Speaking of immigrant population, Australia ranks among the top countries that has had a long culture of housing foreign born newcomers. India and China being nations that produce the maximum number of skilled working professionals, who with their expertise and knowledge make significant contribution to the Australian economy, thereby adding a dab of color to its cultural milieu. The highest rate of immigrant growth was witnessed in the year of 2008 with the highest-ever recorded annual growth rate reaching up to a whopping 2.2% making Australia a major overseas destination that supports and invites immigrants.

This trend begun right back from 1945, with over 7.5 million people settling in this emerging nation, thus shaping it in to one of the most culturally diverse and multi culturally rich countries in the developed world. According to an estimate conducted by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) almost 28.2% of Australia’s resident population was born overseas, which is a feat considered to be impressive among other OECD nations.

To promote more movement of immigrants who do not find a chance with other skilled Australian immigration programs like Subclass 189(Skilled Independent visa) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated visa), the Department of Home Affairs has introduced a Australia New point system for a newly launched batch of skilled visa, in place of the skilled regional (provisional visa) 489, called the 491 Visa or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa.

This visa was in effect from 16th November, 2019. This visa subclass is created especially for eligible skilled workers and their families to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia. This temporary residency visa allows them to stay in any designated regional area for a period of 5 years. Also, after 3 years of residing here which they can apply for permanent residency via Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa.


Once you clear the Australia PR process for this regional visa not only can you live and work in Australia, but also pursue your studies as well as include your family members while filling out the visa application. But for a start you must understand the revised Australia New Point System for subclass 491 visa.

* 15 points are granted if you have a nomination from a family member or a regional part of a state or territory.
* You get 10 points for Masters or PhD level Australian qualification in particular areas (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - STEM).
* Another 10 points if you have a partner with skills. This means that your spouse or common law partner must be below 45 years, acquires a positive skill assessment in a job, that is present on the list of shortage occupations, as well has competency in English (5 points)
* 10 Points are granted if you are single or your partner is either an Australian permanent resident or a citizen.

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