Don\u2019t be misled! We\u2019re setting the record straight on the 491 to 191 visa transition once and for all.Many applicants focus most on how to smoothly transition to the 191 permanent residence visa after obtaining a 491 visa. To help you avoid pitfalls, we\u2019ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions covering residency, employment, spouses, children and more. See if any apply to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Can I live or study in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne on a 491 visa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No. A core condition of the 491 visa is that the primary applicant and any accompanying family members must live, work and reside in a designated regional area. Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are not permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. If the primary applicant lives in a regional area, can the spouse and children move to Sydney or Melbourne?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No. For the same reason, spouse and children must either reside in the regional area with the primary applicant, or not live in Australia long-term. Family members residing in non-regional areas may compromise visa compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Must the original primary applicant of the 491 visa remain the primary applicant for the 191 visa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No. For example, if both spouses hold a 491 visa, either spouse may act as the primary 191 applicant once they meet the transition criteria. This provides significant flexibility for families to plan according to their circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Am I required to stay in the state that nominated my 491 visa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No. From the Department of Home Affairs perspective, 491 visa holders may live, study and work in any regional area of Australia \u2014 there is no obligation to remain in the nominating state. However, if you signed a commitment letter during your state nomination application, it is advisable to honour it to avoid impacts on future immigration records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Can I apply for a 189\/190\/186\/858 visa after being granted a 491 visa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not directly. 491 visa holders must hold the visa for a full 3 years before being eligible to apply for the above visas. You may still apply for other visas prior to 491 grant, but once the 491 is issued, the 3-year waiting period applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Is employment or a minimum income required for 491 to 191 transition?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No formal job or income requirement applies, but you must provide three years of Notices of Assessment (NOA). The income threshold for 491 to 191 has been removed; however, three full financial years of tax assessment records are mandatory.The Australian financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. Applicants must complete three financial years of tax returns in addition to holding the 491 visa for three full years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. When working on a 491 visa, must I work in my nominated occupation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No. Regardless of the occupation used for your 491 application, there is no requirement to continue in that field for 191 eligibility.491 holders may be employed, self-employed, freelance, work remotely for companies in major cities or overseas, or even be unemployed \u2014 as long as you can provide the required NOAs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Can I include my spouse and children in my 191 application when transitioning from 491?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes. Once the primary applicant meets all requirements, spouse and children may be included as secondary applicants for the 191 visa, whether they are inside or outside Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Can I still include my spouse and children if they have not lived in Australia during the 491 period?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes. 191 eligibility is assessed only on the primary applicant meeting the criteria. Long-term absence of spouse and children from Australia does not disqualify them from being included as secondary applicants for permanent residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
10.Does divorce after receiving a 491 visa affect the 191 transition?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No. Following divorce, whether you were the primary or secondary 491 holder, you may apply for the 191 visa as long as you personally meet the requirements. You may also include a new spouse or children in your 191 application if you remarry.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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