The Regional Work Visa, commonly referred to as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa or 491 visa, offers a significant pathway to permanent residency for skilled migrants who choose to live and work in regional areas of Australia. Adelaide is known for its thriving industries, world-class education institutions, and supportive community, Adelaide offers a balanced environment for migrants looking to settle and grow.
The short answer is, “Yes, it is possible to switch from a regional work visa to permanent residency status.” However, PR isn’t a straightforward process, and some steps and eligibility requirements might seem confusing. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know and do to achieve residency in Adelaide if you’re planning to stay here for the long term.
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Before we discuss how to transition from a regional work visa to PR, let’s first define what a regional work visa is.
A regional work visa is designed to encourage highly skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas in Australia, where there is a shortage of specialised skills. This initiative aims to ensure a more even spread of population growth and employment opportunities across the nation.
If you’re living and working in Adelaide, it means you are already on track to obtain permanent residency. Since Adelaide is classified as a regional area in South Australia, there are specific visa pathways available for those intending to settle here long-term.
There are additional pathways available for transitioning to permanent residency (PR) if you currently hold a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa or a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187 visa. Specifically, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa allows employers to sponsor you for permanent residency.
There are several reasons why starting with a regional work visa can be advantageous for your PR journey, particularly in a city like Adelaide:
If you plan to establish your permanent residence in Adelaide, holding a Subclass 491 visa or another regional work visa is an excellent starting point. The key to success lies in meeting work, income, and residency requirements while complying with visa regulations. With careful planning and determination, you can secure permanent residency and make Adelaide your long-term home.
To qualify for permanent residency under the Subclass 491 visa, you must live and work in Adelaide (or another designated regional area) for a minimum of three years while holding your Subclass 491 visa
Occupations eligible for the Subclass 491 visa include those listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). If your occupation is in demand in South Australia, you may meet the criteria for this visa.
To be eligible for the Subclass 191 PR visa, you must have earned at least AUD 53,900 annually for each of the three years you held the Subclass 491 visa.
Yes, your family members, including your partner and dependent children, can accompany you on your regional work visa. They can also be included in your permanent residency application when transitioning to PR.
Generally, applicants for the Subclass 491 visa need a job offer in a regional area. However, some candidates may qualify through state nomination or under specific circumstances, even without a job offer.
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