New visa options for skilled professionals
Two new visa options have been introduced - leading to a reorientation of the Australian immigration and visa programme:
1. the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491 visa)
- which will require sponsorship by one of the Australian States/Territories or by a family member living in the region and a points test, and
2. the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494 visa)
- which will require a job offer.
Applicants for both visa categories should be younger than 45 years and should have adequate English language proficiency as well as a successful skills assessment in a profession on the relevant, extensive, occupation list.
Both visas initially grant a five-year work and residence permit throughout Australia, with the exception of the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Gold Coast.
After three years, the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) can be applied for, ultimately allowing free choice of residence throughout Australia (including the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Gold Coast).
The currently existing visa options subclass 489 (temporary) and subclass 187 (permanent) have expired on 16.11.2019.
For comprehensive advice on these and all currently available visa categories contact us
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