491 Family Sponsored Visa

Can a family member sponsor my visa to Australia?

491 Family Sponsored Visa

This visa is probably the most common visa for family sponsored visas. The visa is an open 5 year work visa that converts to permanent residency.

The problem with this visa is that:

  • There is a very low number of these visas issued each year. Consequently, these are very difficult to obtain.
  • Plus your relative must live in a regional area. If your family member lives in a major city, then they cannot sponsor your visa.
  • You must pass a skill assessment in an occupation on the MLTSSL

Visa Requirements

In case you don’t find an answer to your question, feel free to consult with one of our agents.

Eligible Sponsor

If you have a parent, sibling, aunt/uncle or another family member living in Australia, they may be able to sponsor your visa to live and work in Australia.

18 years old or older

usually resident in a designated area of Australia

be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen

be your or your partner’s eligible relative

491 Visa Requirements

A Positive Skill Assessment for an occupation on the MLTSSL

Aged between 18 – 45 years old

Minimum of 6 in IELTS or holder of approved passports

Eligible relative living in a designated regional area

Meet health and character requirements

Minimum of 65 points in the skilled migration points test

491 Family Sponsored Stream

Here are the steps you need to take before receiving an invitation to apply for the visa.

1

Family member

You must have an eligible family member living in a regional area.

2

Skill assessment

Pass a skill assessment in an occupation on the relevant occupation list (MLTSSL)

3

Points test

Submit an Expression of Interest. You currently need at least 90 – 95 to be invited.

4

Receive Invitation

Once you receive an invitation you can apply for the visa through the immi account.

Limited number of visas available

The problem with this visa is that even if you have an eligible family member who can sponsor you, there are a very limited number of 491 Family Sponsored visas issued every year. The demand far outweighs the supply.

On top of this, the 491 visa is points tested and you must pass a skill assessment in a relevant occupation before you can apply. Because it is such a popular visa, you currently need to have at least 90 – 95 points to be invited to apply for the visa.

On the other hand, applicants who apply for the hand 491 – State Nominated Stream, often receive an invitation with as much fewer points.

Other Family Sponsored Visas

Apart from that, there are no other relevant family sponsored visas. You will need to look at other visa options to Australia.
Perhaps you could study a course in Australia that may lead to future work visas.
Parent Visa

Parent Visa

If you have a parent living overseas and you are a permanent resident or citizen of Australia, you may be able to sponsor your parent’s visa to live in Australia. Please note these visas are very expensive and take A LONG time to process. 

Partner Visa

Partner Visa

If you have a de facto partner of spouse who is an Australian citizen of permanent resident, you may be able to apply for a partner visa.

Book a Migration Consultation

We have a ton of information on our site about various visa options and FAQs that answer most of our visitors’ questions, but if you’re still not sure where to start or you need a personalised step by step walkthrough, then schedule a call with one of our Registered Migration Agent.

Simply follow the link below and you'll be able to pick an agent for consultation.

Book a Consultation
If you're having any trouble booking your consultation then don't hesitate to contact us either via info@pathwaytoaus.com or by calling us 0755 265 900

Brad

GET IN TOUCH

In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.

Contact details

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491 Family Sponsored Visa | Requirements & Process was last modified: November 14th, 2024 by Nick Yock