Australia PR Points Calculator Selection Criteria under Subclass 491 — A Provisional Pathway to Permanent Residence

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) allows foreign skilled workers who have been nominated by the governing agency of an Australian state/territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia, to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to four years. After completing three years in the regional area, the visa holder may apply for permanent residence — subject to requirements. The Australia PR points calculator determines eligibility for the Subclass 491 visa.

In order to be eligible, candidates must score at least 65 points based on the following criteria (in addition to meeting other requirements):

Age (Maximum 30 points)

· 18–24 years: 25 points

· 25–32 years: 30 points

· 33–39 years: 25 points

· 40–44 years: 15 points

English Language Skills (Maximum 20 points)

· Competent: 0 points

· Proficient: 10 points

· Superior: 20 points

Skilled Work Experience (Maximum 20 points)

Work experience outside Australia

· 0–2 years: 0 points

· 3–4 years: 5 points

· 5–7 years: 10 points

· 8 years or more: 15 points

Work experience in Australia

· Less than one year: 0 points

· 1–2 years: 5 points

· 3–4 years: 10 points

· 5–7 years: 15 points

· 8 years or more: 20 points

Note: As per Australia PR requirements, even if the candidate has a combination of work experience gained within and outside Australia, they cannot claim more than 20 points.

Academic Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)

· Qualification/reward recognized by the relevant skills assessment authority as suitable for the applicant’s occupation: 10 points

· Trade qualification or diploma from an educational institution in Australia: 10 points

· Bachelor degree from an educational institution in Australia, or an equivalent recognized Bachelor qualification from an educational institution outside Australia: 15 points

· Doctorate from an educational institution in Australia, or a recognized Doctorate qualification from an educational institution outside Australia: 20 points

Note: Candidates can only claim points for the highest academic qualification completed

Nomination or Sponsorship (Maximum 15 points)

· Nomination from the governing agency of an Australia state/territory: 15 points

· Sponsorship from an eligible family member, approved by the Minister: 15 points

Note: candidates cannot claim points for both state nomination and family sponsorship.

Partner Skills (Maximum 10 points)

Candidates can claim points for the qualifications of a spouse or de-facto partner who is accompanying them to Australia and is included in their visa application:

· If the spouse/partner is under 45 years of age, has competent English skills, and meets the skills requirements — 10 points

· If the spouse/partner has competent English skills, but does not meet other criteria — 5 points

There are other criteria under this factor that can be used to claim points under the 491 Skilled Regional Visa:

· If the applicant is single i.e. does not have a spouse or de-facto partner — 10 points

· If the spouse/de-facto partner is a citizen or permanent resident of Australia — 10 points

In addition to this, fulfilling various Adaptability Factors allows candidates to gain extra points:

· Specialist Education Qualification — 10 points

· Australian Study Requirement — 5 points

· Professional Year in Australia — 5 points

· Community Language Credential — 5 points

· Study in Regional Australia — 5 points

Ultimately, the applicant’s chances of success depend on how many points they are able to score under the Australia PR points calculator — since only the highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply for the visa. To enhance eligibility and find out how to maximize the point score, it is advisable to seek the guidance of authentic and experienced immigration consultants at Visa Experts.