SUMMARY

This temporary visa allows skilled workers to live and work in specified regional areas in Australia for up to four years. 
There are 2 pathways, the ‘Invited Pathway and the ‘Extended Stay Pathway’. 

The Invited Pathway enables you to be sponsored by a nominating state government or an eligible relative. This pathway is designed for skilled applicants who submitted an expression of interest (EoI) in Skillselect. Subject to receiving an invitation to apply, they can make an application for a skilled regional points tested visa.

The ‘Extended Stay’ pathway enables eligible visa holders to apply to extend their stay in Australia by applying for the 489 visa. (see below for more details)

VISA STATUS

Temporary Visa 
permitting the holder to travel to, enter and remain in Australia for 4 years from the date of grant. 
Extended stay holders can remain for 4 years from date of grant of the original temporary visa.

GOV PROCESSING TIMES

25-36 Months. 
It should be noted that individual actual processing times may vary depending on a range of factors.

VISA COSTS

Invited Pathway
Main Applicant
$4910
Additional Applicant (over 18)
$2455
Additional applicant (under 18)
$1230

Extended Stay Pathway
Main Applicant
$435
Additional Applicant (over 18)
$220
Additional applicant (under 18)
$110
Other fees may include: 
- Migration Agent Fees
- State Nomination Fees
- Skills Assessment Fees
- Medicals
- Police Certificates
 - English Language Testing
- There is no fee to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)

LOCATION 

Applicants can be onshore or offshore.
Typically, visa holders are required to live and work in their chosen state for a period of 2 years.

VISA REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

INVITED PATHWAY

• you have had your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority. 
• you have the skills and qualifications for an occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List OR Short‑term Skilled Occupation List OR Regional Occupation List.  
• you have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) in Skillselect. 
• you have been invited to apply for the visa 
• you have been approved by a relevant state or territory government for nomination or sponsored by an eligible relative living in the specified regional area
• you have not have turned 45 at time of invitation
• you have competent English at time of invitation.
• you have met the points test score of at least 65 points 
• you have applied for the visa in the stated time in the invitation. 

EXTENDED STAY PATHWAY

This visa could be for you if you are holding either the following subclasses 495, 496, 475, 487. It allows you to apply for the 489 after 2 years on your temporary visa. Therefore, extending the time you can stay in Australia to 4 years after you were granted your temporary visa. This pathway accommodates applicants who are not yet able to meet the requirements of subclass 887.