Skilled Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 489)

489 Visa in Australia, also known as the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa, offers a unique opportunity for skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in specified regional areas of Australia for up to four years. This visa serves as a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 887 Visa, making it an attractive option for those looking to establish themselves in Australia.

Types of Subclass 489 Visa

There are three main pathways under the Subclass 489 Visa:

Invited Pathway:

This temporary visa is for skilled workers invited to work in regional Australia. It allows them to stay for up to four years, study, work, and live in the designated areas. If the applicant not holding any provisional visa or filing application outside Australia can use this pathway to enter Australia to work and live.

To apply under this pathway applicant should receive an Invitation to apply for that applicant must be –

• Sponsored by an eligible relative who is living in designated areas of Australia or
• Nominated by a state or territory government agency.

Extended Stay Pathway:

To become eligible for this pathway, the Applicant must hold at least one valid provisional visa in subclass 475, 487, 495 or 496. If the applicant holds more than one provisional visa listed above. He/she might not eligible to use this pathway to apply for a Skilled Regional provisional Visa.

Applicant should Complete Skilled Regional (Provisional) Renewal visa application and need to ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements for the Extended Stay

• Should willing to sign Australian Values Statement
• Meet the health requirements
• Meet the character Requirements
• Should clear all debts to the Australian Government

Subsequent Entry Pathway:

This pathway is for family members of a Subclass 489 visa holder or holders of subclasses 475, 487, 495, or 496 visas, allowing them to stay in Australia until the visa expires.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Subclass 489 Visa in Australia, applicants must meet specific requirements:

Invited Pathway:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Register your interest in SkillSelect.
• Nomination/Sponsorship: Be nominated by an Australian state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area.
• Age: Be under 45 years old at the time of receiving the invitation.
• Skills Assessment: Have a valid skills assessment for an occupation on the skilled occupation list.
• Points Test: Score at least 65 points on the points test.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English skills.
• Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements.

Extended Stay Pathway:

• Current Visa Holder: Hold a valid provisional visa (subclasses 475, 487, 495, or 496).
• Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements.

Subsequent Entry Pathway:

• Family Member: Be a family member of a Subclass 475, 487, 489, 495, or 496 visa holder.
• Bridging Visa: Hold a Bridging visa (subclasses 010, 020, or 030).
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English skills.
• Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements.

Steps to Apply

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
• Arrange Required Documents: Gather all necessary documentation.
• Apply for Subclass 489 Visa in Australia: Submit your application through the appropriate pathway.
• Wait for Visa Status: Await the decision on your visa application.
• Move to Australia: Upon approval, relocate to Australia.

Application Process

The application process involves several steps, beginning with checking your eligibility and arranging the required documents. After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the visa status update. If granted, you can move to Australia and start living, working, or start studying in the specified regional areas.

Costs Associated

Processing Time

The processing time for the Subclass 489 Visa in Australia ranges from 19 to 24 months. This duration can vary based on individual circumstances and the completeness of the application.

Skilled Regional Provisional visa is for the people who wish to live and work in Specified regions in Australia. It is a temporary visa valid for 4 years. There are two pathways for Subclass 489.

• Extended Stay Pathway
• Invited Pathway

Advantages in Subclass 489 Visa

• Using this visa the applicant can move on to Australia with their family.
• The subclass 489 visa provides the privilege of residing anywhere in Specified regions of Australia
• Travel In and Out of Australia while the Visa valid
• This visa program avails an extra perk of pursuing higher studies while working in Australia.