You may have heard about the skilled work regional provisional visa 491 and global talent visa 858 if you are interested in applying for a skilled visa to live and work in Australia. These visas are part of Australia's skilled migration program and provide great opportunities for those looking to work and live in Australia. Before applying, explore the features of Subclass 491 and 858 visas and how they can help you move to Australia.

What is Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa 491?

Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa 491 (Subclass 491) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are looking to live, work and study in Australia.

The 491 visa allows eligible applicants to stay in Australia for five years. During this time, they can work, study and travel within Australia. Furthermore, 491 visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after three years of residing in a designated regional area.

The Subclass 491 visa requires applicants to score at least 65 points on their Expression of Interest (EOI). Points are awarded based on several factors such as age, English language proficiency, occupation and skills. Applicants must also meet the required health and character criteria.

To be eligible for the 491 visa, applicants must:

• Be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation.
• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupations list.
• Have an overall minimum IELTS score of 6 across all components.
• Meet the health and character requirements.
• Have nominated a designated regional area to live in.
• Have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in their nominated occupation.
• Have obtained a positive Skills Assessment.
• Have evidence of state or territory sponsorship.
• Meet the points test requirement of at least 65 points.

What is Global Talent Visa 858?

The Global Talent Visa 858 is an Australian visa that allows qualified individuals to live and work in Australia. It is specifically designed for highly-skilled migrants seeking to move to Australia to undertake employment or business opportunities. 

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet certain criteria.

• This includes demonstrating a high level of expertise in a relevant field, such as technology, sciences, engineering, or any other field deemed of ‘economic significance’ by the government.
• They must also demonstrate that they can contribute to Australia’s economy through their skill set, either through employment or establishing a business.

The benefits of Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa 491 and Global Talent Visa 858

Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa 491: This visa is designed to attract skilled workers to regional and remote areas of Australia. There are also numerous other benefits associated with this visa, including:

• Access to Australian healthcare and other government benefits.
• The ability to include family members on the visa.
• Access to education for dependent children.
• A pathway to permanent residency.

Global Talent Visa 858: This visa enables highly-skilled professionals to live and work in Australia. Some of the key advantages associated with this visa include:

• Unrestricted access to the Australian labor market.
• Accelerated processing of applications.
• Sponsorship opportunities.
• The ability to bring family members on the visa.