The Subclass 489 visa is part of Australia’s regional skilled migration program. It allows individuals to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to four years.
However, this visa is now closed to new applications and has been replaced by the Subclass 491 Visa. Those holding or applying for an extended pathway under the 489 visa can still benefit from it.
Key 489 Visa Requirements
To apply for the 489 visa, applicants must provide the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Submit copies of the essential pages showing your details, including the passport’s issue and expiry dates.
- National ID Card: If you have a national ID, include a copy along with other identification documents, such as a name change certificate (if applicable).
- Character Requirements: Submit evidence proving good character, including a police clearance certificate. You must also complete and submit Form 80 (Personal particulars) and Form 1221 (Additional personal particulars).
- English Proficiency: Provide documents proving you meet the English language requirements (functional, proficient, or superior English).
- Assistance Forms: If someone assists you with your visa application, submit Form 956 or Form 956a for the legal representation declaration.
- Partner Documents: If you are applying with a partner or spouse, you will need:
- Identification documents of your partner.
- Character documents.
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationship registration.
- Children’s Documents (Under 18): If traveling with children, provide:
- Birth certificates or family records.
- Adoption documents (if applicable).
- Parental consent Form 1229 for minors and a statutory declaration from the other parent, if necessary.
- Children’s Documents (Over 18): For dependent children over 18, you must show proof of dependency with Form 47a, identity documents, and other supporting documents if relevant.
Eligibility Criteria for the 489 Visa
You are eligible to apply for the 489 visa if:
- You have held one of the following visas for at least two years:
- Subclass 475 (Skilled Regional Sponsored visa)
- Subclass 487 (Skilled Regional Sponsored visa)
- Subclass 495 (Skilled Independent Regional visa)
- Subclass 496 (Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Provisional visa)
To qualify, you must have held only one of these visas and must have applied under the extended pathway stream. You do not need to be nominated or sponsored again if you were already nominated or sponsored for your current skilled visa.
If you were sponsored by a state or territory, you need to live, work, and study in regional or low-populated areas. If you were sponsored by a relative, you must live, work, or study in that specific area.
Application Process for the 489 Visa
To apply for the 489 visa, follow these steps:
- Create an ImmiAccount: If you don’t have an account, create one and log in to submit your online application.
- Upload Required Documents: Scan and upload all necessary documents, including your identification, character, and supporting documents.
- Pay Visa Fees: Pay the visa application fee before submitting your application. The application will not be processed without payment.
489 Visa Fees
- Primary applicant fee: AUD 365.
- Additional fees: Each family member included in the application incurs extra fees, which you can view here.
- Second installment: AUD 4,890 may apply if any family members do not meet the English language requirements.
Points Requirement for Subclass 489 Visa
Applicants must meet the points threshold based on factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other criteria. Here’s an overview of how the points are distributed:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (25-33 years old) | 30 points |
| English Proficiency | Up to 20 points |
| Work Experience (overseas) | Up to 15 points |
| Education Level | Up to 20 points |
| Marital Status | Up to 10 points |
For a complete breakdown, please refer to the detailed points system table above.
Traveling on a 489 Visa
You can travel in and out of Australia freely while holding a 489 visa. However, time spent outside of Australia counts toward your visa’s overall validity, so keep track of the duration of your trips.
Is the 489 Visa Permanent?
The Subclass 489 visa is not a permanent visa and is valid for up to four years. You cannot extend this visa, but you can apply for a permanent visa (Subclass 887) if you meet certain conditions, such as living in a regional area for two years and working full-time for at least one year.
Does the 489 Visa Include Medicare?
No, the 489 visa does not grant access to Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system. However, once you transition to a permanent visa (Subclass 887), you will be eligible for Medicare benefits.
489 Visa Conditions
You must adhere to certain visa conditions:
- Condition 8539: You must live, work, and study in designated low-population growth or regional areas.
- Condition 8549: This specifies the areas where you are allowed to stay and work based on your sponsorship, such as regional parts of New South Wales, South Australia, or Tasmania.
Failure to comply with these conditions can result in the cancellation of your visa.
Changes to the 489 Visa
As of November 16, 2019, the Subclass 491 Visa replaced the 489 visa for new applicants. However, individuals applying through the extended pathway stream can still apply for the 489 visa.
Bringing Family Members on a 489 Visa
You can include your partner, children, or stepchildren in your 489 visa application. Family members can either apply with you or join you later through the subsequent entry pathway.
The fee for the subsequent entry pathway is AUD 4,114.