Subclass 417 and 191 | How to Work and Settle in Australia

Do you want to work in Australia? Or are you planning to settle there? Here is the complete guide to the Subclass 417 and 191 visa details.

Some people go for traveling in Australia but want to work there. These include young travelers like students or explorers. In contrast, some people work in Australia and dream about living there forever. So, the Australian government gives golden chances in the form of Subclass 417 and 191 visas. 

In this article, you’ll learn about all the requirements and eligibility for the application process. Also, there is a detailed comparison of subclass 417 and subclass 191 visas.

So, let’s get started with an in-depth overview of visas.

Short-Term Options Before Subclass 417 or 191

Before applying for long-term visas like subclass 417 (Working Holiday Visa) or subclass 191 (Permanent Work Visa) there is an option to visit Australia temporarily. Many Tourists and workers apply for Australian ETA visas to navigate the land. It is beneficial for those who want to visit the country before applying for a long-term visa. ETA allows you to visit Australia for short-term purposes to explore and aid the decision of a residency visa. Fill out the online application form and get your ETA Visa before diving into long-term visas. Now let’s explore the Subclass visas.

Overview: Subclass 417 and 191

Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa is the dream of many Australian tourists. Among them, a major number are students. The reason is that young people keep experimenting to build their dream life. Therefore, subclass 417 is the chance for them to work for 12 months in Australia. 

Also, many travelers don’t have enough resources to bear the expenses of traveling. Thus, they can easily collect funds for their trips because this is a short-term or temporary visa.

So, the main target of subclass 417 is to facilitate the young generation, which is 18 to 30 years old. However, in some countries, the age limit is up to 35 years old. In addition, the individual must have the know-how for some work. This will help him/her get work and a visa easily.

In contrast, Subclass 191 is the permanent work visa for hardworking individuals. So, due to permanent residency, there are some rules and regulations. Firstly, the applicant must be working and earning a good taxable income. Secondly, he/she must have an eligible visa in Australia for at least three years, such as subclass 491.  

Moreover, permanent visas are available for people under 45 years old. Thus, this visa is for you if you stay and work in a designated region for three years.

Are you still confused about the subclass 417 and 191? Then, let’s uncover the major differences between both visas. 

Key Differences: Subclass 417 and 191

1. Stay Duration in Australia

Subclass 417 is a kind of short-term visa that is not valid for more than one year. Moreover, the applicant can renew this work holiday visa three times. But each time, there is a different requirement.

So, this temporary visa mainly allows young people to explore Australia. Thus, they can find new opportunities to build a strong future. Also, this visa works best for people who want to live temporarily in a foreign country. Here is the experience of a person named Brit, who selected subclass 417,

“Subclass 417 is a great opportunity to explore whether you would like to live in Australia long-term. Your job should be on the SOL list (Australia’s Skilled Occupation List). And there is a need for five years of experience in case you don’t have a degree.” 

On the other hand, subclass 191 is a valid visa for a lifetime. 

So, the main purpose of the visa is to enhance Australia’s economy. That’s why the government opens the doors for the hiring of skilled workers.

Moreover, subclass 191 has also offered temporary workers permanent residency in Australia. Thus, this will help to secure the future of loyal skilled workers in Australia.

2. Eligibility and Age Requirements: Subclass 417 and 191

Here are the important requirements for the visa applicants of Subclass 417.

• The visa is open for young people from forty specific countries.
• Age must be 18 and 20 years old. 
• However, the age limit is 35 in other countries like France, Canada, Ireland, Denmark, and Italy.
• Dependent children must not accompany the individual

For subclass 191, there are the following requirements,

Regional Provisional Stream

• The visa has no age requirement.
• The applicant must hold the eligible visa for three consecutive years.
• The applicant must be living in Australia while applying.
• One must have a taxable income in Australia for three years.
• There is no need for any sponsor or nominator.

Hong Kong Stram

• The applicant must have a Hong Kong passport.
• The British passport holders can also apply.
• There is no need for a sponsor or nominator for subclass 191.
• Other requirements are the same as mentioned above.

3. Work Limitations

There is a difference in work limitations for both visas.

So, in subclass 417, the visa is valid for one year. But the person can work for six months in one place. Thus, this way, the visa holder can enjoy and travel across different regions. However, if someone looks for permanent work, then this can be harmful for them. Because this way, they will go against the rules of the Australian government.

In contrast, the Subclass 191 visa has no work limitation. The reason is that it provides the permanent residency. Also, the person has been working on taxable income for three years. So they will not face any problems with work restrictions.

Hence, permanent residents can switch their jobs easily. This allows them to gain broader experience in the Australian work industry.

4. Income and English Proficiency Requirements

In subclass 417, there are flexible requirements for proficiency in English. Also, the applicant doesn’t need any taxable income to earn. Thus, this gives a golden chance to the majority of the world.

On the other hand, in subclass 191, there is a need for IELTS. Also, there are different criteria for primary and secondary applicants. The primary visa applicant is the person who is applying for the visa. And the secondary applicant can be the spouse or children.

For example, there is no hard requirement for the primary person. However, the secondary person (like spouses or children over 18) must pass the IELTS with at least a 6.0 score. 

5. Costs and Processing Times: Subclass 417 and 191 Visas

Subclass 417 Visa Costs are about $650, which may include additional fees. Thus, the applicant must fulfill the conditions, such as health requirements, biometrics, and police certificates.

Moreover, the processing time of subclass 417 will not be that long. The average processing time includes one month. Also, 75% of applications are processed within ten days.

In contrast, subclass 191 visa has different costs for the different categories. The regional provisional stream costs $490. At the same time, the applicant of the Hong Kong stream will have to pay $4765.

Moreover, the Department of Home Affairs has not fixed the processing time for subclass 191. 

In general, the average time for this is 2 to 4 months. But it may vary depending upon different conditions. 

Application Process for Subclass 417 and 191 Visas

1. Check Eligibility

Firstly, the eligibility criteria for each visa need to be completed. For example, age, nationality, etc.

2. Collect Documents

 Secondly, a passport, financial proof, and education documents are also needed.

3. Online application

Fill out the visa application from our website carefully. Then, upload the required documents.

4. Pay Fees

 Pay the visa application fee according to visa type. 

5. Wait for Processing

After submission, you’ll need to wait for the application to be processed. Delays may occur if you don’t provide the complete documents.

6. Get Visa Decision

You’ll be notified via email about the visa approval or refusal.

So, are you ready to apply? Fill out our form now to start your journey to Australia!

Pathway to PR: Transitioning from Subclass 491 to Subclass 191

Who doesn’t want to live in Australia for a lifetime? But many people are not sure if they can survive in a new country or not. 

So, they chose the Subclass 491 work visa to check if Australia would suit them. So, many of them want to make this stay permanent. However, one can renew their visa only three times. Hence, after three years, they may become eligible to apply for subclass 191.

Therefore, they can easily fulfill the requirements of living and working in Australia for three years. Now, the individuals can live and settle here forever.

In short, this is the best transition from a temporary to a permanent subclass 191 visa.

Final Verdict

Subclass 417 and 191 are attractive visa options for different individuals. So, according to the exploration, work, and traveling, subclass 417 works best. If someone needs to settle and grow in Australia, then subclass 191 is the best visa. The reason is that the permanent residency will allow you to work anywhere in Australia.  

So, hurry up fill out the visa application form, and start your journey.

FAQs

Q: Can I extend my Subclass 417 visa?
Yes, you can extend your Subclass 417 visa. You can do this for a second or third year if you meet the work requirements. 

Q: What are the requirements for Subclass 191?
You must have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least three years. Also, you must hold a 491 visa, the taxable income source. There must be at least six scores in IELTS, that is, an English proficiency test.

Q: What is the processing time for Subclass 191?
A: It can take up to 2- 4  months to process the Subclass 191 visa, depending on individual circumstances.