In the wake of the announcement of the abolition of Subclass 489 - Skilled - Regional (Provisional) visas and its replacement with the Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa on 16 November 2019, migration agents and other stakeholders have been informed in the latest Skilled Visa Newsletter yet to be published on the Department of Home Affairs’ website of a couple of key deadlines.

The first is that the last day invitations for 489 visas will be issued is 10 September 2019. Invitations for a first 489 visa application come under two categories: State or Territory nominations and sponsorships by an eligible relative. The 10 September 2019 deadline for invitations refers to both categories. This is also the last date to be able to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect for a 489 visa.

The second is that the last day for any people invited to apply for a 489 visa must lodge their application by 15 November 2019.

With some 67 days between the last day for invitations and the last day to lodge a 489 visa, there is no chance a person invited will be disadvantaged by these deadlines. This is because invitations through SkillSelect are valid for 60 days.

From 16 November 2019, EOI applications can be made for 491 visas, States and Territories will be able to nominate overseas nationals for this visa, and invitations can be issued. Some prospective applicants may want to update their EOI application from this date if they want to be considered for a 491 visa.