Skilled Worker Jobs in Australia With Families – Subclass 489 VISA

The Subclass 489 visa providThe Subclass 489 visa was a temporary visa allowing skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to four years. The visa aimed to relieve overcrowded urban areas by encouraging skilled professionals to relocate to less populated regions of Australia. Though new applicants can no longer apply for this visa, there are still existing holders who may be eligible to extend their stay or transition into permanent residency.

Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Kitchen Helper Jobs in Australia

Key Benefits of the Subclass 489 Visa (and its Successor, Subclass 491):

1. Pathway to Permanent Residency:
   • Both the Subclass 489 and the Subclass 491 visa offer a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 887). This is possible after meeting residence and employment requirements in regional Australia.
2. Family Benefits:
   • Visa holders can bring their spouse or de facto partner, children, and other dependent family members with them to Australia. This simplifies the migration process and ensures the whole family can enjoy the benefits of living in Australia.
3. Social Benefits:
   • As a permanent resident, you’ll have access to Australia’s Medicare system (public health insurance), family tax benefits, child care subsidies, and high-quality education for children.
4. Employment Opportunities:
   • The visa provides the ability to work in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, and skilled trades. Regional areas are known for offering attractive salaries, especially in specialized industries.
5. High Quality of Life:
   • Australia’s regions are renowned for their low crime rates, clean environment, and outdoor lifestyle. Your family will enjoy excellent public amenities, including world-class educational institutions and healthcare services.

Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 489 Visa:

While the Subclass 489 visa is no longer available for new applications, understanding the original eligibility requirements is essential for those looking to transition or extend their stay:

1. Invited Pathway (Closed to New Applicants):

The Invited Pathway was designed for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative. Although this pathway is no longer open to new applicants, the following criteria applied previously:

• Nomination or Sponsorship: Applicants had to be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by a relative living in a regional area.
• Skills and Occupation List: Applicants needed to have an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
• Points Test: Applicants were required to score a certain number of points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
• Invitation: To apply, applicants had to first receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

2. Extended Stay Pathway:

The Extended Stay Pathway is for individuals holding earlier skilled regional visas (Subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496) and wishing to extend their stay in regional Australia.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Holders of Subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496 visas
  • Commitment to living, working, and studying in regional Australia for up to four more years.
• Visa Conditions:
  • Stay in Australia for an additional period, work and study in regional areas, and apply for permanent residency after meeting the requirements.
  • The visa allows unrestricted entry and exit during its validity.

3. Subsequent Entry Pathway:

The Subsequent Entry Pathway is intended for family members of existing Subclass 489 visa holders.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Be a dependent family member (spouse, children, or other dependent family members) of a Subclass 489 visa holder.
  • The primary applicant must be residing in a regional area at the time of the application.
• Visa Conditions:
  • Stay in Australia as long as the principal visa holder’s visa is valid.
  • Once the requirements are met, applicants can apply for permanent residency.

Understanding the Cost and Processing Time:

The cost of applying for any visa can vary based on personal circumstances, including age, family size, and English proficiency. For the Subclass 489 visa pathways:

• Visa Fee for the Invited Pathway: Starts at AUD 4,770 with an additional fee for those with limited English skills.
• Visa Fee for the Extended Stay Pathway: Starts at AUD 425, with supplementary costs for family members or additional English language requirements.

Processing Time:

• Visa processing can vary depending on the complexity of your case, required documentation, and the current volume of applications. On average, the processing time ranges from 3 to 12 months.
• Applicants must provide health checks, police certificates, and biometrics, which can delay processing if additional documents are needed.

Moving to Australia with Your Family:

One of the most appealing aspects of the Subclass 489 visa (and the Subclass 491 visa for new applicants) is the ability to bring your entire family. Here’s a breakdown of how this works:

• Spouse and De Facto Partner: Your partner can work in Australia while accompanying you. They may be eligible for their own visa or work rights based on the primary applicant’s visa.
• Children and Dependent Family Members: Children can access free education in public schools, and they may also qualify for Medicare, which provides access to Australia’s health system.
• Benefits of Family Migration:
  • All family members can benefit from Australia’s social security system and education system.
  • Once permanent residency is achieved, your family can access additional financial benefits such as the Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy.

Case Study: Priya’s Journey to Permanent Residency:

Let’s take a look at Priya’s story to understand how the Subclass 489 visa helped her family settle in Australia:

Priya, a skilled IT professional from India, decided to relocate to Australia in search of a better work-life balance. She applied for the Subclass 489 Invited Pathway with the support of a relative living in regional New South Wales. After securing the visa, Priya moved with her husband and two children to a regional town.

During her four-year stay, Priya worked as a senior developer, and her husband found employment in a local business. They enrolled their children in public schools, benefiting from Australia’s excellent education system. After meeting the residence and employment requirements, Priya successfully transitioned to permanent residency through the Subclass 887 visa, and her family now enjoys the benefits of Australia’s Medicare system.

Downloadable Checklist for Subclass 489 Visa Applicants (or Subclass 491):

To ensure you’re fully prepared for your application, here’s a downloadable checklist:

1. Check Eligibility: Review your eligibility for the Subclass 489 or Subclass 491 visa pathways.
2. Nomination/Sponsorship: Ensure you have a valid state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.
3. Complete the Points Test: Gather your qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency details to score points.
4. Prepare Documentation: Collect essential documents such as health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
5. Review Visa Costs: Be aware of the visa fees and supplementary costs for family members.
6. Prepare for Permanent Residency: Understand the transition process from temporary to permanent residency via the Subclass 887.

Conclusion:

While the Subclass 489 visa may no longer be available for new applicants, the pathway it created for skilled workers in regional Australia remains a beacon of opportunity. Through the Subclass 491 visa and permanent residency options, skilled professionals and their families can still build prosperous futures in Australia’s beautiful regional communities.

Frequently Asked Questions: