Skilled Visa

The Skilled Regional (Provisional) Subclass 489 visa is a 4-year provisional visa which requires holders to live and work in a regional area to obtain permanent residence. To qualify, you would need be sponsored by either a relative living in a designated area or a State or Territory Government

The applicable occupations list if sponsored by a relative is the same as the list for the Skilled Independent visa. The state sponsored 489 occupations list can be seen

If you are sponsored by a relative, you will need to live for 2 years and work full time for 12 months in a regional or low population growth area to qualify for permanent residence through the Skilled Regional Subclass 887 visa.

The applicants can either be in Australia or overseas to lodge this visa.

If the applicant is in Australia:

Must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa.

Features

This visa allows:

• recent engineering graduates of recognised institutions to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience.

Eligibility

You must:

• be under 31 years of age
• have completed an engineering degree at a recognised institution in the past two years
• have been the primary visa holder of a subclass 476 or 485 visa.

Length of stay

18 months

Cost

From Aud 365

Features

This stream is for Points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. It allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

For the Skilled Independent (Points-tested) stream you need to submit an expression of interest.

If you are a New Zealand citizen you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (New Zealand) stream.

Eligibility

• have a relevant occupation on the 189 occupation list (MLTSSL)
• have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
• Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply
• meet the points test pass mark of 65 points (as of 1 July 2018)
• Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
• have Competent English
• be invited to apply.
• Meet health and character requirements

Features

190 visa is points based and allows skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

Eligibility

• have a relevant occupation on the 190 occupation list
• have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
• be nominated by a state or territory government agency
• meet the points test pass mark of 65 points (as of
• Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply
• Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
• have Competent English
• Meet health and character requirements

To see the latest 18th of March 2018 changes and how they affect this visa please see here.

Features

This is a permanent visa for people who have lived and worked in specified areas of regional Australia.

Eligibility

• it is a pathway to Permanent residency (PR) for people who hold a subclass 489, 495, 496, 475 or 487, or a Bridging visa A or B after applying for a subclass 489, 495 or 487 visa
• have lived in a specified regional area of Australia for at least two years
• have worked full time in a specified regional area for at least one year

Length of stay

Permanently

Cost

From AUD 375

Distinguished Talent Visa Requirements:

Meeting the requirements for a Distinguished Talent Visa is a high test. You must:

• have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in your profession
• be still prominent in the area
• would be an asset to the Australian community
• have no difficulty getting employment, or in becoming established independently in your field in Australia
• Be nominated by;
• an Australian peak body or organisation
• an Australian citizen
• an Australian permanent resident, or
• an eligible New Zealand citizen

you must also:

• have a national reputation in your field
• be highly regarded throughout Australia

Note a reputation in one state or region would not be considered ‘national’