Visa file / Skilled and work visas
Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa 489
The invited pathway is closed. Only the subsequent entry pathway (family of holders) and the extended stay pathway remain.
Closed to new applicants
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.
Closed to new applicants: Home Affairs states the visa is closed to new applicants but does not show the date on its page.
Published 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 you apply from
In or outside Australia, not in immigration clearance. In Australia you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C.
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Confirm the pathway
Subsequent entry or extended stay.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks which pathway applies.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Lodge
Lodge with relationship or compliance evidence.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the application.
- 05
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 06
Next step
Plan the 887 permanent visa.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks the 887 requirements.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
Processing times: not published by Home Affairs for this visa. Not listed in the Home Affairs processing time guide. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- 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. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Evidence
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Sources
- 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
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.