Skilled · Subclass 489
Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa
The invited pathway is closed. Only the subsequent entry pathway (family of holders) and the extended stay pathway remain.
Closed: Home Affairs states the visa is closed to new applicants but does not show the date on its page.. We do not lodge new applications in closed programs. This page is for people who already hold, or are covered by, an eligible visa. See closed and repealed visas.
Who it is for
Family members joining a 489, 475, 487, 495 or 496 holder (subsequent entry pathway), and holders of a 475, 487, 495 or 496 visa who need more time (extended stay pathway). New skilled applicants use the 491.
Key eligibility
- Subsequent entry: a member of the family unit of a 475, 487, 489, 495 or 496 holder; no age limit; functional English or second instalment.
- Extended stay: hold a 475, 487, 495 or 496 and have complied with its conditions for at least 2 years.
- Live, work and study in the specified regional areas; health and character.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
In or outside Australia, not in immigration clearance. In Australia you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Confirm the pathway
Subsequent entry or extended stay.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent checks which pathway applies.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Lodge
Lodge with relationship or compliance evidence.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares the application.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
Next step
Plan the 887 permanent visa.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent tracks the 887 requirements.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Subsequent entry pathway, main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Subsequent entry: family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Subsequent entry: family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Extended stay pathway, main applicant | A$545 |
| Extended stay: family member 18 or over | A$275 |
| Extended stay: family member under 18 | A$135 |
| Second instalment, 18 or over without functional English | A$4,890 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Processing times are not published for this visa.
Not listed in the Home Affairs processing time guide when read on 22 October 2026.. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Not a family member of an eligible holder.
- Conditions of the earlier visa not complied with for 2 years.
- Living or working outside the specified regional area.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)
- Home Affairs: 489 subsequent entry pathway
- Home Affairs: 489 extended stay pathway
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.
Talk it through. The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts only after a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.