Skilled- Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 487)

This visa is a three year provisional visa for overseas students and certain visa holders who are unable to meet the criteria for a permanent skilled visa. The applicant may be able to apply for permanent residency after the applicant has:

• lived in Australia for two years; and
• worked at least 12 months in a Specified Regional Area of Australia.

In applying for this visa, the applicant must either be:

• sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia; or
• nominated by a participating state or territory government agency. 

This visa currently uses points test to determine the visa applicant’s skills and attributes needed in the Australian labour market.
Basic Eligibility:

• Must be under 50 years of age
• Must have a minimum IELTS score of 6; 2 years validity
• Must obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated application. Nominated occupation must be listed in the SOL
• Must have completed apprenticeship and the apprenticeship must be closely related to the nominated occupation
• Must be nominated by a participating state or territory government; or sponsored by an eligible relative
• Must be in Australia for the lodgement of the visa application and the decision for the application.

Obligations:

• Must agree to live, work and study in a Specified Regional Area of Australia

With this visa the applicant can:

• Allow you to remain in Australia for up to three years and requires you to live and work in a Specified Regional area in Australia.
• Allows accompanying secondary applicants to work and study, but only in a Specified Regional Area of Australia.
• Provides a pathway to permanent residence. 

Application for this visa:

• Step 1:

Applicant must be nominated by a state or territory government; or
Sponsored by an eligible relative

• Step 2:

Applicant can lodge the visa application once nominated or sponsored

Skilled- Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 475)

This visa is for those who are unable to meet the Skilled- Independent requirements. It is a three year provisional visa. The applicant must be sponsored either by:

• Eligible relative living in Australia; or
• Nominated by a participating state or territory government.

  This visa currently uses points test to determine the visa applicant’s skills and attributes needed in the Australian labour market.
Basic Eligibility:

• Must be under 50 years of age
• Must have a minimum IELTS score of 6; 2 years validity
• Must obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated application. Nominated occupation must be listed in the SOL
• Must be nominated by a participating state or territory government; or sponsored by an eligible relative
• Must have applied for a positive skills assessment before the visa application is lodged
• The applicant may be in Australia during the application of this visa unless either condition 8503*, 8535** or any other condition preventing any further stay in Australia.

Restrictions:
*8503: no further stay
**8535: can only apply for student visa
With this visa the applicant can:

• Remain in Australia for up to three years and requires the applicant to live and work in a Specified Regional Area in Australia.
• Have a pathway to a permanent residency.

Obligations:

• Must agree to live, work and study in a Specified Regional Area of Australia
• If nominated by a state or territory government, the applicant must:

- remain in the state or territory for a period of at least two years
- keep the state or territory government informed of changes in address details before and after arrival
- be prepared to complete surveys and provide information
Application:

• Step 1:

Applicant must be nominated by a state or territory government; or
Sponsored by an eligible relative

• Step 2:

Applicant can lodge the visa application once nominated or sponsored