This is a four year regional provisional visa which gives the applicant temporary immigration and residency.

This visa is designed to encourage migrants to live and work in regional areas of Australia where there are large skills shortages and significant numbers of job vacancies.

Requirements for a Regional Sponsored Skilled Visa (Subclass 489)

The visa requires sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a designated region of Australia or from a State or Territory Government.

This visa is points tested with 65 points required to be eligible as well as satisfying the standard conditions for immigration.

Points are awarded in the following categories:

1. Age
2. English Language
3. Australian and Overseas Work Experience
4. Australian Study
5. Qualifications
6. Community Language
7. Regional Australian Study
8. Spouse Skills
9. State or Family Sponsorship
10. Professional Year

Benefits of the Regional Sponsored Skilled Visa (Subclass 489)

This visa gives the applicant and his or her immediate family temporary residency and permanent residency once the conditions are satisfied.

Once the applicant has lived for two years and worked full-time for one year in a specified regional area of Australia permanent residency is available.

There are several other skilled visas available:

• The Independent Skilled NZ Pathway Visa (Subclass 189)
• The Sponsored Skilled Visa (Subclass 190)
• The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
• The Independent Skilled Visa (Subclass 189)