Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)

The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489) was a popular choice for skilled workers wanting to live and work in regional Australia. Though it’s no longer available for new applicants, existing holders can still enjoy its benefits.

Let’s explore the details and how CIA Lawyers can guide you through the next steps.

Costs & Details of the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)

Understanding the costs and details of the Subclass 489 visa is essential for anyone looking to live and work in regional Australia. Here’s a simple breakdown of the costs for each pathway:

Visa Stream	Stay Duration	Cost (AUD)	Processing Time
Invited Pathway	Up to 4 years	From $4,770	Varies (check online guide)
Extended Stay Pathway	4 years from current skilled visa	From $425	Varies (check online guide)
Subsequent Entry Pathway	Until the primary visa holder’s visa ends	From $4,770	Varies (check online guide)

Important Notes:

Processing Times: Processing times depend on your circumstances and application completeness. For the most accurate information, refer to the visa processing time guide on the Australian Home Affairs website.
Additional Costs: There may be extra charges for family members or if you’re required to pay a second instalment for English proficiency. Be sure to account for these extra fees in your budget.

The visa grants a stay of up to 4 years, with family members under the Subsequent Entry Pathway having their stay linked to the primary visa holder’s visa validity.

Breakdown of Pathways Under Subclass 489

The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489) offered several pathways for skilled workers looking to live and work in regional Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the main pathways:

#1. Invited Pathway

This pathway was ideal for skilled workers who were either:

Nominated by a state or territory government, or
Sponsored by a relative living in a designated regional area.

Successful applicants could live, work, and study in regional or low-growth population areas, giving them the chance to contribute to Australia’s growing regional communities.

#2. Extended Stay Pathway

For those holding specific skilled visas, such as Subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496, this pathway allowed them to extend their stay for an additional four years. This provided greater flexibility, including more freedom to choose employers and occupations within regional Australia.

#3. Subsequent Entry Pathway

This pathway catered to family members of existing visa holders. If your family member holds a Subclass 489, 475, 487, 495, or 496 visa, you could join them in Australia. As with all visa applications, you would need to meet the health, character, and other eligibility criteria to ensure your entry is approved.

Benefits of the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)

The Subclass 489 visa provided skilled workers and their families with several valuable benefits, making it a great option for those wanting to settle in regional Australia:

Live and Work in Regional Areas: This visa allowed you to live and work in Australia’s regional areas, where skilled workers were in high demand. It helped fill gaps in local labour markets and contributed to regional development.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: One of the key perks was the chance to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 887 visa, after meeting certain requirements.
Freedom to Travel: You could enter and leave Australia as often as needed during the visa’s validity, giving you flexibility.

Though it came with some conditions – like living in designated regional areas and meeting visa obligations – Subclass 489 offered great opportunities for those looking to build a life in Australia’s regions.

Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)

To be eligible for the Subclass 489 visa, applicants had to meet both general and pathway-specific criteria:

General Requirements:

You must pass health and character checks.
You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
You must comply with all visa conditions while in Australia.

Pathway-Specific Requirements:

Invited Pathway:

You needed to be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by a family member.
Your occupation had to be on the relevant skilled list.
You must score at least 65 points on your Expression of Interest (EOI).
You had to meet age and English language proficiency requirements.

Extended Stay Pathway:

You could only apply if you held a related skilled visa (e.g., Subclasses 475, 487, 495).

Subsequent Entry Pathway:

You had to be a family member of someone who held a qualifying visa (Subclasses 489, 475, 487, or 496).
You needed to meet health and language requirements.

How CIA Lawyers Will Help You Get the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489)

Applying for the Subclass 489 visa can feel like a complicated process, but with CIA Lawyers by your side, we make it straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how we can assist you:

Expert Advice: Navigating the eligibility criteria and visa conditions can be tricky. Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring you understand what’s required and how to meet the standards for a successful application.
Application Assistance: We’ll handle all the paperwork, from preparing your application to lodging it with the authorities. We ensure your documents are correct and complete, reducing the risk of delays or rejection.
Permanent Residency Support: If you’re aiming for permanent residency, we’ll help you transition smoothly from the Subclass 489 to the Subclass 887 visa. Our team ensures you’re prepared for this next step when the time comes.
Handling Complex Cases: Whether you’re dealing with health checks, character assessments, or other concerns, we’ve got you covered. Our experience with complex visa cases means you can trust us to tackle any challenges that come your way.

At CIA Lawyers, we’re dedicated to making your visa journey as smooth as possible. Let us help you take the next step in building your future in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the costs involved in Subclass 489 pathways?

A: Costs start from AUD 425 for the Extended Stay Pathway and AUD 4,770 for other pathways. Additional fees apply for dependents and English requirements.

Q: Can I extend or renew my Subclass 489 visa?

A: Unfortunately, this visa can’t be renewed. However, eligible holders can apply for permanent residency through Subclass 887.

Q: How does this visa lead to permanent residency?

A: By meeting the requirements of the Skilled Regional (Residence) Visa (Subclass 887), you can transition to PR. This usually involves living and working in a designated area for at least two years.

Q: What are the requirements for including family members in my application?

A: Your partner and dependent children can be included, but they must meet health and character requirements. Additional fees might apply.

Our Process

1. Consultation

Connect with a qualified solicitor to discuss your immigration needs and determine the best strategy for securing your visa under Australian immigration law.

2. Application

Our legal consultants will guide you through the preparation of all required documentation, including any necessary written or oral submissions.

3. Approval

We stand by your side throughout the entire process, advocating on your behalf and supporting you until your visa application is successfully approved.