1. What is the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
The Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489 is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in specified regional areas of Australia for up to four years. It is a points-based visa that requires an invitation from the relevant state or territory government, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated area. This visa pathway aims to address skill shortages in regional Australia by incentivizing skilled workers to live and work in these areas.2. What are the benefits of the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
Some benefits of the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489 include:
– The ability to live and work in specified regional areas of Australia for up to four years.
– The opportunity to gain Australian work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residency through the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) after two years.
– The flexibility to travel in and out of Australia multiple times while the visa is valid.
– The option for family members to be included in the application as secondary applicants.
3. Who is eligible for the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
To be eligible for this visa, you must:
– Be invited or sponsored by an eligible entity, such as a state or territory government or an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
– Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and meet other eligibility criteria, including English language proficiency.
– Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
– Meet health and character requirements.
4. Can I include my family members on my Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489 application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children on your application as secondary applicants. They must meet certain requirements, such as being listed on your visa application, meeting health and character requirements, and providing evidence of their relationship to you.
5. Can I apply for permanent residency through this visa?
No, the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489 is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residency on its own. However, after holding this visa for two years and meeting certain criteria, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).
6. What conditions are attached to the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
Some common conditions attached to this visa include:
– The condition that you live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.
– The condition that you undertake only approved work or study in Australia.
– The condition that you advise the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your contact details or address.
– The condition that you comply with all Australian laws.
7. How do I apply for the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
To apply for this visa, you must first receive an invitation from a relevant state or territory government agency or have an eligible relative in a designated regional area sponsor you. Then, you can submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. Once invited, you can submit your application online within 60 days.
8. What happens if my circumstances change after I am granted the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
If your circumstances change, such as your contact details or employment status, you must inform the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. If your nominated occupation is no longer relevant to the skills assessment used in your application or if you change employers, this may affect the validity of your visa.
9. Can I switch states while on the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
No, once granted a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489, you must live and work in the specified regional area for which you were nominated by the state or territory government.
10. Can I extend my Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
The Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489 cannot be extended. However, after holding the visa for two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS). Alternatively, if you receive a nomination from a different state or territory government, you may be able to apply for another subclass 489 visa.
2. What are the basic requirements for a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
The basic requirements for a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489 are:
1. Nominated occupation: One must have a valid occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa subclass.
2. Nomination by an Australian State or Territory government agency: To apply for this visa, one must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative living in designated regional areas of Australia.
3. Age requirement: Applicants must be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation to apply for the visa.
4. Skills assessment: A positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority is required to prove that one has the skills and qualifications necessary for their nominated occupation.
5. Meet English language requirements: All applicants must meet the specified level of English proficiency unless exempted.
6. Points test: An applicant must score at least 65 points on the points test to be eligible for this visa. These points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, English language ability, and nomination/sponsorship status.
7. Health and character requirements: Applicants must meet certain health and character criteria to enter Australia.
8. Sponsorship obligations: If sponsored by an eligible relative, they must provide a written undertaking to assist with accommodation and financial support for any period within two years that the applicant is subject to immigration control after initial entry into Australia.
9. Settlement obligations: To obtain permanent residency through this pathway, holders of this visa will need to live in a designated regional area for at least two years and work full-time there for 12 months before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency (subclass 887).
Note: Meeting all these basic requirements does not guarantee that a visa will be granted as each application will undergo individual assessment by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Additional documents such as police clearance certificates may also be required depending on individual circumstances
3. How long is the processing time for a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
The processing time for a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489 varies depending on individual circumstances and the processing load of the immigration department. It can take anywhere from several months to more than a year for the visa to be processed and approved.
4. Can I include my family members in my application for a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
Yes, you can include your family members in your application for a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489. Family members that can be included are:– Spouse or de facto partner
– Dependent children
– Dependent relatives, such as parents or siblings, if they cannot support themselves financially and are dependent on you for care due to a medical condition.
Please note that all family members included in the application must meet certain requirements, such as health and character checks.
5. What age limit applies to this visa?
There is no age limit for this visa. However, applicants are required to meet the eligibility criteria, which includes having a genuine intention to visit Australia temporarily, sufficient funds to cover travel and living expenses, and the ability to comply with immigration laws during their stay in Australia. Additionally, applicants over the age of 75 are required to undergo health examinations before a decision can be made on their application.
6. Do I need to have a job offer in regional Australia before applying for this visa?
No, a job offer in regional Australia is not required before applying for this visa. However, having a job offer may increase your chances of being invited to apply for the visa and can also give you additional points towards the points requirement.
7. Are there any language requirements for the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
Yes, there are language requirements for the Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489. Applicants must have competent English, which is defined as having a score of at least 6 in each component (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) on an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test taken within the last three years. Alternatively, applicants can also show evidence of having completed at least five years of continuous study in English medium or have completed their secondary school education in English. Applicants who are exempt from this requirement include citizens and passport holders of Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, United Kingdom and United States.
8. Is there a points system for this visa category?
There is not a specific points system for this visa category. Each country may have their own specific requirements and criteria for granting this visa, which may include factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and ties to the home country. As each country’s requirements may vary, it is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying for a visa in this category.
9. What is the difference between the Subclass 489 and Subclass 187 visas?
The Subclass 489 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. This visa has a validity of four years and can lead to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Subclass 887) visa.The Subclass 187 visa, also known as the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS), is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an employer in regional Australia. This visa requires a job offer from an employer in a designated regional area and has more stringent requirements compared to the Subclass 489 visa.
In summary, the main differences between the two visas are:
1. Purpose: The Subclass 489 is a temporary visa that allows individuals to work and live in designated regional areas, whereas the Subclass 187 provides permanent residency.
2. Nominations: The Subclass 489 requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible relative, while the Subclass 187 requires nomination by an employer located in regional Australia.
3. Job Offer: A job offer from an employer is not required for the Subclass 489, but it is mandatory for the Subclass 187.
4. Requirements: The eligibility criteria for the Subcalss 187 are more rigorous compared to those for the subclass 489.
5. Validity: The Subclass 489 has a validity of four years while there is no time limit on how long one can stay under the subclass 187 once granted permanent residency.
6. Pathway to Permanent Residency: The subclass 489 can lead to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Subclass887) visa after meeting specific conditions, while there is no pathway to permanent residency through subclass 187.
10. How long is the validity of a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
The Work – Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 489) is valid for up to four years from the date of grant. However, the initial duration of stay granted may vary and depend on various factors, such as the expiry date of your passport or the length of time requested in your visa application. It is important to note that this visa has a condition that requires you to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for at least two years.
11. Can I apply for Australian citizenship with this visa?
No, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) does not lead to Australian citizenship. In order to become an Australian citizen, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and apply for citizenship separately.
12. What are some examples of regional areas in Australia that qualify for this visa?
1. Northern Territory (excluding Darwin)
2. New South Wales (excluding Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong)
3. Victoria (excluding Melbourne Metropolitan Area)
4. Queensland (excluding Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast)
5. Western Australia (excluding Perth and surrounding areas)
6. Tasmania
7. South Australia (excluding Adelaide)
8. Australian Capital Territory
9. Regional areas of Victoria: Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges
10. Regional areas of New South Wales: Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Maitland, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
11. Coastal Queensland: Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.
12. Outback and remote areas such as Alice Springs in the Northern Territory or Mount Isa in Queensland.
13. Is there an age limit for dependent children included in this visa application?
There is no specific age limit for dependent children included in a visa application. However, immigration authorities may consider factors such as the child’s age and circumstances when assessing their dependence on the applicant and whether they qualify for a visa under the dependent category. It is best to consult with a immigration lawyer or refer to the specific requirements of the visa you are applying for to determine eligibility for dependent children.
14. Can I switch jobs while holding a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489?
Yes, you can switch jobs while holding a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489. However, you must still meet the conditions and requirements of your visa, including working in a designated regional area and in a skilled occupation to fulfill the conditions of your visa.If you are switching jobs within the same regional area and in the same skilled occupation, you do not need to inform the Department of Home Affairs. However, if you are changing jobs outside of your designated regional area or in a different skilled occupation, you will need to notify the Department of Home Affairs through their ImmiAccount portal.
It is important to note that strict conditions apply for switching jobs while on a Work – Skilled Regional Visa 489. You should always consult with a migration agent or the Department of Home Affairs before making any significant changes to your employment while holding this visa.
15. Is there a minimum salary requirement for this visa category?
No, there is no minimum salary requirement for the H-1B visa category. However, your employer must pay you the prevailing wage for your occupation and location. 16. Can I apply for permanent residency through this visa?
No, this visa is not intended for permanent residency. Its purpose is to facilitate the temporary entry of individuals into a country for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, or study. You will need to apply for permanent residency through a different immigration route if that is your goal.
17.Self-employed individuals also eligible to apply under this category?
Yes, self-employed individuals are eligible to apply under this category as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements set by the program. This may include having a valid business license, proof of income and ability to repay the loan, and meeting any credit score or collateral requirements.
18.What happens if my regional employer shuts down during my stay on this visa?
If your regional employer shuts down during your stay on this visa, you will need to find another eligible employer in the same designated regional area to continue working and meet the requirements of your visa. If you are unable to find another suitable employer, you may need to leave the country. You should also inform the Department of Home Affairs of the change in employment circumstances.
19.Do I need to undergo any medical examinations or provide health insurance proof for this visa application?
It depends on the specific requirements of the visa application you are applying for. Some visas may require applicants to undergo a medical examination or provide proof of health insurance, while others may not. It is important to carefully review the requirements for your specific visa category and follow any instructions provided by the immigration authorities. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the appropriate embassy or consulate for guidance.
20.Is there a limit on how many years I can hold this visa before applying for permanent residency?
This may vary depending on the specific visa and country. Typically, temporary visas have a set duration, after which they must be renewed or the individual must apply for permanent residency. In some cases, there may be a limit on how many times a temporary visa can be renewed before an individual is required to apply for permanent residency. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your specific visa to determine any limitations.