Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 495)

Skilled – Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 495)

About this Visa
The purpose of this visa is to allow skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a permanent visa the opportunity to eventually apply for residence in Australia provided they are prepared to live for two (2) years, and work at least 12 months, in a regional or low population growth metropolitan area in Australia.

Successful applicants are initially granted a three (3) year visa to give them time to satisfy the residence and employment criteria for a permanent visa.
See: Regional Australia/Low Population Growth Metropolitan Areas

This visa requires sponsorship by a participating State or Territory government or delegated Regional Certifying Body (NSW only). All states and territories, with the exception of the ACT, are participating.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is for applicants who meet the key eligibility criteria for a General Skilled Migration visa.

See: Profesionals and other Skilled Migrants

Applicants must also be one of the following:
• a person in or outside Australia who is unable to meet the pass mark on the points test for a permanent Skilled - Independent visa, but who can meet the pass mark for this visa, which is slightly lower

• a person who has a Skilled - Independent visa application which has been 'pooled' at the SIR passmark and been invited to apply for this visa

• a holder of a Working Holiday Maker visa who has been in Australia on that visa for at least six (6) months

• a holder of an Occupational Trainee visa who has completed the period of training for which the visa was granted.

Note: This visa is also for existing holders of a SIR visa who have abided by the conditions on their visa and who need further time to meet the residence and/or employment criteria to apply for the permanent visa.

See: Existing SIR Visa Holders

This visa has a points test and other requirements that must be met.
See: Applicant Eligibility

How much does this visa cost?
You must pay the relevant visa application charge when you lodge your visa application.

See: Professionals and other Skilled Migrants

What does this visa let me do?
This visa:
• allows you to remain in Australia for up to three (3) years and requires you to live and work in a regional or low-population growth area when in Australia
• allows accompanying family members to work and study, but only in a regional or low-population growth areas of Australia
• provides applicants a pathway to permanent residence.
Regional Australia/Low Population Growth Metropolitan Areas

This page lists the areas - including postcodes - for 'regional Australia' or a 'low population growth metropolitan area'.

For the purposes of General Skilled Migration, you may be able to claim points for the 'regional Australia' part of the points test if you have lived in one or more of these areas and have studied full-time at a campus located in a regional Australia or a low population growth metropolitan area for at least 2 years prior to lodging your migration application.

Previously, to obtain regional study points, you were required to have studied at a specified regional campus. From 1 November 2005, you only need to demonstrate that you have studied at a campus located in one of the specified regional/low population growth metropolitan post codes. All other course requirements are unchanged.

Additionally, if you apply for a Skilled - Independent Regional (Provisional) (subclass 495) visa, you will be required to sign an undertaking that you, and members of your family unit included in your application, will live, work or study, in a regional or a low population metropolitan area in Australia, gazetted at the time your SIR visa was granted for the duration of your visa. If you are granted a Skilled - Independent Regional (Provisional) visa, a condition will be attached to your, and your dependant's (where applicable), visa to ensure you comply with this undertaking.

For the purposes of the State/Territory Sponsored Business owner (residence) visa (subclass 892) you may be eligible for a waiver of the requirement for your business to have had an annual turnover of at least $200,000 if both your business and residence is located in one or more of these areas. To be eligible for a waiver of the annual turnover requirement you must meet two of the three thresholds related to net business assets, net personal and business assets and/or provided employment.
See: State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (Residence) (Subclass 892)