• State requirements for 491 visa

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State Nomination Requirements for Subclass 491 Visa (2025-26 Year)

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa allows points-tested skilled workers and their families to live, study and work in designated regional areas for a period of 5 years.

Pathway to PR

If you are granted a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191) visa, which provides permanent residence and the right to live and work anywhere in Australia.

State and Territory nominated visa allocations (2024 – 2025)

Following consultation with States and Territories, the following nomination levels have been allocated for 2024-25 and comparison to the previous financial year:

State190 visa491 visaTotal(2024-25)Application Status
NT800 (+550)800 (+400)1,600 (+950)√
NSW3,000 (+350)2,000 (+500)5,000 (+850)X
ACT1,000 (+400)800 (+200)1,800 (+600)√
WA3,000 (+1,500)2,000 (+1,150)5,000 (+3,000)X
TAS2,100 (+1,500)760 (+160)2,860 (+1,660)X
VIC3,000 (+300)2,000 (+1,400)5,000 (+1,700)X
QLD600 (-300)600 (-50)1,200 (-350)X
SA3,000 (+1,900)800 (-400)3,800 (+1,500)√
(X: Migration Program or Stream currently CLOSED)
Summary of the State Requirements for the 491 visa

Key summary

  NSW VIC ACT WA NT QLD TAS SA
Residence
Local Employment
Offshore invite
Fees (AUD)

Victoria – State Nomination criteria – Subclass 491

Basic requirements

  • be committed to living and working in regional Victoria
  • be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination
  • have at least Competent English
  • have a valid Skills Assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list
  • have achieved at least 65 points on the Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
  • submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) and be selected

Further eligibility requirements

Residence (Regional Victoria)

You must be living in regional Victoria

  • Some outer suburbs of Melbourne are considered regional for the purposes of migration by the Australian’s Government’s Department of Home Affairs. For example, the Mornington Peninsula, Pakenham and Geelong are considered designated regional areas of Victoria for migration purposes.
  • You can find information about the designated regional areas on the Department of Home Affairs website.
  • We make case-by-case exceptions for those living in border communities.

The conditions of the subclass 491 visa require you, and any dependent applicants, to live, work, and study in a designated regional area.

Employment

  • You must be working in skilled employment for an employer physically located in regional Victoria.
    • A business using a virtual office or proxy office is not considered as physically located in regional Victoria.
  • You must provide an estimate of your annual earnings in your ROI. Your earnings must be from skilled employment in regional Victoria.
  • Your employment does not have to be related to or the same as your nominated occupation.
  • There is no minimum requirement for hours worked.
  • If you are not working, working in non-skilled employment, or working for an employer who is not physically located in regional Victoria, you are not eligible to apply for nomination.

Living overseas – Offshore applicants

Residence

If you are living overseas (offshore), you are eligible to apply for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) visa nomination.

Once you are granted the subclass 491 visa you will be required to relocate to regional Victoria.

The conditions of the subclass 491 visa require you, and any dependent applicants, to live, work, and study in a designated regional area.

Employment

If you are living overseas, you are not required to claim earnings in your ROI.

Skills assessment

Your nominated occupation must be on the eligible skilled occupation list for this visa.

  • Your nominated occupation in your Skills Assessment must match your Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Department of Home Affairs.
  • When you submit your nomination application, we require that your Skills Assessment have at least 12 weeks validity remaining. This ensures we have enough time to assess your nomination application. We cannot nominate you if your Skills Assessment has expired.
Registration of Interest
  • Your Registration of Interest (ROI) must be selected by us before you can apply for skilled visa nomination.
  • If you have submitted a ROI but have not received an email inviting you to apply for Victorian nomination, you cannot apply.
  • There is no guarantee that your ROI will be selected. View our Registration of Interest page for more information on our selection considerations.
  • The information you provide as part of your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Department of Home Affairs, will be used in the assessment of your ROI. This means we will only be asking a few questions for your ROI. It is important that you keep your SkillSelect EOI up to date, including years of experience in your nominated occupation and where you are currently living.
  • You will be required to ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria at the time of application if your ROI is selected.
Age

You must be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination.

English language
  • You must have at least Competent English.
  • When you submit your nomination application, we require that your English test have at least 12 weeks validity remaining. This ensures we have enough time to assess your nomination application. We cannot nominate you if your English test has expired.
Points
  • You must have at least 65 points on the Australian Government’s points test, including the 15 points for state and territory nomination.
Commitment to Victoria
  • You must be committed to living in a designated regional area of Victoria.
  • State nomination cannot be transferred from one state to another.
Declaration form

If you are nominated, you must meet the nomination obligations that you signed in the declaration form.

Commitment to Victoria

You must be committed to living and working in regional Victoria. State nomination cannot be transferred from one state to another. You will be required to demonstrate that you are committed to living and working in regional Victoria through your employment and residence.

Surveys

If you are nominated, we will contact you at various times.

In the declaration form, you agree to complete surveys if requested by, or on behalf of the Victorian Government, including a survey upon arrival and at six monthly intervals for the three years after visa grant or arrival in Australia.

These surveys are a condition of nomination. They provide us important feedback on our client services and policy settings.

Department of Home Affairs and SkillSelect

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for all visa matters. This includes granting visas once you have been nominated by the Victorian Government and have submitted your visa application. Please check the subclass 491 visa processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs.

All SkillSelect and EOI issues should also be directed to the Department of Home Affairs.

Can my employer or family member represent me as an agent for Victorian nomination?

No, you cannot appoint an agent to act on your behalf if there are personal, financial or other interests that could, or could be seen to, influence their representation of you.

If a conflict of interest is identified during the application assessment, the Appointment of Agent will be deemed invalid, and the application may be refused.

Nomination application fees

Victorian Registration of Interest (ROI) and nomination are free of charge. When you submit your visa application with the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, you will need to pay the visa fee.

Changes to eligibility requirements

All visa nomination eligibility requirements and priorities are subject to change throughout the year without notice.

Any changes made are effective immediately, regardless of when your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) was submitted (or amended). We strongly discourage changing your circumstances to meet the visa nomination criteria.

Related:

Am I eligible for a 491 visa?

Victoria – State Nomination criteria – Subclass 190

Basic requirements

  • be committed to living and working in regional Victoria
  • be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination
  • have at least Competent English
  • have a valid Skills Assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list
  • have achieved at least 65 points on the Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
  • submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) and be selected

Further eligibility requirements

Residence 

If you are living in Australia (onshore) you must be living in Victoria. We will not be selecting Registration of Interests (ROIs) from onshore applicants living in Australian states and territories other than Victoria. We do make some case-by-case exceptions for those living in border communities.

Employment

  • If you are living in Victoria and work in skilled employment for an employer physically located in Victoria, you can provide an estimate of your annual earnings in your ROI. A business using a virtual office or proxy office is not considered as physically located in Victoria. Your employment does not have to be related to or the same as your nominated occupation, but your earnings must be from skilled employment in Victoria. View Annual earnings estimation guide for information on skilled employment and what you can and cannot claim.
  • If you are not working, working in non-skilled employment, or working for an employer not physically located in Victoria, you are still eligible to apply for nomination, but you are not eligible to claim earnings in your ROI.

Living overseas – Offshore applicants

Residence

If you are living overseas (offshore), you are eligible to apply for Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa nomination. You must be committed to living in Victoria.

Employment

If you are living overseas, you are not required to claim earnings in your ROI.

Skills assessment
  • You must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the Australian Government’s eligible skilled occupation list for the visa.
  • Your nominated occupation in your Skills Assessment must match your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Department of Home Affairs.
  • When you submit your nomination application, we require that your Skills Assessment has at least 12 weeks validity remaining. This ensures we have enough time to assess your nomination application. We cannot nominate you if your Skills Assessment has expired.
  • For Health professionals, your occupation must be consistent with your Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration.
Registration of Interest
  • To be invited to apply for Victorian visa nomination, you must submit an ROI.
  • Your ROI must be selected by us before you can apply for skilled visa nomination. An ROI is not an application for Victorian visa nomination. There is no guarantee that your ROI will be selected.
Age

You must be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination. This is a Department of Home Affairs requirement.

English language
  • You must have at least Competent English.
  • When you submit your nomination application, we require that your English test have at least 12 weeks validity remaining. This ensures we have enough time to assess your nomination application. We cannot nominate you if your English test has expired.
Points
  • You must have at least 65 points on the Australian Government’s points test, including the 15 points for state and territory nomination.
Commitment to Victoria
  • You must be committed to living in Victoria.
  • State nomination cannot be transferred from one state to another.
Declaration form

If you are nominated, you must meet the nomination obligations that you signed in the declaration form.

Commitment to Victoria

You must be committed to living and working in regional Victoria. State nomination cannot be transferred from one state to another. You will be required to demonstrate that you are committed to living and working in regional Victoria through your employment and residence.

Surveys

If you are nominated, we will contact you at various times.

In the declaration form, you agree to complete surveys if requested by, or on behalf of the Victorian Government, including a survey upon arrival and at six monthly intervals for the three years after visa grant or arrival in Australia.

These surveys are a condition of nomination. They provide us important feedback on our client services and policy settings.

Department of Home Affairs and SkillSelect

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for all visa matters. This includes granting visas once you have been nominated by the Victorian Government and have submitted your visa application. Please check the subclass 491 visa processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs.

All SkillSelect and EOI issues should also be directed to the Department of Home Affairs.

Can my employer or family member represent me as an agent for Victorian nomination?

No, you cannot appoint an agent to act on your behalf if there are personal, financial or other interests that could, or could be seen to, influence their representation of you.

If a conflict of interest is identified during the application assessment, the Appointment of Agent will be deemed invalid, and the application may be refused.

Nomination application fees

Victorian Registration of Interest (ROI) and nomination are free of charge. When you submit your visa application with the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs, you will need to pay the visa fee.

Changes to eligibility requirements

All visa nomination eligibility requirements and priorities are subject to change throughout the year without notice.

Any changes made are effective immediately, regardless of when your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) was submitted (or amended). We strongly discourage changing your circumstances to meet the visa nomination criteria.

Related:

Am I eligible for a 491 visa?

Australian Capital Territory – State Nomination criteria – Subclass 491

Basic requirements

  • be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination
  • have at least Competent English
  • have a valid Skills Assessment in an occupation on the MLTSSL occupation list or STSOL occupation list
  • submit a Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and achieved at least 65 points
  • submit a Canberra Matrix and be selected
Step 1 – Meet the ACT nomination eligibility criteria

Canberra residents – 491 nomination


ACT Resident Pathway:

You must meet one of the following:

  • Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List;
  • You are the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer. You worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for the sponsoring ACT employer for the last six months. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
  • You are the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and you are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category. Your nominated occupation does not have to be on the ACT Critical Skills List if it is on the relevant Department of Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
    • The following business types are not eligible: sub tenancy, ride-share, taxi, delivery, courier services, or an on-sold business previously used to qualify for ACT nomination.
Residence in Canberra: 

You lived in Canberra for at least three months at date of Canberra Matrix submission and continue to do so until the date of invitation. Your bank statements / transaction history must record ACT banking activity for this period. You may also live within a 30-minute commuting distance in NSW e.g., Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, and Googong.

Employment in Canberra:

You worked in Canberra for at least 13 weeks. You can work for more than one employer, be self-employed, and/or be a Small Business Owner. Employment types can be combined, provided you meet the criteria for each and that you meet the overall hourly or earnings requirements as expressed below.

  • Employee
  1. You worked a minimum of 15 hours per week in at least 13 out of the 15 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission. Your payslips and bank statements / transaction history must record the income / salary payments (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) for the claimed period of employment.
  2. You work in a genuine position in accordance with Australian terms and conditions of employment. Your weekly income is no less than the relevant award or market salary rate. Unpaid employment such as internships, stipends, scholarships, and volunteer positions, are not eligible.
  3. Employer statutory declaration : your employer MUST declare that you are employed in a genuine position in accordance with Australian legislation. If you are working for a large organisation, the statutory declaration may be signed by your manager or direct supervisor.
  4. If you are working in Canberra for an interstate employer, there must be a genuine reason for why you are based in Canberra. You cannot be working online, or from a home office.
  • Self-employed and you are not claiming Matrix points as a Small Business Owner:
  1. Your total (taxable) income is at least $520 pw in at least 13 out of the 15 weeks before Canberra Matrix submission.
  2. You have at least 12 months ACT business activity on your ABN.
  3. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming your ABN, location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties, and annual income.
  • Small Business Owner:
  1. You are eligible to claim Canberra Matrix points in the Small Business Owner Category.
  2. You MUST sign a statutory declaration confirming the details of your business activity, including your ABN, how many people you employ (and for how long), location of ACT business, start date of ACT business activity, duties and annual income.
English: 

You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent‘ English unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority.

Commitment to Canberra: 

You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least two years from date of visa grant.

If you have a Spouse / Partner, they must be a resident in Canberra for at least three months or living overseas.

  • To claim any Matrix points for your spouse or partner you must have proof of the relationship: either a marriage certificate, civil partnership/union certificate, or VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) secondary applicant status for yourself or spouse/partner. The document must be dated before the Matrix is submitted. We do not accept a de facto relationship without a relationship certificate.
  • When claiming Matrix points in the spouse / partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport.
Service fee: $300

Your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility to apply for ACT nomination and any Matrix score claimed.

Overseas applicant – 491 nomination

Nominated occupation:

Your nominated occupation is on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.

Relevant overseas work experience:

You have at least one year full time, post graduate work experience in your nominated occupation in the last five years. The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body in your points tested skill assessment (if the points advice service is provided by the assessing body).

  • Your skills and experience in the nominated occupation are relevant to the ACT economy.
  • If required, you hold the relevant Australian registration or licence for your nominated occupation.
English: 

You meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority.

ACT employability: 

You have researched the ACT labour market and you are satisfied that you are employable in Canberra and that your background is relevant to the ACT economy. Please note, you may not be eligible to apply for positions within the Australian Government due to citizenship / security clearance requirements.

  • You must attach an employment statement explaining the research undertaken and confirming that you are employable in Canberra. The statement should include recent job vacancies you are eligible for.
Commitment to Canberra:

You have researched Canberra and you are committed to living in the ACT.

  • You must attach a commitment statement to the application, explaining in your own words why you want to live in Canberra.
  • You must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra for at least two years from the date of arrival in Australia.
Residency: 

You and any migrating dependents (except children enrolled at school in the ACT):

  • are living overseas.
  • have not lived in Australia for the last 12 months.
  • do not hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa) with the exception of an Australian visitor visa.
Settlement funds:

You have access to sufficient money to fund your migration and settlement in Canberra.

If you have a Spouse / Partner and you wish to claim Canberra Matrix points in a spouse or partner category:

  • You must have proof of the relationship: either a marriage certificate or civil partnership/union certificate. For ACT nomination purposes, we do not accept a de facto relationship without a relationship certificate unless you cannot legally obtain a relationship certificate in your country of residence.
  • When claiming Matrix points in the spouse / partner employment category, they must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement for ‘competent’ English; or hold an Australian passport.
Service fee: $300

Your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility to apply for ACT nomination and any Matrix score claimed.

Related:

WA State nomination under 491 visa

WA state nomination for 491 visa is currently open.

Migration WA has made significant temporary changes to its skilled state nomination program criteria, including:

  • new occupations added to the eligible lists
  • waiving the $200 application fee
  • halving the requirement to have an employment contract from 12 months to six months
  • reducing requirements for applicants to demonstrate sufficient funds
  • removing additional English requirements for professional and manager
  • occupations, and
  • reducing work experience requirements for the 2022-23 program year to 6 months

The 2022-23 WA state nomination requirements have now been released. The WA migration program has expanded the graduate occupation list for the graduate stream with now over 300 occupations.

There are two streams under which WA state nominations are issues: General Stream and Graduate Stream. Depending on which lists your occupation falls into, you must apply under the suitable stream.

General Stream Eligibility

  • Occupation must be in the General Stream occupational list.
  • Must be residing in Australia;
  • Meet language requirement. This requirement depends on of occupation group.
    • ANZSCO Group 1 and 2: Proficient – IELTS Level 7
    • All other eligible occupations: Competent – IELTS Level 6
  • Must have at least one year of Australian work experience in the nominated (or closely related) occupation over the last 10 years or at least three years of overseas work experience in the nominated (or closely related) occupation over the last 10 years.
  • Must have a genuine full-time job offer in Western Australia in your nominated occupation for at least 12 months.
  • Have sufficient settlement funds if you are not residing in Western Australia.

Graduate Stream Eligibility

  • Occupation must be in the Graduate Stream occupational list.
  • Must be residing in Australia;
  • Meet language requirement. This requirement depends on of occupation group.
    • ANZSCO Group 1 and 2: Proficient – IELTS Level 7
    • All other eligible occupations: Competent – IELTS Level 6
  • At least two years study in Western Australia.
  • Must have at least 6 months works experience in the nominated occupation or have a six month contract of employment in your nominated (or closely related) occupation in Western Australia.
  • Have sufficient settlement funds if you are not residing in Western Australia.

Occupations marked as ‘regional Western Australia only’

  • Candidates nominating a regional occupation must provide evidence of a job offer/contract of employment in a location defined by the Commonwealth as Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas
  • Regional Postcodes
    • 6041 to 6044, 6084, 6207, 6213, 6215 to 6537, and 6560 to 6770

Related:

NT 491 nomination criteria

Onshore applications for Northern Territory nomination under the General Skilled Migration program can now be lodged through the online application system. Offshore applications remain closed while the national border restrictions stay in place.

Related:

QLD 491 nomination criteria

Migration Queensland has opened its state nominated skilled migration program for 2023-24.  As with all states and territories Queensland had received a significantly reduced allocation of places for this program year.

Queensland will begin inviting selected applicants from the end of this month and hold invitation rounds at the end of each month – ensuring an evenly spread workload throughout the program year.

Related:

NSW 491 nomination criteria (2025-26)

491 Pathway 1 – Apply if you’re currently employed with a regional NSW employer

EMPLOYMENT – Your qualifying skilled employment in the six months immediately before applying must be:

  • In your nominated (or closely related) occupation; and
  • With the same regional NSW-based employer; and
  • Paid a minimum of the TSMIT/CSIT salary rate from your qualifying employer in your nominated (or closely related) occupation at the time of applying.

RESIDENCY – There is no residency requirement for nomination under Pathway 1.

491 Pathway 2 – Be invited to apply by Investment NSW (exceptionally competitive)

OCCUPATION – Be skilled in an occupation that is:

RESIDENCY – You must meet one of following criteria:

  • Working in NSW in your nominated occupation; or
  • Residing in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or
  • Residing offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months.

491 Pathway 3 – Apply if you recently graduated from a Regional NSW institution

STUDY for Pathway 3 must meet the following criteria:

  • Completed entirely at an institution located in a designated regional area of NSW.
  • Completed at the bachelor’s level or higher.
  • The study must be related to your nominated occupation.
  • Have been completed within the 2 years immediately before applying for NSW nomination; and
  • Qualifies you to claim points for ‘Study in regional Australia’ – these points must be claimed from a single course and appear in your EOI.

OCCUPATION – Be skilled in an occupation that is:

RESIDENCY for Pathway 3 – You must meet one of following criteria:

  • Working in NSW in your nominated occupation; or
  • Residing in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of three months; or
  • Residing offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of three months.

Related:

491 NSW Pathways

Am I eligible for a 491 visa?

TAS 491 nomination criteria (2025-26)

Nomination options for skilled migrants
1. Skilled Workers and Graduates living in Tasmania

Nomination Pathways

  • Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathways (TSE)
  • Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathways (TSG)
  • Tasmanian Established Resident Pathways (TER)
  • Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway (TBO)

 2. Skilled Workers living overseas

Nomination Pathways

  • Subclass 190 Overseas Applicant (Health or Education Sector Job Offer) Pathway
  • Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles – Invitation Only Pathway

Related:

491 TER – Minimum requirements

  • You must have lived in Tasmania for at least the last two years, with no more than 50 per cent of your total Australian residence period spent in other Australian states or territories, and either:
    • be working in a role that paid at least $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour (excluding overtime penalties, bonuses or casual loading), with at least 6 months of work in the last year (minimum 20 hours/week).
    • a role that paid at least the National Minimum Wage but less than $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour , with at least 12 months of work in the last 18 months (minimum 20 hours/week).

491 TER – Priority attributes

The following attributes are used to rank Registrations of Interest. Only the most competitive candidates are invited to apply for nomination.

To qualify for gold, green or orange-plus priority attributes, your employment must meet the $57,000/year or $28.85/hour salary threshold (excluding overtime, penalty rates or casual loading).

Candidates with at least one orange-plus priority attribute are considered a high priority. After Gold and Green pass holders, they will be the first Orange pass candidates invited to apply for nomination.

GOLD Points
You have a skills assessment in health, allied health, or teaching, and have worked in a directly related job for the last three months, earning at least $57,000 per year (or a base rate of $28.85 per hour). 1000
GREEN Points
You have been employed in Tasmania for the past 18 months in a role directly related to your skills assessment, earning at least $57,000 per year (or a base rate of $28.85 per hour). 500
You have been employed in Tasmania for the past nine, but less than 18 months, in a role directly related to your skills assessment, earning at least $57,000 per year (or a base rate of $28.85 per hour). 300
ORANGE PLUS Points
Your employment has a base salary of at least $102,956 per year, or $52.10 per hour, and you have received this for the past 12 weeks. 40
ORANGE Points
Your employment has a base salary of at least $76,515 per year or $38.72 per hour but less than $102,956 per year, or $52.10 per hour, and you have received this for the past 12 weeks. 23
You have been employed in Tasmania for at least the past three months but less than nine months in a role directly related to your skills assessment, earning a base salary of at least $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour). 15
Your employment has a base salary of at least $68,863 per year ($34.85 per hour) but less than $76,515 per year ($38.72 per hour), and you have received this for the last 12 weeks. 15
You have been employed in Tasmania for longer than the last   two years, in a role that is not related to your skills assessment, earning a base salary of at least $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour). 12
You have been employed in Tasmania for longer than the last nine months, but less than two years, in a role that is not related to your skills assessment, earning a base salary of at least $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour). 9
You have been employed in Tasmania for the past three to nine months in a role that is not related to your skills assessment, earning a base salary of at least $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour). 8
You have operated your business in Tasmania for at least the last 3 years 5
You have been employed for the last six months but less than 12 months in a role that is directly related to your skills assessment or Tasmanian study (minimum Certificate III), that paid more than the National Minimum Wage but less than $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour). 4
You have lived in Tasmania continuously for five years or more 4
Your spouse has been employed in Tasmania for the past six months in a role that paid at least $57,000 per year, or a base rate of $28.85 per hour. 3
Your Tasmanian qualification at AQF Level 5 or above is directly related to an occupation in health, allied health, or education. 3
You have lived in Tasmania continuously for at least four but less than five years 3
You are employed in the same industry as your skills assessment or minimum Certificate III Tasmanian study and are paid at least the National Minimum Wage. 2
You have lived in Tasmania continuously for at least three years but less than four years. 2
You have Proficient / Superior English, or you have an exemption to the English language requirements based on your passport country. 1
Your spouse has completed a minimum AQF Level 6 qualification through a Tasmanian education provider, undertaken in Tasmania. 1
You have not lived or studied in any other part of Australia outside Tasmania. 1

491 TSE – Minimum requirements

  • If you are working in a role that pays at least $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour (excluding overtime, penalties, bonuses or casual loading)
    • You must have been working in Tasmania for at least nine months immediately before applying.
    • You must have worked an average of at least 20 hours per week over the nine-month period immediately before you lodge your application.
    • You must currently be living in Tasmania and intend to continue living in Tasmania.
    • Your dependents must not be living in another Australian state or territory.
      • If self-employed or a contractor, you need:
        • a relevant skills assessment, and
        • at least 12 months of business activity in Tasmania.
    • There must be a genuine, ongoing need for your role (including a minimum 12-month contract with at least three months remaining at the time you apply for nomination).
    • If your job is not related to your skills assessment, you must have relevant qualifications or experience aligned with the Occupational Standards Classification for Australia (OSCA) definition for the role.
    • Your job does not need to match your skills assessment (unless you are  self-employed or a contractor.
    • You must genuinely intend to remain employed in Tasmania in your current industry for at least two years after nomination.
  • If you are working in a role that paid less than $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour, but at least the National Minimum Wage :
    • You must have worked in Tasmania for at least 12 months
    • You must have worked an average 20 hours per week in the 12 months before you applied for nomination.
    • You must currently be living in Tasmania and intend to continue living in Tasmania.
    • Your dependents must not be living in another Australian state or territory.
    • You must genuinely intend to remain employed in your current industry for at least two years after nomination.
    • Your employer must provide a statement confirming severe recruitment difficulty, including efforts made to fill the role locally.
    • If the role is not related to your skills assessment, you must have relevant qualifications or experience aligned with the OSCA definition for the role.
    • Your employer must confirm in writing that there are genuine career advancement opportunities for you.
    • If you are self-employed ort a subcontractor, you need
    • a skills assessment directly related to the role or industry you are working in, and
    • at least 12 months of business activity in Tasmania.
  • Your employer must be a well-established business that has been actively operating in Tasmania for the past 12 months.
  • Your wages and conditions must be no less favourable than those that would apply to an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and salary or wages are at least equivalent to the market salary rate.
  • There must be a genuine, ongoing need for your position within the business (including a minimum 12-month contract with at least three months remaining at the time you apply for nomination). The contract may be casual, but must comply with the Fair Work Ombudsman’s National Employment Standards.

491 TSE – Priority attributes

The following attributes are used to rank Registrations of Interest. Only the most competitive candidates are invited to apply for nomination.

To qualify for gold, green or orange-plus priority attributes, your employment must meet the $57,000/year or $28.85/hour salary threshold (excluding overtime, penalty rates or casual loading).

Candidates with at least one orange-plus priority attribute are considered a high priority. After Gold and Green pass holders, they will be the first Orange pass candidates invited to apply for nomination.

GOLD Points
You have a skills assessment in health, allied health, or teaching, and have worked in a directly related job for the last six months, earning at least $57,000 per year (or a base rate of $28.85 per hour). 1000
GREEN Points
You have been employed in Tasmania for the past two years in a role directly related to your skills assessment, earning at least $57,000 per year (or a base rate of $28.85 per hour). 500
You have been employed in Tasmania for the past 12 months, but less than two years in a role directly related to your skills assessment, earning at least $57,000 per year (or a base rate of $28.85 per hour). 300
ORANGE PLUS Points
Your employment has a base salary of at least $102,956 per year, or $52.10 per hour, and you have received this for at least the past 12 weeks. 40
You have been employed in Tasmania for the past 18 months in a role not directly related to your skills assessment, earning at least $57,000 per year (or a base rate of $28.85 per hour). 35
You have at least two years of Australian work experience in the same industry as your skills assessment, earning at least $57,000 per year, or a base rate of $28.85 per hour. 30
You have been employed in Tasmania for more the past 12 months, but less than 18 months, in a role directly related to your skills assessment, earning at least $57,000 per year (or a base rate of $28.85 per hour). 30
ORANGE Points
Your employment has a base salary of at least $76,515 per year or $38.72 per hour but less than $102,956 per year, or $52.10 per hour, and you have received this for the past 12 weeks. 15
Your employment has a base salary of at least $68,863 per year ($34.85 per hour) but less than $76,515 per year ($38.72 per hour), and you have received this for the last 12 weeks. 10
Your current role is not directly aligned with your skills assessment, you have two years of relevant prior Australian industry experience, and you currently receive a base salary of at least $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour). 6
You have been employed in Tasmania for the past 12 months in a role that is not directly related to your skills assessment but is in the same industry area and you are paid at least $57,000 per year / base rate of $28.85 per hour. 6
You are employed in in a role that paid more than the National Minimum Wage, but less than $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour), and you hold a skills assessment related to this role. 4
Your spouse has been employed in Tasmania for the past six months in a role that paid at least $57,000 per year, or a base hourly rate of $28.85. 4
You are employed in a role that pays more than the National Minimum Wage, but less than $57,000 per year (or $28.85 per hour), and you hold a qualification related to this role (minimum Certificate III, not including online courses or qualifications gained on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning). 2
You have lived in Tasmania continuously for more than three years. 2
You speak Proficient / Superior English, or you have an exemption to the English language requirements based on your passport country. 1
Your spouse has completed a minimum AQF Level 6 qualification through a Tasmanian education provider, undertaken in Tasmania. 1

491 TBO – Priority attributes

  • You must have established and operated a business in Tasmania for at least 12 months. The business must be solely owned or co-owned with your spouse.
  • Your business must still have been in profit after paying yourself a salary of at least 85 per cent of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently $65,037)*. This income must come from genuine business activity and not be significantly supplemented by non-business sources such as personal savings, loans from family, or other external financial support.
  • You must demonstrate awareness of fair employment practices by completing key units from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online learning centre.
  • Owners of massage therapy businesses must have a related skills assessment and a verifiable health fund provider number.
  • Subcontractors and independent contractors are not eligible under this pathway (refer to Tasmanian Skilled Employment or Tasmanian Established Resident pathways.

* Your Australian Taxation Office Business Income Statement and Personal Income Statement for the most recent financial year must demonstrate that your business operated at a net profit after your personal taxable income of $65,037 was deducted.

Not applicable

Not applicable

ORANGE PLUS Points
You have received a personal income from your business for over 12 months of at least $102,956 per year or $38.72 per hour, and your business is still in profit. 40
Your business had a turnover of more than $500,000 in the last financial year. 25
Your business employs more than 10 local Australian citizens or permanent or provisional visa holders. 25
You have a skills assessment which is directly related to your current business. 25
ORANGE Points
You have a skills assessment which is directly related to your current business. 12
You received personal earnings from your business of more than $76,515, but less than $102,956 in the last year, and your business is still in profit. 12
You received earnings from your business of more than $68,863 but less than $76,515 in the last year, and your business is still in profit. 10
You hold a qualification that is directly relevant to your current business activities (at least Certificate III), excluding online courses or qualifications obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning. 5
Your spouse has been employed in Tasmania for the past six months in a role that paid at least $57,000 per year, or a base rate of $28.85 per hour. 4
You have operated your business in Tasmania for more than 18 consecutive months. 3
You employ at least 3 full time employees who are Australian citizens or permanent residents or provisional visa holders 3
You have resided in Tasmania continuously for three years or more. 3
You have Proficient / Superior English, or you have an exemption to the English language requirements based on your passport country. 2
You have resided in Tasmania continuously for two years but less than three years. 2
Am I eligible for a 491 visa?

SA 491 nomination criteria

  • GSM (ROI, 491 and 190 and BIIP) programs closed to new applications as of 8 June 2023. Any applications that have commenced by not lodged before 8 June 2023 will be deleted from the system.
  • Existing applications that have been lodged before 8 June 2023 will continue to be assessed.
  • Pending an allocation of 190 nominations from the Commonwealth Government for the 2023-24 program year, applicants who are assessed as eligible for 190 state nominations will receive a nomination in the upcoming program year.

South Australia will open its skilled migration program on 20 July 2021 for this financial year. With a total of 5,200 places allocated for both 190 and 491 nominations, South Australia has announce its changes to the migration program with the following key points:

  • Applicants residing in Australia but not in South Australia now are eligible for the South Australia under Talent and Innovator Employment Stream
  • Offshore applicants are eligible for South Australia state nomination, depending on their nominated occupations.
  • There are 3 main streams: Talent and Innovators Program, Currently living and working in South Australia, and International Graduates stream.
  • For some instances, applicants do not need to work in their nominated occupation to apply for the state nomination.

The South Australian program is focused on:

  1. Talent and Innovators Program

This program is intended for skilled migrants who can contribute to South Australia’s priority sectors. It is divided into four streams:

  • Employment stream
  • Start-up and small business stream
  • Independent talent stream
  1. Currently working in South Australia

This program is accessible for applicants who are:

  • Currently living and working in South Australia
  • Living and working in regional South Australia
  • Living and working in South Australia as a long-term resident
  1. International Graduate of South Australia

Students who complete their studies in South Australia can access additional waivers and concessions. There are various requirements to meet before the applicant can apply for this stream. Some of the requirements include:

  • The course must be CRICOS registered with a minimum of 46 weeks.
  • A minimum of 50 % of the qualification must be completed in South Australia.
  • The applicant must reside in South Australia for at least one year during his/her studies.
  • The applicant must continue to reside in South Australia post-study.
  • For subclass 190 or 491 nominations, the applicant must be working in South Australia in his/her nominated occupation.

Related:

Related:

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