Skilled - Designated Area Sponsored (Provisional) visa (Subclass 496)

The purpose of this visa is to allow skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a permanent visa the opportunity to eventually apply for residence in Australia if they or their spouse have an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia who is willing to sponsor them. Successful applicants are granted a three (3) year provisional visa. Subject to the main visa holder living for two (2) years and working full-time for a total of 12 months in a designated area in the same state or territory as their sponsor, they can apply to remain in Australia.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is for you if you:

• are under 45 years of age
• have good English skills
• have recent skilled work experience
• are unable to meet the passmark as an Independent migrant
• have skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

Either you or your spouse must have an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia who is willing and able to sponsor you.

This visa does not have a points test but other requirements must be met.

What does this visa let me do?

This visa entitles you to live and work in a designated area of Australia in the same state or territory as your sponsor for up to three years. Accompanying family members can also work and study but must do so in an eligible designated area. You will not be eligible to receive subsidised healthcare through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

This is a 'provisional' visa. Holders of this visa who have lived in a designated area of Australia in the same state or territory as their sponsor for at least two years, and worked full-time for a total period of 12 months, can apply for a Skilled - Designated Area - Sponsored (Residence) (Subclass 883) visa.
If you need more time to meet the residence and/or employment criteria for a permanent visa, you can apply for a further 12-month visa.

The contents of this page are necessarily an abbreviated overview of a very detailed subject. The situation may change as the law can alter quickly and we therefore strongly recommend that you take professional advice about your personal circumstances before placing any reliance on the contents of the website. Contact us to let us know your situation and we will be happy to provide a telephone appraisal without charge.