PTEs, assessments are expiring na din this 4Q. so need na tlg ipush whichever comes first. tadhana na. Good luck to us!
Joined: Sep 15, 2019
Super swerte ang bilis ng grant? Sorry not familiar with the term BM. biometrics? hehe.
Joined: Sep 15, 2019
Ang bilis ng visa grant! congrats! By the way, what is BM? biometrics?
Posts: 314Member
Joined: Jun 23, 2021
BM po, Big Move to AU.
POINTS BREAKDOWN and JOB CODE
Age : 25 | Education : 15 | Work : 5 | English PTE : 20 | Partner : 5
ANZSCO Code : Computer Network and Systems Engineer (263111)
Points : 70/75/85
Applicant : Husband
Location : Qatar
TIMELINE
2023
XXX-XX-2023 - 491 NSW Visa Grant
September 27, 2023 - Attached Cover Letter and Clicked "I confirm" button.
September 21, 2023 - Attached required Form 1229
September 14, 2023 - Received CO Contact/S56 (Form 1229)
June 2023 - Medicals Cleared
May 20, 2023 - Medical Physical Check up
May 15, 2023 - Medical Laboratory Tests
May 11, 2023 - Biometrics
May 05, 2023 - Lodged Visa 491 NSW (85 pts)
April 2023 - Philippines NBI and Qatar PCC
March 17, 2023 - 491 NSW (RDA Illawara) State Nomination Approval and ITA from Skillselect
February 14, 2023 - RDA Application to Illawara (NSW 491)
2022
December 2022 - EOI (NSW 190 and 491)
November 2022 - EOI (SA 491, WA 491, and VIC 190)
November 2022 - 3rd PTE Exam - Applicant - Superior
November 2022 - 2nd PTE Exam - Applicant - Proficient
October 2022 : 1st PTE Exam - Applicant - Proficient
October 2022 : PTE Exam - Dependent - Proficient
September 2022 : Review for PTE
August 2022 : ACS Result - Positive - Suitable for Migration
June 2022 : ACS Application Submitted
March 2022 : Signed Service Agreement with our Migration Agent
"Until it's my turn, I will keep clapping for others."
Posts: 972Member
Joined: Sep 11, 2016
I was invited for 491 back in Feb 2020, lodged in April and granted Oct 2020. Mabagal grant saken because it was the peak of COVID and inuuna nila nurses. In my personal case, I was glad that I lodged it back then at hindi ako choosy kasi I would never know na by April 2020, hindi na sila mag iinvite ng Electronics engineers until now. I lodged with a total of 95 pts back then, pero kahit ngayon ako maglodge with 105 pts, no chance na mainvite ako at all. Kung hindi ko tinake 491 I would be stuck in a student visa pa rin hanggang ngayon and extend lang ng extend. Glad na hindi ako choosy back then and immediately took what I could. Almost halfway na ako sa 3 yr regional stay requirement - ang bilis lang ng panahon. Tip now is take whatever you get.
233411 Electronics Engineer (Age-30, Educ-15,English proficiency-20, NAATI - 5, Single, - 10 Relative sponsorship - 15)
95 pts total
2017
June 3, 2017 = Graduated from College
July 8, 2017 = Took IELTS GT
July 21, 2017 = received IELTS results (LRWS = 8/9/7.5/7)
August 11, 2017 = Lodged EA assessment (Fast track)
September 6, 2017 = Received positive EA assessment, lodged EOI (489 Family sponsored - 60 pts)
September 21, 2017 = Took PTE exam
September 22, 2017 = Received PTE results (LRSW- 90/90/90/90), lodged 189 EOI (60 pts), updated 489 FS EOI (70 pts)
September 26, 2017 = Lodged 190 EOI (NSW) 65 pts
2018
1 year wait... still no EOI invite. Decided to pursue student visa instead
Course: Cert IV and Diploma - Work Health and Safety (DNA Kingston)
October 15, 2018 = offer letter from school
November 8, 2018 = Medical exam (St. Lukes)
November 20, 2018 = Paid for tuition
Novemeber 28, 2018 = Received COE
December 2, 2018 = Lodged visa, after 1 min, granted!
2019
Feb 4 2019 = arrived to Perth
2020
Jan 2020 = Age increased to 30 pts
Jan 20 2020 = Took NAATI
Jan 26 2020 = Results for NAATI (passed) +5 pts
Jan 27 2020 = lodged EOI 491 Family
Feb 10 2020 = invited finally!
Oct 8 2020 = 491 granted
2023
Oct 8 2023 = 191 Lodged
Oct 30 2023 = 191 granted