Visa Information

Subclass 489 - Skilled –Nominated or Sponsored Visa (Provisional)

From 1 July 2012, the subclass 489 visa replaces the Skilled-Regional Sponsored subclass 475 (offshore) and the subclass 487 (onshore) visas.

This is a points-tested visa for people who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area in Australia. This is a 4 year visa and a visa holder must live and work in a specified regional area. This visa allows holders of subclass 495, 496, 475 and 487 to stay in Australia for an additional year.

Eligibility Requirements::

Intending applicants must:

      • submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) online via the SkillSelect model
      • be nominated by a state or territory government, or
      • be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area
      • be invited by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
      • be under 50 years at the time of invitation
      • have suitable skills assessment for an occupation that is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL - Sch 1) when making an EoI
      • have Competent English when making an EOI
      • meet the Pass Mark (60 from 1 July 2012) of the Points Test at the time of invitation
      • meet health and character requirements.

Other information relating to this visa

      • Eligible relative is an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who resides in a Designated Area and has resided in a Designated Area of Australia for the past 12 months. They must be at least 18 years old. The sponsor must be related to you or your spouse as one of the following: 
          1. non-dependent child (including an adopted or step-child)
          2. parent (including an adoptive or step-parent)
          3. brother or sister (including an adopted or step-sibling)
          4. niece or nephew (including an adopted or step-child)
          5. aunt or uncle (including an adopted or step-aunt or uncle);first cousin or grandparent.
      • Applicants can apply either in or outside Australia.
      • If applying inside Australia, applicants must hold a substantive visa, or Bridging Visa A, B, or C. Upon lodgement of the application, the applicants will receive a bridging visa which allows them to remain in Australia during the processing of the application.
      • If holding a BVA at the time of application, the applicants will be given a BVC. This means that the applicants will not be able to apply for a BVB to travel outside Australia during the processing of the application.
      • Partners and dependent children may be added at the time of application or after applications are lodged up until the time of visa decision.

Conditions of the visa:

      • If nominated by a state or territory government, applicant must live for 2 years and work full time for 12 months in a regional or low population growth area to be able to apply for a permanent 887 visa.
      • If sponsored by a relative, applicant must live for 2 years and work full time for 12 months in a Designated Area, to be able to apply for a permanent 887 visa.