Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 489)

This points-based visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory to live in a Regional or Low Population Growth area, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area in Australia. The visa is valid for four years only, and a visa holder must live and work in a specified regional area. Additionally, eligible family members can be included in the application.

The Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) Subclass 489 visa replaced both the offshore Skilled - Regional Sponsored Subclass 475 visa and the onshore Subclass 487 visa in 2012-2013. After 2 years of living – and 12 months of working - in a Regional or Low Population Growth area on this visa, visa holders can apply for the Skilled Regional Subclass 887 Visa, which grants them legal permanent residence in Australia.

Please note that only those living and working in the areas noted on the Australia Regional or Low Population growth areas table below are eligible to apply for legal permanent residence on the Skilled Regional Subclass 887 visa.

Benefits of Subclass 489 Visa

• Temporarily live and work in a designated regional area in Australia 
• Study in a specified regional area of Australia 
• Travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid 
• Apply for permanent residence through the Skilled Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887) after certain conditions have been met.

Nominated by a state or territory

If you are nominated by a state or territory to live in a Regional or Low Population Growth Area in Australia there are obligations that the nominating state or the territory will require you to meet.

These include that you:

• Stay in that state or territory for at least two years 
• Keep the state or territory informed of any changes to your address 
• Complete surveys and provide information when asked

How Triple I Business can help?

Triple I Business has significant expertise in handling general skilled visa applications, and can help you with:

• Getting your skills assessed
• Coming up with strategies to maximize your points score
• Lodging visa applications within tight deadlines
• Managing your bridging visas
• Getting results with minimum stress and worry for you
• Getting comprehensive assistance for Subclass 489 Visa.