187 and 489 visas to be replaced on 16 Nov 2019; new permanent 191 regional visa available from 16 Nov 2022; GSM points test changes
/The regulations for the new regional visas have been written and will come into effect on 16 November 2019. From that date, Subclass 489 – Skilled - Regional (Provisional) visas will be replaced with the Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, and Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visas will also be replaced (except for transitional arrangements) with a provisional Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, which will be parachuted into the employer sponsored temporary work visa program.
Surprisingly, instead of two new visas, there will also be a third, the permanent Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, that will be available from 16 November 2022 for 491 and 494 visa holders who have held these visas for at least three years, complied with their visa conditions and meeting income requirements.
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