Subsequent entrant visa 491
Hi everyone, hoping to get some guidance from anyone who has gone through the 491 subsequent entrant pathway recently.
Timeline:
My subclass 491 visa was granted on 06/05/2026
My girlfriend was granted a Visitor Visa (600) on 02/03/2026 without a “No Further Stay” condition
She plans to enter Australia later this year and we are now planning to get married and eventually apply for a 491 subsequent entrant visa onshore
A few questions I’d really appreciate help with:
1️⃣ For a 491 subsequent entrant applicant, when does the 3-year period for eligibility towards the 191 visa begin?
Is it linked to the primary 491 holder’s grant date, or does the subsequent entrant need to complete their own 3 years from the date their 491 is granted?
2️⃣ If my girlfriend applies for the 491 subsequent entrant visa while onshore in Australia, will she receive work rights on the bridging visa automatically?
If not, how do people normally apply for work rights while on a bridging visa, and is there a waiting period before this can be requested?
3️⃣ Is it generally considered better/easier to apply for the 491 subsequent entrant visa onshore rather than offshore?
4️⃣ Once we get married, do I need to notify Home Affairs / update my ImmiAccount within 14 days regarding my relationship status change while holding the 491?
5️⃣ My girlfriend originally applied for her tourist visa as a genuine tourism trip around Australia, with plans to also spend time with me during the visit. The visa was granted without an NFS condition.
Since our circumstances have now changed and we intend to marry, has anyone had issues at the airport / immigration regarding genuine temporary stay concerns when entering Australia after marriage plans developed?
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone with firsthand experience, especially around onshore subsequent entrant applications and bridging visa work rights.
Thanks in advance!