Australia’s immigration landscape is witnessing crucial changes, especially concerning the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Australian government has allocated 33,000 regional visas, with 28,500 visas specifically dedicated to the subclass 491 visa. However, a significant backlog and shifting processing priorities have created uncertainty for many applicants.
If you are planning to apply for the Subclass 491 Visa, staying informed about the latest updates is crucial. In this article, we will break down recent trends, pending applications, processing times, and what applicants should expect in the coming months.
Subclass 491 Visa Updates for 2024-25
The Australian government has implemented significant changes to streamline the visa allocation process:
• Total regional visas available: 33,000
• Subclass 491 Visa allocation: 28,500
• Applications approved so far: 15,652
• Remaining available visas: 12,398
Additionally, the government plans to prioritize 10% of visas for high-demand occupations and another 10% for complex cases, leaving 11,158 visas for standard processing.
Recent Trends in Subclass 491 Visa Grants
➤ Monthly Subclass 491 Visa Grant Trends
Recent data indicates a fluctuating trend in visa grants:
| Month | Subclass 491 Visa Grants Issued |
|---|---|
| July 2024 | 4,179 |
| August 2024 | 3,237 |
| September 2024 | 3,375 |
| October 2024 | 1,609 |
| November 2024 | 2,078 |
| December 2024 | 1,174 |
The decline in visa grants has significantly affected offshore applicants, leading to prolonged processing times.
Backlogs and Pending Applications by Year
➤ Applications Pending from Previous Years
2022 Pending Applications
Although the majority of 2022 applications have been processed, some remain unprocessed:
| Lodgment Month | Pending Applications |
| January 2022 | 5 |
| December 2022 | 124 |
2023 Pending Applications
The largest backlog stems from 2023 applications, with 13,694 still pending.
2024 Pending Applications
There are 10,727 applications still under processing from 2024, with December 2024 having the highest backlog.
Processing Updates and Trends
➤ Subclass 491 Visa Processing for 2023
The number of processed applications in 2023 saw a sharp increase between May and June:
| Month | Applications Processed |
| May 2023 | 215 |
| June 2023 | 481 |
➤ Subclass 491 Visa Processing for 2024
Processing in 2024 has slowed, likely due to shifting priorities:
| Month | Applications Processed |
| October 2024 | 71 |
| November 2024 | 60 |
| December 2024 | 10 |
Future Outlook for Subclass 491 Visa Applicants
With only 12,398 visas remaining, applicants must ensure their applications are complete, error-free, and meet priority occupation criteria. Seeking professional assistance can increase the chances of approval.
Conclusion
The Subclass 491 Visa remains a popular pathway for skilled workers to settle in regional Australia. However, backlogs and processing delays continue to challenge applicants. Understanding the latest trends, prioritizing high-demand occupations, and ensuring a strong application will be essential for success in 2024-25.
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