Introduction

The Family Sponsored 491 visa, a part of Australia's skilled migration program, offers a pathway for skilled individuals to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of the country. One of the critical components of this visa type is the requirement for an eligible relative to sponsor the applicant. This article delves into the specifics of who can be considered an "eligible relative" and the requirements they must meet to qualify as a sponsor.

1. Who is an Eligible Relative?

For the purposes of the Family Sponsored 491 visa, an eligible relative can be:

• A parent

• A child

• or step-child

• A brother, sister

• Adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother, or step-sister.

• An aunt, uncle

• Adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt, or step-uncle.

• A nephew, niece

• Adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew, or step-niece.

• A grandparent

• A first cousin

It's essential to note that relationships by marriage, such as sister-in-law or brother-in-law, are not considered eligible relatives for this visa category.

2. 491 visa relative sponsor requirements

To qualify as a sponsor for the Family Sponsored 491 visa, the eligible relative must:

• Be 18 years old or older

• Be usually resident in a designated area of Australia. This ensures that the visa holder will reside in a regional area, promoting regional growth and development.

• Hold one of the following statuses:

  An Australian citizen

  An Australian permanent resident

  An eligible New Zealand citizen

Furthermore, the eligible relative must be either the applicant's relative or the applicant's partner's relative. This provides a broader scope for potential applicants, ensuring that extended family ties can be utilized to support the visa application.

3. The Role of the Eligible Relative

Once the eligibility criteria are met, the relative's role is to sponsor the visa applicant. This means they vouch for the applicant and support their intention to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia. In some cases, especially in specific states like Tasmania, the eligible relative might also need to agree to support and assist the applicant in the process of gaining employment upon their arrival in the region.

Conclusion

The Family Sponsored 491 visa offers a unique opportunity for skilled individuals to migrate to Australia based on their family ties. The eligible relative plays a pivotal role in this process, acting as a bridge between the applicant and their dream of living in Australia. By understanding the eligibility criteria and requirements for the sponsoring relative, potential applicants can better navigate the visa application process and increase their chances of success. 491 Visa has a lot of benefits compared to other visa. You can explore the benefits of 491 visa here.

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