On 16 November 2019 changes were made to the requirements for migrating on the basis of skills. In essence:
For skilled migration
- the temporary regional subclass 489 visa has been replaced by the temporary regional subclass 491 visa
- the prospects for regional skilled migration have been extended as the designated regional areas cover a larger area than before
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2019L01446 - more overseas students completing studies in Australia will be entitled to regional study points due to the extended designated regional areas
- new allocated points are available to all candidates for Subclass 189, 190 or 491 visas (except the increased points for regional State or Territory Government sponsorship which are only available to Subclass 491 candidates)
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/points-calculator
Current subclass 489 visa holders and applicants will still be entitled to transition to the permanent residency Subclass 887 visa after 2 years of living and working in a specified regional area as before. The extended designated regional areas do not apply to Subclass 489 visa holders wishing to satisfy criteria to transition to the Subclass 887 visa.
For regional employer sponsorship
- Candidates can no longer make application for an RSMS Subclass 187 visa unless they are transitioning from a Subclass 457 or 482 visa
- Introduction of temporary regional employer sponsored Subclass 494 visa with specific occupation list and following requirements:
- 3 years’ full time experience (or equivalent part time) in nominated occupation
- Skills assessment
- Competent English level
- Standard Business Sponsorship and Nomination process for regional position
- Regional Certifying Body process
- Labour Market Testing
- More than $53,900pa market salary for position in the region
- Contract must offer the actual market salary for the position in the region
Transition to permanent residency for Subclass 491 and 494 visa holders
- Both the Subclass 491 and 494 visas are granted for 5 years
- Subclass 491 and 494 visa holders are eligible for Medicare and must report to Immigration with changes to residence, contact details, employment, address of each position or educational enrolment.
- Transition from either the Subclass 491 or 494 visa to permanent residency (the new Subclass 191 visa commencing in 2022) requires at least 3 tax years of living and working in a designated regional area with a minimum threshold taxable income of $53,900 for each tax year
- Subclass 491 and 494 visa holders are not eligible to apply for certain visas within the first 3 years of holding the visa including Business Skills, ENS, Partner, Distinguished Talent and subclasses 189 and 190
It remains possible to apply for Subclass 482 visas in the new designated regional areas provided the nominated occupation is approved for this visa. A subclass 482 visa only requires 2 years’ full time experience (or equivalent part time) in the nominated occupation. There is no opportunity to transition to the Subclass 191 permanent residency visa from a Subclass 482 however other means of transitioning remain available.
New Skilled Occupation List for all skilled visa subclasses on Dept of Home Affairs website:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
The above does not constitute migration advice to any individual. It does not list all requirements for each visa subclass mentioned or the exemptions that apply. Individual assessment should be sought from a Registered Migration Agent to understand actual prospects for migration.
Current status of State and Territory Government updates for Subclass 491 nomination for skilled migration
New South Wales
Occupation lists are available for Subclass 491
NSW Stream 1 Regional Skilled Occupation List for those who are living and working in regional NSW
NSW Stream 2 Regional Skilled Occupation List for those who recently completed study in regional NSW or are living outside Australia
ACT
1 January 2020 commencement – all information regarding the commencement currently available.
http://www.canberrayourfuture.com.au/portal/migrating/article/skilled-visa-act-nomination/
Queensland
Occupation lists are available for Subclass 491 nomination. Subclass 190 nominations were closed from 26 November. Consideration for Subclass 491 nomination
only available for EoIs submitted (not updated – newly submitted) from 25 November.
https://migration.qld.gov.au/skilled-occupation-lists/
Victoria
Occupation list is available for Subclass 491 Nomination. Applications for nomination for subclass 491 are open.
https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas
South Australia
Occupation list is available for Subclass 491 Nomination. Applications for nomination for subclass 491 are open.
https://www.migration.sa.gov.au/skilled-migrants/lists-of-state-nominated-occupations
Northern Territory
Occupation list is available for Subclass 491 Nomination. Applications for nomination for subclass 491 are open.
https://theterritory.com.au/migrate/migrate-to-work/northern-territory-government-visa-nomination
Western Australia
Occupation list is available for Subclass 491 Nomination. Applications for nomination for subclass 491 are open.
https://migration.wa.gov.au/services/skilled-migration-western-australia/about-state-nomination
Tasmania
Applications for nomination for subclass 491 are open.
https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/skilled_migrants/skilled_regional
