TWO NEW SKILLED REGIONAL VISAS EFFECTIVE NOW!

The Australian Government’s continuing support of regional Australia saw two skilled work visas be replaced from 16 November 2019 by two new skilled work visas – subclass 491 and subclass 494. These new visas are already promoting regional migration in an extended list of regional areas in Australia.

Regional Australia – New Areas

For the purpose of the new regional visas, the Department of Home Affairs has broadened the ‘Regional’ Australia classification. Brisbane and Gold Coast have been re-designated as ‘Regional’ areas. ‘Regional’ now means ALL of Australia EXCEPT Melbourne, Sydney, Perth.

New Regional Visas

New Visa	Replaces
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional   (Provisional)	Subclass 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) –   First Provisional Stream
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)	Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration   Scheme – Direct Entry Stream

Benefits of New Regional Visas

• Receive priority processing of regional applications – Sponsorship, Nomination, Visa
• Visa holders must work in their designated occupation with their nominating regional employer for at least three years – enabling foreign workers to build their lives in and contribute to regional communities
• Visa holders may, if eligible, apply for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) to be introduced on 16 November 2022
• Choose from a broader range of eligible occupations than on a non-regional visa
• Costs to employers are reduced for subclass 494 nomination
• Visa applicants may receive more points for subclass 491
• Employers in even more regional areas to gain skilled workers– expanded classification of ‘Regional’ Australia

For more information about the subclass 491 and subclass 494 visas, see also YML Group’s August 2019 newsletter:  https://ymlgroup.com.au/australian-immigration-visa-changes-from-1st-july-2019/

For more information about the subclass 494 visa, see also YML Group’s October 2019 newsletter:  https://ymlgroup.com.au/new-regional-visa-subclass-494-coming-in-november-2019/

How can Great Migration Strategies help?

Talk to our Great Migration Strategies Team today to see how we can assist you with your skilled regional nomination and visa applications. Contact us on (0412) 388 830 or by visiting the Contact Us page on our website.