Subclass 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa

Overview

Skilled migrants are attracted to Tasmania because of the state’s enviable lifestyle, career opportunities, affordable housing, and reputable schools and world class university.

The Tasmanian Government actively pursues skilled and business migrants in recognition of the significant contribution migrants make to Tasmania’s economy and its cultural diversity.

Prospective skilled migrants can apply to the Department of State Growth for Tasmanian Government state nomination.

State nomination visas have a number of advantages.

• State nomination gives applicants extra points to help meet the Department of Immigration and Border Patrol (DIBP)’s 60 point threshold. To check your points click on the interactive points calculator (state nomination provides 5 points for the 190 and 10 points for the 489).
• Applicants receive priority processing at the DIBP, speeding up the time it takes to be issued a visa.
• State nominations have no occupation ceilings and once you are nominated in SkillSelect you can immediately apply for a visa.
• staff from the Department of State Growth Business and Skilled Migration Unit provide support to applicants during the application process and when successful applicants arrive in Tasmania.
• Applicants for state nominated visas have more occupations to choose from with access to the State Migration Plan PDF, 88.78KB andConsolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL) (people applying for the Skilled Independent visa must use the short Skilled Occupation List).

The two general skilled migration visas that require state government nomination are the skilled nominated visa (subclass 190) which is a permanent resident visa, and the skilled regional visa (subclass 489) which is a provisional visa.

Eligibility

The Department of State Growth is responsible for issuing state nominations for the subclass 489 visa. To be eligible to apply, you must fulfil the requirements set by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

• Score at least 60 points for the DIBP points test. To check your points click on the interactive points calculator (state nomination provides 5 points for the 190 and 10 points for the 489).
• Have a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation, which needs to be on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List(CSOL)  or the State Migration Plan (SMP).
• Have at least ‘competent English’ and provide evidence of this with a recognised English language test or hold a passport of the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada or New Zealand­.

Go to the DIBP website for further information on their requirements.

If you meet these key requirements, please go to criteria to check your eligibility to apply for State nomination.

Please note: If you are nominated, you will be invited through SkillSelect to apply to the DIBP for a visa. If you are issued a visa, you must commit to living in Tasmania for two years after the visa is granted.

Criteria

The 489 visa is a provisional visa. If you are nominated by the Tasmanian Government for this visa you must live in Tasmania for two years after the visa is issued. You must work full time for 12 months during the two years if you want to apply for the permanent resident visa Subclass 887 after you have finished the provisional period.

In addition to the DIBP requirements, you must meet the criteria for one of the following categories to apply for Tasmanian State nomination for the subclass 489 visa:

If you are outside Tasmania

• a formal job offer or letter of interest for a job that is based in Tasmania. Evidence of the job offer or letter of interest needs to be attached to the application (this could be a contract or formal letter providing an offer of employment)
• • a job offer is not required if you have an immediate family member permanently residing in Tasmania who is willing to provide evidence that they will support you until you find work
• nominated occupation on the Tasmanian State Migration Plan (SMP) PDF, 88.78 KB
• genuine intention to live and work in Tasmania as well as sufficient funds to cover relocation and resettlement costs
• if you are interstate, you must provide evidence that you have moved to Tasmania (rental lease for example) before your Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted in SkillSelect.
  

If you are a Tasmanian graduate who has studied in Tasmania for a minimum of one year and have successfully completed a recognised tertiary qualification in Tasmania:

• nominated occupation on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List
• if you are interstate, you must provide evidence that you have moved to Tasmania (rental lease for example) before your EOI is submitted inSkillSelect.

If you want to operate a business that is located in Tasmania:

• nominated occupation on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List
• you must submit a comprehensive business plan with the application
• you need to strongly demonstrate your past business experience, management expertise and genuine intention to operate a business in Tasmania
• you are encouraged to come to Tasmania and meet with the Department of State Growth Business and Skilled Migration staff to discuss your business proposal.

Source: https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/skilled_migrants/skilled_regional