AUSTRALIA: Latest on Skilled Regional Visas

July 10, 2019


In the lead up to the introduction of the new Skilled Regional visas in November 2019, the immigration authorities have announced further details on the implementation dates for the 491 and 494 visas, and transitional arrangements for Subclass 489 and RSMS visas.

Lodgement Deadlines

Most importantly, the immigration authorities advise that the last date to be invited for a Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa will be 10 September 2019. The last date to then lodge an application based on an invitation would be 15 November 2019.

The last date to lodge a Subclass 187 Regional Skilled Migration Scheme nomination or visa through the direct entry stream will also be 15 November. Any direct entry RSMS nominations not finalised by 16 November will be automatically withdrawn unless the corresponding visa application has also been lodged.

The RSMS temporary residence transitional stream will remain open to certain 457 visa holders eligible through ‘grandfathering’ provisions, and those who held or had applied for a 482 visa prior to 20 March 2019.

Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa applicants will not be affected by these changes.

Regional Area Definition

The definition of ‘regional Australia’ will be simplified to include anywhere outside of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Perth. Immigration will provide a list of postcodes to assist applicants to determine whether their area falls into the above metropolitan areas or if it is acceptable for regional migration.

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

It will be possible to lodge an Expression of Interest for this visa from 16 November 2019, and States/Territories will also be able to nominate and invite applicants from this date.

This is designed to replace the Subclass 489 visa, with both the State/Territory and Family sponsored pathways available. This visa will be valid for five years, with a number of compliance conditions including the requirement to live, work and study only in a designated regional area, and to notify the immigration authorities of any reportable changes within 14 days. The authorities can also ask visa holders to provide evidence of their activities or attend an interview.

Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to visa cancellation and/or loss of a pathway to permanent residency.

Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 494 visa process mirrors the one for TSS applications as there needs to be a Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) or Labour Agreement, and a Nomination either approved or submitted before a visa application can be lodged.

From 16 November 2019, businesses with an existing SBS will be able to use this current sponsorship to nominate employees and lodge the corresponding subclass 494 visa application.

Nomination applications must include evidence that Labour Market Testing has been undertaken, as well as advice from a Regional Certifying Body confirming that the market rate is acceptable for the local area. A Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is payable.

Applicants must be under 45 years old and hold a successful skills assessment at the time of lodgement.

Once granted, the visa will be valid for five years, with the same regional compliance conditions as the 491 visa. Holders are also eligible for Medicare, so private health insurance is not required.

Visa holders will also be subject to a work limitation condition similar to the TSS visa, in that they are only able to work for their nominating employer. Should this employment cease, the holder has 90 days to find a new sponsor or to depart Australia.

Permanent Residency Pathway

Migrants who hold a Subclass 491 or 494 visa must remain on these visas in a regional area for at least three years before they can be considered for any other skilled visa. This includes applications for other GSM visas (189, 190), Employer Nomination Scheme, and Business visas. In addition, applicants are barred from applying for an onshore Partner visa until the three-year residence requirement is met.

In order to be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, applicants must meet the three-year residence requirement, along with evidence that they have earned a minimum taxable income for three years as the holder of a regional provisional visa (amount to be confirmed) and have complied with the conditions of their 491 or 494 visa.

Amended General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test

The current GSM points test will be updated on 16 November, giving Skilled visa applicants additional points as follows:

  • Nomination by state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member to reside and work in a specified/designated area – 15 points (currently 10);
  • A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least two academic years in a relevant STEM field. – 10 points (currently 5);
  • Partner skill qualifications – 10 points (currently 5);
  • Partner with competent English but not eligible for Partner skill qualifications points – 5 points (currently nil);
  • Single applicants (no partner) – 10 points (currently nil).

Our Advice

Migrants and businesses interested in a direct-entry RSMS visa should immediately start looking at the Regional Certifying Body (RCB), Nomination, and Visa application requirements, to avoid missing the 10 September 2019 deadline. Regional Certifying Bodies often have different or additional requirements to those set out by the immigration authorities, including the need for Labour Market Testing (advertising the role) in set locations and for set periods of time.

Those interested in the new 491 or 494 visa can begin preparing for skills assessments and English language testing now, with a view to submitting an application shortly after the commencement date.

Newland Chase is able to assist with skills assessment applications, Regional Certification applications, 489 visa applications, and RSMS nomination and visa applications.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Australia, please contact us.