Overview
The subclass 491 visa is a points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. In Tasmania, applicants must meet specific state nomination requirements in addition to federal Department of Home Affairs criteria. You must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Tasmania for the duration of the visa.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be under 45 years of age, have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant list, and meet the minimum English language requirement (Competent English). You must also secure nomination from Migration Tasmania, which involves meeting specific employment or business criteria set by the state.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Skills Assessment
Obtain a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority.
- 2
Step 2: Expression of Interest
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, selecting Tasmania as your preferred state.
- 3
Step 3: State Nomination
Apply for Tasmanian state nomination through the Migration Tasmania Gateway.
- 4
Step 4: Visa Invitation
Once nominated, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the 491 visa.
- 5
Step 5: Visa Application
Submit your formal visa application to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
Required documents
- Valid Passport
- Skills Assessment
- English Language Test Results (IELTS/PTE/etc)
- Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Tasmanian Nomination Application
- Police clearances
- Health examination results
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
After living and working in regional Tasmania for at least three years while holding the 491 visa, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Family options
You may include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your visa application.
Language notes
Applicants must demonstrate 'Competent English' (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band) as a minimum, though higher scores provide more points toward the 65-point threshold.
After arrival
You must notify the Tasmanian government of your arrival, update your contact details, and ensure you comply with all regional residency and employment conditions to remain eligible for future permanent residency.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to maintain residency in the designated regional area.
- Inaccurate claims in the EOI regarding work experience.
- Expired skills assessments at the time of visa invitation.
- Not meeting the specific 'Tasmanian connection' requirements.
FAQs about Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania
Who is the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania for?+
Skilled workers who have a relevant occupation on the Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List (TSOL) and are nominated by the Tasmanian government.
What are the eligibility requirements for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania?+
To qualify, you must be under 45 years of age, have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant list, and meet the minimum English language requirement (Competent English). You must also secure nomination from Migration Tasmania, which involves meeting specific employment or business criteria set by the state.
How much does the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania cost?+
Typical fees listed for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania: AUD 4,640 (Base application charge for main applicant, subject to change). Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Varies by stream; typically 6-12 months for the nomination stage plus federal visa processing times..
How long can I stay on the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania?+
5 years (leads to permanent residency subclass 191)
Can I work on the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania?+
Full work rights in regional Tasmania; spouse/partner has full work rights.
Does Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania lead to permanent residence in Australia?+
After living and working in regional Tasmania for at least three years while holding the 491 visa, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
What are common mistakes with Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - Tasmania?+
Failing to maintain residency in the designated regional area. Inaccurate claims in the EOI regarding work experience. Expired skills assessments at the time of visa invitation.