This visa replaces the current subclass 489 visa and has been allocated by the Australian government to 14,000 places per year. Like the subclass 489 visa, the subclass 491 visa is a points-tested visa for applicants sponsored by a designated regional area of Australia. The primary applicant must be under 45 years of age and their occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
This visa replaces the current subclass 187 visa and has been allocated by the Australian government 9,000 places per year. It requires sponsorship by an Australian business and the occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Holders of the new regional visas will need to work and live in regional Australia. It is expected that Regional Australia will be any part of Australia except Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, and Melbourne.
To be eligible to apply for this visa applicants must have held a subclass 491 or a subclass 494 visa for at least 3 years, complied with their visa conditions, and have met minimum taxable income requirements.
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) Direct Entry stream will close on the 16 of November 2019. However, the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) Temporary Residence Transition stream will continue for transitional subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa holders. The Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) will close on 16 November 2019.
Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services have significant experience in the skilled migration program and can deal with many difficult issues that may arise when applying for a visa. Please contact our office to discuss your options.
