489 Visa Australia: What Replaced It and Your Options in 2026

What Was the 489 Visa?

The Subclass 489 was a four-year provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. It required either nomination by a state or territory government, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area. Like the current 491 visa, the 489 added 10 points to a points-tested skilled worker's score (the 491 adds 15 points). After two years of living and working in regional Australia, 489 holders could apply for the Subclass 887 permanent residence visa — the predecessor to the current 191 pathway.

What Replaced It: The 491 Visa

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa replaced the 489 from 16 November 2019. The 491 is the current regional skilled migration pathway for points-tested applicants. Key improvements over the 489: the 491 adds 15 points to your EOI score (up from 10 for the 489); the provisional visa duration increased from 4 years to 5 years; and the PR pathway changed from the 887 (after 2 years regional work) to the 191 (after 3 years regional work, requiring ATO notices of assessment for 3 of the 5 years but no minimum income). The 491 has the same two streams as the 489: state or territory nomination, and sponsorship by an eligible relative in a regional area.

I Currently Hold a 489 — What Are My Options?

If you hold a valid 489 visa, you have two main options. You can continue on your 489 until expiry and use the 887 permanent residence pathway — provided you have lived in a specified regional area for at least two years and worked full time there for at least one year while holding the 489. The 887 does not have an income threshold like the 191, which makes it more accessible for some workers in lower-paid regional roles. Alternatively, if your 489 is about to expire or you want more time, you may be able to apply for a 491 visa to extend your regional provisional period and access the 191 PR pathway instead. The right choice depends on your work history, income, and how long you have held the 489. A migration agent can advise on the fastest and most reliable PR pathway for your specific situation.

The 887 Visa: PR Pathway for 489 Holders

The Subclass 887 Skilled — Regional visa is the permanent residence pathway for 489 holders. To be eligible, you must have held an eligible visa such as the 489 for a total of at least two years, and while holding it must have lived in a specified regional area for at least two years and worked full time there for at least one year (unless COVID-19 concessions apply). Unlike the 191, the 887 does not have an annual income threshold — making it more achievable for workers in lower-paying regional industries. The 887 grants full permanent residence with no regional obligation after grant. For the period ending 30 June 2026, Home Affairs reported about 7 months for 50% of 887 applications and 18 months for 90% of applications, as a guide only. The 887 is still open and is the correct PR pathway if you meet the two-years-lived, one-year-worked requirement on a 489.

Applying in 2026: Use the 491

The 489 is closed to new applications. If you want to migrate to regional Australia on a points-tested skilled visa in 2026, you need to apply for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. The process involves submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, being nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative, receiving an invitation, and lodging the visa application within 60 days. A migration agent can assess your points score, advise on which state programs are currently open for your occupation, and manage the application.

Can I still apply for a 489 visa?

No. The 489 visa closed on 16 November 2019. The equivalent visa in 2026 is the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa.

I have a 489 — can I apply for the 191 instead of the 887?

In some circumstances, yes. If your 489 is expiring, you may be able to apply for a 491 and then use the 191 pathway after three years. Whether this makes sense depends on your income, occupation, and timeline. A migration agent can compare the 887 and 191 options for your situation.

Does time on a 489 count toward the 887 requirement?

Yes. Home Affairs requires at least two years living in a specified regional area and at least one year of full-time work there while holding an eligible visa such as the 489, and having held that eligible visa for a total of at least two years before applying.