489 — Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489)

The subclass 489 was an Australian provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by a relative in a designated regional area. It granted up to 4 years of residence and work rights and was closed to new applications in November 2019.

Existing holders can live and work in specified regional areas and transition to the permanent subclass 887 visa after 2 years of regional residence and 1 year of qualifying employment. Spouses and dependants can accompany the primary applicant, with spouses entitled to work rights.

This visa is ideal for existing 489 holders completing their regional obligations before transitioning to permanent residency via the subclass 887.