The Skilled Regional (Subclass 489 Visa) is points tested temporary visa for skilled migrants. This Skilled Visa requires that applicants meet a point’s test pass mark and are nominated by an Australian State/Territory or eligible Australian relative. The 489 visa allows a person to work and live in a specified regional area of Australia for up to four years. It is a temporary visa which may allow you to apply for a permanent residency visa.

General eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for a provisional Skilled Regional visa (Subclass 489), you must have lodged an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Immigration’s SkillSelect programme and have been invited to apply for the visa.

To be granted this visa, at the time you are invited to apply, you must:

• be under 45 years of age
• nominate an occupation that is included on the relevant State or Territory’s Skilled Occupation List (for State or Territory nominated applicants) or the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) (for family sponsored applicants)
• have your skills assessed by the appropriate Australian skills assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation
• have Competent English
• score at least 60 points on the relevant points test (including 5 points for being State/Territory
• meet relevant health and character requirements.

Note: This visa provides a pathway to Permanent Residence through the Skilled Regional visa (Subclass 887) – Residence.