Australia’s new Regional Points Tested Visa
On 16 November 2019, the current Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa will soon be replaced by a new regional points tested visa, known as the Subclass 491 Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa. If you’re interested in becoming sponsored by an Australian State or Territory Government for skilled work in regional areas, here’s how this change could impact you.
A longer wait for permanent residence
Currently, the points-tested stream of the Subclass 489 Visa provides skilled migrants an option to live and work in regional Australia with a pathway to permanent residence. To become eligible to apply for permanent residence, Subclass 489 Visa holders must have lived for at least two years in a regional area and worked full time for at least one year in a specified regional area.
Once the new regional points tested visa replaces the Subclass 489 Visa
migrants will still have a pathway to permanent residence. However, Subclass 491 Visa holders will need to wait three years in a regional area before becoming eligible to apply for a permanent residence visa.
Last dates for Subclass 489 Visa applications
To avoid longer waiting times and associated risks with securing permanent residence, skilled migrants who would like to be sponsored by an Australian state or territory may wish to consider the Subclass 489 Visa option before it is replaced. There is currently a small window of opportunity to express your interest to apply before the Government ceases to issue invitations.
Here are the Subclass 489 Visa cut-off dates:
-10 September 2019 – Last day for States and Territory Governments to nominate and for invitations to be issued for a Subclass 489 Visa.
-15 November 2019 – Last day for people who have been invited to apply for a Subclass 489 Visa to lodge their visa application.
From 16 November 2019, Expressions of Interest for the replacement Subclass 491 Regional Points Tested Visa will open. From this date, State and Territory Governments will be able to nominate candidates and invitations will begin to be issued to applicants.
During the transition period, invitations will continue to be issued for Australia’s other points-tested visas (Subclass 189 or 190 Visas), which will be unaffected by the change.
Immigracious | Migration connections made simple
Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents can assess whether you meet the skills, qualifications and experience requirements for a Regional Skilled Visa and permanent residence. Simply contact us on +61 (8) 6185 2770 or hello@immigracious.com.au to discuss how we can assist with the process of correctly claiming the maximum number of points available to you.
Source:
Department of Home Affairs
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