SKILLED REGIONAL PROVISIONAL VISA (SUBCLASS 489)

Permits are valid for four years. You are only permitted to live, work, and attend school in an authorized regional area while you and your family are a resident of Australia. Whether you are sponsored by a relative or by a State or Territory Government will affect the approved geographical areas. Please be aware that the 491 visa has taken the place of the 489 visa, which is no longer accepting new applications.

A 4-year provisional visa called the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Subclass 489 requires its bearer to live and work in a regional area in order to become a permanent resident. You would need to be sponsored by a State or Territory Government or a relative who resides in a defined area in order to be eligible.

Eligibility requirements of the Subclass 489 Visa

You have to be under 44 years old.

possess relevant work experience in one of the Australian qualified skilled jobs listed as a nominee

You must receive 65 points on the immigration-focused Australia Points Test System.

You need to get a favorable skills evaluation from an appropriate assessing authority.

You need to have experience that meets the requirements for your state or region.

You must demonstrate that you have the required level of English proficiency through IELTS.

An expression of interest is required (EOI)

A State Sponsorship Application is required.

In order to obtain a favorable Police Clearance Report, you must meet the minimal standards for character and health.

You must reside in the sponsoring region or state for two years following the issuance of the visa.

The Subclass 489 visa is a four-year temporary visa that does not allow you to apply for permanent residence unless you have lived in a regional area for at least two years and worked full-time (at least 35 hours per week) for at least 12 months.

The sponsorship of a relative who lives in the designated area

Sponsored by a relative living in a Designated Area, you can apply for a Subclass 489 visa. The relative must be an eligible New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or citizen of Australia.

Subclass 489 visas can be sponsored by the following relatives:

Parents

Brothers and Sisters

Uncles and Aunts

Nephews and Nieces

First Cousins

Grandparents