489 Visa Closed: What Replaced It (491) and What 489 Holders Do Now
The subclass 489 visa closed to new applications on 16 November 2019. This explains what replaced it, the points and duration differences, and the two pathways to permanent residence — the 887 for existing 489 holders and the 191 for the 491. Figures as at September 2026.
Read the full guide, with official sources →
Watch
Chapters
- 0:00 Subclass 489 closed 16 November 2019
- 0:16 489 vs 491
- 0:30 Two ways onto a subclass 491
- 0:42 Holding a 489?
- 0:58 887 eligibility
- 1:14 887 has no income threshold
- 1:32 491 to 191: 3 years, then apply
- 1:45 Applying in 2026 uses the 491, not the 489
- 2:00 887 and 191 aren't the same test
- 2:18 Where to read more
Transcript
The subclass 489 visa closed to new applications on 16 November 2019. If you're searching for it in 2026, here's what replaced it — and what to do if you still hold one.
The 489 was a four year provisional visa. It added 10 points to a points-tested skilled worker's score. It was replaced by the subclass 491, a five year provisional visa that adds 15 points.
The 491 has the same two streams the 489 had. State or territory nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a specified regional area.
If you already hold a 489, you have two options. Stay on it and use the subclass 887 permanent residence pathway. Or apply for a 491 to extend your regional period and use the 191 instead.
The 887 requires holding an eligible visa, such as the 489, for a total of at least two years. During that time, the requirement is living in a specified regional area for at least two years, and working full time there for at least one year.
Unlike the 191, the 887 has no annual income threshold. For the period ending 30 June 2026, Home Affairs reported about 7 months for 50% of 887 applications, and 18 months for 90%.
On a 491, permanent residence comes through the subclass 191 after 3 years, requiring ATO notices of assessment for 3 of those 5 years. There's no minimum income requirement.
If you want to migrate to regional Australia on a points-tested visa in 2026, the 489 is not an option. You submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, and after an invitation, you lodge within 60 days.
The mistake to avoid: assuming the 887 and the 191 work the same way. The 887 has no income test at all. The 191 needs three years of ATO notices of assessment, still with no minimum income figure attached.
The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description. And if you'd like to talk it through, you can compare registered migration agents there, and see their fees before you book anything.
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