Can my spouse work on a Subclass 491 visa?
Yes, on a Subclass 491 visa, your spouse can work in Australia, provided they are included in the visa application as a family member. Your spouse can work in a designated regional area of Australia. Still, they must meet specific requirements and conditions, including demonstrating a genuine and continuing relationship and having competent English skills. The Main Applicant of the Subclass 491 visa spouse does not need separate work rights. Their ability to work is linked to the principal applicant’s visa.
Under the Subclass 491 visa, an applicant can include:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent child or stepchild
- Dependent grandchild or step-grandchild of a dependent child or stepchildren
Under Australian law, the family members applying for the Skilled Worker (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) must hold a substantive visa or a Subclass 010 Bridging visa A,030, or C visa. An applicant must provide sufficient evidence of the relationship to the Australian Department, which includes financial aspects, the nature of the household, the social aspect of the relationship, etc.
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Eligibility Criteria for a spouse to work on a Subclass 491 visa
To work in Australia on a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) as a spouse, you must:
- Be a member of the family unit of Subclass 491 visa holder
- Proof of genuine and ongoing relationship with the primary Subclass 491 visa holder
- Meet health and character requirements
- Must have a sponsorship from the Main applicant
- Candidate should be related to a 491 visa holder
- The applicant should be aged above 18 years
- Fulfill the eligibility criteria for Health and character requirement
- No unpaid debts for Subclass 491 visa
- Should not have any visa or visa application refused or canceled
Requirements for a spouse to work on a Subclass 491 visa
To work on a Subclass 491 visa, the spouse of the Main applicant must fulfill the required criteria:
- Must first secure the visa, then the spouse can apply as a subsequent entrant
- Proof of genuine and ongoing relationship with the applicant
- Meet the health and character requirement
- Occupation must be listed in the spouse skill assessment
- Primary visa holder or an eligible sponsor must provide sponsorship
- Demonstrate a competent level of English proficiency
Steps to work on a Subclass 491 visa as the Main applicant’s spouse
Below are the steps to work on a Subclass 491 visa as the Main applicant’s spouse:
Step 1: Check the eligibility and requirements for the Subclass 491 visa
Step 2: Apply for the Subclass 491 visa
Step 3: Submit the Spouse visa Applicant (Subsequent Entrant)
Step 4: Wait for the Main applicant visa to be confirmed
Step 5: Spouse can join and work immediately
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