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.
Main requirements
- 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.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA 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 helpsA 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 helpsA 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 helpsA 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 helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Next step
Plan the 887 permanent visa.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks the 887 requirements.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Not listed in the Home Affairs processing time guide. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Processing time | Not published. Home Affairs 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.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Evidence
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.