A Smooth Transition to the New Skilled Work Regional Visa Tuesday, July 23, 2019

On 16th November 2019, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) will come into effect. This visa will replace the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 489). The Subclass 489 visa – which allows skilled workers to live and work in a regional area of Australia for up to 4 years – will be repealed at 11:59 PM on 15th November 2019.

The closure of the Subclass 489 visa will impact the nominations issued by government agencies of states and territories, and Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). It will also impact prospective migrants who wish to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect or submit a visa application to the DHA, under Subclass 489. To ensure a seamless transition to the new Subclass 491 visa, certain actions have been scheduled on specific dates.

10th September 2019 is the last day for:

States and territories to nominate a candidate for the Subclass 489 visa
The DHA to issue ITAs under Subclass 489
Intending migrants to lodge an EOI in SkillSelect under Subclass 489

15th November 2019 will be the last day for candidates who have received ITAs for the Subclass 489 visa to submit a visa application to the DHA.

16th November 2019 onwards:

Eligible aspirants will be able to lodge an EOI under the Subclass 491 visa
State and territory government agencies can nominate suitable applicants for the Subclass 491 visa
The DHA can issue ITAs for the Subclass 491 visa
Those who receive an ITA under Subclass 491 can submit a visa application to the DHA.

It is important to note that EOIs, nominations, ITAs, and applications for the Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 visas will remain unaffected throughout the transition period.