Australia is ranked one of the best countries in the world for its rich resources, high quality of living, standard educational system and numerous job opportunities.
Little wonder, many Nigerians desire to travel to Australia. If you are seeking to travel to Australia, then you may have heard that the Australian immigration process is a daunting and lengthy one, and this conception may have left you confused.
But do you know there is an easier and faster way to travel to Australia without much stress?
Certainly! This article will expose the easiest way to travel to Australia as a student, worker or with your family.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further clarification.
Table of contents
Australia Visa
An Australian visa is required for anyone seeking to travel to Australia.
This visa permits you to work, study or live in Australia for a given period.
Unlike other visas from other countries, the Australian visa does not have a sticker or stamp on your passport but is recorded online.
Therefore, the immigration authorities would have to check online to confirm whether or not you have a visa.
There are various types of Australian visas depending on what you want to do in Australia and the duration of your stay in the country.
However, one visa category has proven to be the easiest and fastest way to travel to Australia.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa is referred to as the Subclass 491 visa.
Australia Subclass 491 Visa
Subclass 491 is a temporary visa that permits skilled migrants to live, study and work in designated regional areas in Australia for five (5) years.
These restricted areas are usually less populated in the country identified by the government for growth and development for 5 years.
Thus, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne are excluded from these areas.
This visa is also a sure pathway to permanent residency. However, you can apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa if you hold the Subclass 491 visa for three years.
You must have also lived and worked in a designated regional area and maintained a salary of AUD$ 53,900 to be eligible for permanent residency through a Subclass 191 visa.
Another good thing about the Subclass 491 visa is that it enjoys priority processing.
Holders of this visa are allowed to travel to and from Australia as often as they want.
Also, your family members are not left out! You can include them in your application. However, they must meet the requirements.
Subclass 491 Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for the Subclass 491 visa, candidates must:
- Be nominated to apply by a government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative.
- Have a job occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list.
- Have the assessment of the required skills for the occupation.
- Be invited to apply.
- Meet the skilled points test.
The Skilled Points Test
To select the best candidates, Australia uses a point-based system in the immigration process.
Nigerian applicants who take the test must have scored a minimum of 65 points to qualify for the Subclass 491 visa.
The test examines candidates based on the following factors:
1. Work Experience
Candidates get points based on how many years they have worked in the relevant field and whether they worked in Australia or outside Australia. The point breakdown is as follows:
Work Experience Outside Australia
| Duration | Points awarded |
|---|---|
| For less than three years of experience | 0 points |
| For more than three years and less than five years of experience | 5 points |
| For more than five years and less than seven years of experience | 10 points |
| For eight years or more of experience | 15 points |
Work Experience inside Australia
| Duration | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| With less than one year of experience | 0 points |
| For more than one year and less than three years of experience | 5 points |
| For more than three years and less than five years of experience | 10 points |
| For more than five years and less than eight years of experience | 15 points |
| For eight years or more years of experience | 20 points |
2. Qualification
Candidates will also be assessed by their qualifications, and the points breakdown is given below:
| Qualification | Points awarded |
|---|---|
| A qualification or reward that is recognised by the relevant assessment authority | 10 points |
| A diploma or trade qualification | 10 points |
| A bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree | 15 points |
| A PhD | 20 points |
If a Nigerian applicant studies at an Australian university, it is an advantage as they may be given additional 5 points.
5. Age
The points awarded for an applicant’s age are given below:
| Age | Points awarded |
|---|---|
| Over 18 and younger than 25 | 25 points |
| Over 25 and younger than 33 | 30 points |
| Over 33 and younger than 40 | 25 points |
| Over 40 and younger than 45 | 15 points |
5. Language
You must show that you understand the English language well by taking exams like IELTS and TOEFL.
The breakdown of the English level and points awarded are as follows:
| English Level | Points awarded |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 points |
| Proficient English | 10 points |
| Superior English | 20 points |
Partner’s Skills and Qualifications
If your partner is below the age of 45, has a good mastery of the English language, is nominated for a skilled occupation that is on the same occupation list as yours, etc., you can get 10 or more points.
It would help if you first lodged an Expression of Interest (EOI) online using SkillSelect.
The EOI is not a visa application, and no fee is attached.
Other Requirements
Nigerians who wish to get the Subclass 491 visa must meet the general requirements of getting an Australian visa which include the following:
International Passport
It would help if you had an international passport valid for at least 6 months before your visa expires.
You must also submit copies of your passport data page, which must be coloured and scanned.
If you also have previous passports, you have to present them.
Australian Visa Application Form
You can fill out the visa application form online after creating an account.
This form must be filled in correctly and in block letters.
If you provide false information, your visa application may be rejected.
Passport Photographs
You must submit a minimum of two passport photographs, and these photos must not be older than six months.
They must also meet the Australian photo requirements.
Hence, the images must measure 35mm – 40mm by 45mm – 50mm, and your face must be clear.
The photo’s background should be plain, preferably white, and accessories and glasses are not allowed.
National Identity Card
You must also present a scanned copy of your national identity card.
It may be optional; if it is not required, you will be duly informed by the visa authorities.
Health Insurance
You must show that you have medical insurance that covers all your health costs throughout your stay in Australia.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
You must also show that you can support yourself and your family members (if they will be travelling with you to Australia) throughout your stay in Australia.
You can present your bank statements for the past six months or a sponsorship letter if any person or organization would sponsor you.
Travel Itinerary
You must show your travel itinerary, which shows the details of your trip to Australia.
Hence, your itinerary must include your travel dates, proof that you have gotten your flight tickets, duration of visit, etc.
Proof of Accommodation
You must provide proof that you have a place to stay in Australia.
You can present your hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a friend or family member in Australia if you would be visiting with them.
Police Clearance Certificate
You must show that you are law-abiding and have no criminal record.
You can do this by submitting a valid police clearance certificate.
Proof of Good Health
You must show that you are in good condition by taking medical tests for various diseases, such as yellow fever and polio and presenting the results to the visa authorities.
Subclass 491 Visa Application Guide
A description of the Australian 491 visa application process
- Fill out the Application Form
You must open an ImmiAccount online and fill out the application form for the Subclass 491 visa.
This form must be filled out honestly with the required details.
If you are having issues filling out the form, you can visit the visa application centre and be assisted. - Upload the Relevant Documents
Ensure that you follow the instructions on the portal, scan the relevant documents, and upload them online.
Your original documents are not necessary unless it is requested. - Book an Appointment
You should book an appointment with the visa application centre and visit the centre closest to you on your appointment date.
Your biometric details (photos and fingerprints) will be taken at the visa application centre.
If you notice that the scheduled date or time will no longer be convenient, you can reschedule for a more suitable date or time. - Pay your Fees
You must pay all the visa charges required by the visa application centre.
Note that you must have already paid your visa fees online. - Track your Application
You can track your application online after you have completed the above steps.
After completing the online application, you can use the Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
Subclass 491 Visa Fees
The visa cost for the principal applicant and any family member wishing to join is AUD4,240.
Subclass 491 Visa Processing Time
There is no specific processing time for the processing of this visa.
It could take one to two months or even longer depend on various factors such as missing documents, inaccurate information etc.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a visa that hits the jackpot in your quest to travel to Australia from Nigeria, then Subclass 491 is all in one.
This visa is suitable for you if you want to live, work, study or even travel to the country with your family.
Undoubtedly, the Australian government has made immigration easier with this visa. Although the visa is temporary, it is also a pathway to permanent residency.
This article has shown you all you need to know about the easiest way to travel to Australia, and following our guidelines will give you a smooth process.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
Looking for an immigration agent that can assist me with the visa 491 processing, do have recommendations? Thanks
Sure, here are some Australian immigration agents in Nigeria that can assist you with the visa 491 processing:
1. Australasian Immigration Services: This agency has an office in Lagos and Abuja. They have over 20 years of experience in helping clients with Australian immigration. They offer a wide range of services, including visa application assistance, case management, and visa appeals.
2. Migration Expert: This agency has an office in Lagos. They are a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) with the Department of Home Affairs. They have a team of experienced immigration lawyers and consultants who can help you with all aspects of your visa application.
3. Migration Matters: This agency has an office in Lagos. They are a leading provider of immigration services in Nigeria. They have a team of experienced lawyers and consultants who can help you with all aspects of your visa application, from initial assessment to final approval.
4. Visa Hub: This agency has an office in Lagos. They are a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) with the Department of Home Affairs. They offer a wide range of services, including visa application assistance, case management, and visa appeals.
5. EY: EY does not have an office in Nigeria, but they do offer immigration services to clients in Nigeria. You can contact their office in Johannesburg, South Africa for more information.
When choosing an immigration agent, it is important to do your research and choose an agent who is experienced in handling visa 491 applications. You should also make sure that the agent is a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) with the Department of Home Affairs.
I hope this helps!
I really your article.
I’m a Nigerian living in the south east of the country. I’m a graduate but self employed. is this subclass 491 applicable to people like me?
note :- I haven’t worked for any company since I graduated. I’m into trading in aba .
thanks and regards.
The subclass 491 visa is a skilled regional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years. To be eligible for this visa, you must meet requirements such as being under 45, having a relevant occupation on the skilled occupation list, and scoring the required points on the points test.
Unfortunately, as a Nigerian living in southeast Nigeria, you are not eligible for the subclass 491 visa, as it is only available to those who meet the criteria to work and live in regional Australia. However, other visa options may be available to you based on your circumstances and qualifications.
Good afternoon, really love your article, pls as a qualified caregiver, I want to know if there’s need for me to secure employment over there in Australia before I can apply for the visa?
2. If need be, then how do I register for an employemnt online, what are the genuine sites that I can visit?
3. If not necessarily then what steps do I need to take to apply for the visa?
Thanks.
Hello Oluwadamilare,
1. Securing employment in Australia is unnecessary before applying for a visa. However, having a job offer from an Australian employer may increase your chances of being granted a visa, especially if the employer is willing to sponsor you.
2. You can visit several genuine job search websites to find employment opportunities in Australia, such as Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn. You can also contact recruitment agencies that specialize in your field of work. To work legally in Australia, you will need a valid visa that permits you to work.
3. To apply for a visa to work in Australia, you need to check the skilled occupation list to see if your occupation is in demand in Australia. If your occupation is on the list, you can apply for a skilled worker visa, such as the Subclass 189 or Subclass 190 visa. You will need to provide evidence of your qualifications and work experience and meet other visa requirements. The process can be complex, so it’s best to consult a migration agent or lawyer for advice and assistance.
Thanks for the edifying post.
Can someone over 45 apply for the subclass 491 visa?
No, you cannot apply for the subclass 491 visa if you are over 45 years old. The subclass 491 visa is a skilled work regional visa that has an age limit of 45 years. This means that you must be under 45 years old on the date that you apply for the visa.
If you are over 45 years old, there are still other visa options available to you, such as:
1. The subclass 186 visa, which is an employer-sponsored visa.
2. The subclass 190 visa, which is a skilled independent visa.
3. The subclass 482 visa, which is a temporary skilled visa.
Please l need your phone number.cheer
Success,
You can get my contact details by clicking the contact me link at the bottom of this page.
I ‘ve given it a try before but l was scammed.please l will be exceedingly elated if you can help me..thanks In anticipation.
Success,
What assistance do you need?
This time, you should do the application yourself.
Blessing.
Thank u very much for the info.
I really want to travel to Australia to work but do not have the fund to sponsor myself.
Do you have a link that can assist me travel and I’ll pay back all the costs immediately I start working. Please.
Many thanks.
Hello Rita,
It is nice to hear from you.
Concerning assistance with processing your visa application.
Have you spoken with your close family members for assistance?