With the introduction of the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa due to commence on 16 November 2019, the Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa will be closed to new applications at 11:59 pm on 15 November 2019.
The Department of Home Affairs has announced transitional arrangements for replacing the Subclass 489 with Subclass 491.
- 10th September 2019 – The last day to issues invitations on the submitted EOIs by any State and Territory Authority.
- 15th November 2019 – The last day for any invited applicant to lodge their visa. After 15th September 11:59 PM, Subclass 489 will ceases and no further lodgements can be made via the Immi Portal.
- 16th November onwards – Migrants will be able to lodge EOIs for the Subclass 491 as new points test will be introduced.
- 16th November 2022 – Introduction of the Subclass 191. This allows applicants with Subclass 491 to apply for their Permanent Residency
Note: During this transition, applicants who have lodged EOIs for Subclasses 189 and 190 will not be affected and can be issued invitations.
Australia’s immigration law and visa system are very complicated. Any small mistake can waste your precious time and money, and may even lead to more serious refusal consequences. If you want to know the specific requirements of this visa, or whether your employer qualifies for the sponsorship, please contact our experienced immigration agent to help you.
Paul Taekhwan Kwon
MARN: 0701575
Paul migrated to Australia in 1999 as an international student. After completing his IT degree at the Queensland University of Technology in 2003, he began his career as an education consultant, going on to become a registered migration agent in 2007. His professional experience covers a range of visa areas, including business sponsorship, skilled migration, partner, parent and student visas.