Skilled Independent Visa (SubClass 189)
Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)
The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489) is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional or low population growth metropolitan areas of Australia for up to 4 years.
After holding the Subclass 489 visa for two years and meeting the relevant requirements, you may become eligible for the Permanent Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887).
There are three main pathways to obtain this visa:
Pathway for Current Visa Holders
This pathway is available to individuals who currently hold a Subclass 489 visa or one of the following visas: Subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496. Applicants must not have held more than one of these visas previously.
489 Visa Invited Pathway
The 489 Visa Invited Pathway requires applicants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and either:
Be nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government, or
Be sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated area of Australia.
489 visa Subsequent Entry Pathway
This pathway is available to individuals who are members of the family unit of someone who already holds a Subclass 489 visa or one of the following visas: Subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496.
Applicants can apply from within or outside Australia, and the same applies when a decision is made on the visa.
Requirement: Skilled Regional Provisional Visa – 489
- You must meet all health requirement.
- You must have repaid, or have arranged to repay, any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
For Extended Stay Pathway
for at least two years:
- Skilled—Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 475)
- Skilled—Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 487)
- Skilled—Independent Regional visa (subclass 495)
- Skilled—Designated Area Sponsored Provisional visa (subclass 496).
- you must be either nominated by an Australian state or territory to live and work in that state or territory or Sponsored by a relative.
- If you are sponsored by a relative or nominated by an Australian state or territory, your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
- You must have a skills assessment that shows you have the skills and qualifications to work in that occupation.
- You must meet the points test pass mark of 65 points VISIT OUR POINTS CALCULATOR TO CHECK YOUR ELEIGIBILITY
- You must be 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- You must have a competent English
For Subsequent Entry Pathway
- Skilled Regional (Provisional (subclass 489) – this visa
- Skilled—Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 475)
- Skilled—Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 487)
- Skilled—Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 495)
- Skilled—Designated Area Sponsored visa (subclass 496).
There is no English language requirement for subsequent entrants. However, if you are 18 years or older and do not have Functional English, you must pay an additional fee, known as the second instalment.
Tests proving Functional English must be:
Completed within 12 months before applying for the visa, or
Completed while your visa application is being processed.
How Can Immigration Global Network Help You?
Our team at Immigration Global Network provides comprehensive guidance at every step of the visa process, from understanding your options and providing recommendations to organising, preparing, and lodging your visa application.