Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
(subclass 491)

Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489): Live, Work and Study in Regional Australia

The Subclass 489 visa, also known as the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa, is a great option for skilled workers who are looking to live, work, and study in regional Australia. This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for those who meet the eligibility requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of the key features of the Subclass 489 visa:

• Validity: This is a temporary visa valid for 5 years from the date of grant.

• Location: You and your family unit members holding this visa must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia. There are various regional areas across the country, offering diverse lifestyles and opportunities.

• Work and Study: You can be employed full-time or part-time in your nominated skilled occupation within the designated regional area. There are no restrictions on studying in Australia with this visa.

• Travel: Enjoy the flexibility to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid. However, spending time outside Australia won’t extend your visa stay.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: A significant benefit of the Subclass 489 visa is the pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191). You can apply for this permanent residency visa after meeting specific eligibility criteria, including spending a minimum amount of time living and working in a designated regional area.

• Family Inclusion: You can include your family members in your visa application. This includes your partner and dependent children. There are options to add a dependent child even after submitting the initial application, but before a decision is made.

• Visa Costs: The visa application fee starts at AUD$4,045 for the main applicant and additional charges apply for each family member included in the application. A health check, police certificates, and biometrics requirements may also incur additional costs.

• Application Process: You can apply for the Subclass 489 visa from within or outside Australia, but not during immigration clearance. If applying within Australia, you must hold a valid visa status. Processing times can vary depending on the completeness of your application and background checks.

• Visa Conditions and Obligations: As a visa holder, you and your family members must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

• Digital Visa: This visa is digitally linked to your passport. You won’t receive a physical visa label in your passport.

Additional Considerations:

• Restricted Permanent Residency Applications: It’s important to note that for the first 3 years of holding the Subclass 489 visa, you are generally restricted from applying for other permanent residency visas except for the Subclass 191.

• English Language Skills: You may need to demonstrate functional English language skills to meet visa requirements.

Overall, the Subclass 489 visa is an attractive option for skilled migrants seeking a pathway to live, work, and potentially gain permanent residency in regional Australia.

Eligibility Requirements for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa has specific eligibility requirements you must meet to be invited to apply. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Invitation to Apply:

• You cannot directly apply for the Subclass 491 visa. You need to be invited to apply by an Australian state or territory government agency or an eligible relative who sponsors you.

Age Requirement:

• You must be under 45 years old at the time you receive an invitation to apply. There is some flexibility if you turn 45 after the invitation but before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI). However, turning 45 after submitting your EOI but before receiving an invitation will disqualify you.

Skills Assessment:

• You must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated skilled occupation. This assessment verifies your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards.

Points Test:

• You need to score a minimum of 65 points on the Australian Immigration Points Test. This points system assesses various factors like age, qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency.

English Language Skills:

• You must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency. The required level may vary depending on your circumstances, but typically falls within the “Competent” range.

Occupation and Skills:

• Your nominated occupation must be listed on the combined list of eligible skilled occupations for the Subclass 491 visa. This list is regularly updated, so ensure your occupation remains eligible.

Health Requirements:

• You and any family members included in your visa application must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ health requirements. This may involve medical examinations and chest x-rays.

Character Requirements:

• You and all family members aged 16 and over applying with you must meet the character requirements. This involves a background check to ensure you don’t pose a security risk. Family members not accompanying you may also need to meet this requirement.

Financial Obligations:

• You and any family members (including those not applying with you) must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government. If there are debts, arrangements must be made to repay them before visa approval.

Australian Values Statement:

• Applicants 18 years and older must sign the Australian Values Statement. This signifies you understand and will uphold Australian values and laws.

Visa History:

• Generally, you cannot apply for the Subclass 491 visa if you have had a previous Australian visa cancelled or application refused. However, there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances. It’s recommended to check if a previous visa cancellation affects your eligibility.