New skilled worker visas for regional areas announced
Two new “regional” visas intended to encourage skilled overseas workers to settle into low growth population areas in Australia will take effect on 16 November 2019.
If you are an employer or employee outside of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne these visas may be able to assist you:
- the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) temporary residence visa will replace the 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Stream (RSMS) direct entry stream permanent residence visa.
- the 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) temporary residence visa will replace the 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) invited pathway stream temporary residence visa.
494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional residence visa
The 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) temporary residence visa will be:
- a visa that requires employment with a business based in a designated regional area of Australia (i.e. any area excluding Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne);
- available to those who are working in a full-time position listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (to be announced);
- valid for 5 years from the date of approval.
The 494 visa will require:
- the employer obtaining approval from the relevant Regional Certifying Board (RCB) where the position will be based;
- the visa applicant obtaining a positive skills assessment certificate from the relevant skills assessing authority responsible for assessing the nominated occupation;
- the visa applicant to have at least three (3) years’ relevant employment experience in the nominated occupation;
- the visa applicant to be paid the market salary rate for the nominated position;
- the visa applicant to be younger than 45 years of age at the time of application;
- the visa applicant to provide an appropriate English language test result demonstrating “Competent English”.
491 Skilled Work Regional residence visa
The 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) temporary residence visa will be:
- a points-tested visa application (minimum of 65 points required to be eligible to apply);
- available to applicants sponsored by a designated Australian state or territory regional authority OR an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area of Australia;
- valid for 5 years from the date of approval.
The 491 visa will require:
- lodging an Expression of Interest online on the Skills Select portal;
- obtaining an Invitation to Apply from the Department of Home Affairs;
- the primary applicant to be less than 45 years of age at the time of application.
Once approved, 491 and 494 visa holders may live & work in any designated regional areas (which excludes Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne). 491 and 494 visa holders may also move between designated regional areas.
More details will be published confirming the government’s exact definition of regional areas, such as whether they are defined by postcode etc.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After holding either a 491 or 494 temporary residence visa for at least three (3) years, skilled workers may be eligible to apply for the 191 Skilled Regional permanent residence visa, to be introduced on 16 November 2022.
For holders of 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) temporary residence visas, they must:
- live, work or study in the designated regional area for at least three (3) years; and
- be able to demonstrate earnings of at least $53,900 (excluding superannuation) for each of those 3 years. Either the primary applicant or their partner may demonstrate these earnings.
For holders of 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) temporary residence visa, they must:
- live and work in the designated regional area for at least three (3) years; and
- be able to demonstrate earnings of at least $53,900 (excluding superannuation) for each of those 3 years. Either the primary applicant or their partner may demonstrate these earnings.
About Employment Innovations
Employment Innovations is one of Australia’s leading providers of employment services designed to increase productivity and ensure compliance. Its services and solutions include all the tools that every Australian small to medium-sized employer needs including; workplace advice, legal services, payroll solutions, migration, human resource management & HR software. Our qualified migration agents can help with all visa and sponsorship needs and pride themselves on providing clients with high-quality migration services. Contact us to learn more or call 1300 144 120 to speak with a migration agent today.
You might also be interested in
Knowledge Base: Company Obligations As A Business Sponsor