Update on the Australian Skilled Regional Visa transition

The Australian Skilled Regional Visas will commence from November this year. In a lead up to the same, Immigration Australia has announced more details on the implementation dates and transitional arrangements of the Subclass 491 and 494 Visas. 

Lodgement Deadlines 

10th September 2019 will be the last date to receiving an invite under the Subclass 489 (Provisional) Visa. The last date to submit a Visa application following the invite would be 15th November 2019. The last date to submit a Subclass 187 RSMS nomination or Visa would also be 15th November. Any RSMS Nominations which have not been finalized by 16th November 2019 would be withdrawn automatically. Only those nomination applications whose corresponding Visa applications have also been lodged would only be considered. 

There will be no changes to the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme. 

Definition of “Regional Area” 

The Immigration Dept. will release a list of postcodes which will help applicants determine if their area qualifies for Regional migration. 

Subclass 491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional Provisional) Visa 

Applicants would be able to submit an EOI for the Subclass 491 Visa from 16th November 2019. States and Territories in Australia would also be able to nominate and invite applicants from this date.  

The Subclass 491 Visa will replace the existing Subclass 489 Visa, as per SBS News. 

Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Provisional) Visa 

From 16th November 2019, businesses in Australia would be able to nominate employees and lodge applications for the Subclass 494 Visas. These nomination applications should include evidence of Labour Market Testing. It should also contain advice from the RCB (Regional Certifying Body) that the market rate is acceptable for that particular area.  

Nominated applicants should be under 45 years of age and have a positive Skill Assessment. 

Pathway to Permanent Residence 

Subclass 491 and 494 Visa holders must complete a mandatory stay of 3 years in the Regional Areas to apply for the Subclass 191 (PR Skilled Regional) Visa. Applicants will also need to provide evidence that they have earned the minimum taxable income in these 3 years. They should also have complied with all the conditions of the Subclass 491 and 494 Visas. 

Revised GSM points-test 

The GSM points test will be revised on 16th November 2019. Applicants will now be able to earn additional points under the following: 

1. Points for nomination by a state/territory  or sponsorship by a blood relative will be increased from 10 to 15 

1. Points for a STEM Masters or PhD from an Australian Institute would be increased from 5 to 10  

1. Point for Partner Skills would be increased from 5 to 10 

1. 5 points will be given if the spouse/partner can demonstrate competent English 

1. 10 points will be given to applicants who do not have a spouse/partner 

 Y-Axis offers a wide range of visa services and products for aspiring overseas immigrants including Australia General Skilled Migration Program via RMA, Australia Skilled Regional Visa, Australia Temporary Skilled Work Visa, and Australia Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485. We work with Registered Migration Agents in Australia. 

If you are looking to Visit, Study, Work, Invest or Migrate to Australia, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Consultant. 

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