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​This visa is closed to new applications.

Skilled — Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 495)

​The Skilled - Independent Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 495) closed to new applications on 1 September 2007. You might be able to get the Skilled – Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa.

Members of your family unit might be able to get the Skilled – Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa if you already hold this visa and they want to join you in Australia.


Visa holders

This visa is valid for four years after you first enter Australia.

You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) for free to check your visa details and entitlements.

How long your visa lasts

This visa is valid for four years after you first enter Australia.

What this visa lets you do

This visa allows you and your dependent family members who also hold a subclass 495 visa to:

  • live, work and study in Australia
  • become eligible to apply for permanent residence
  • travel in and out of Australia any number of times as long as the visa is valid.

You cannot access Medicare, family assistance or social security benefits.

Your obligations

You and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

Tell us if things change

Things you need to let us know about when you have this visa include: 

  • changes to your phone number, email, address or passport
  • changes to your relationship status
  • the birth of a child.

See how to let us know if there is a  change in your situation.

If you do not provide us with the details of any new passport issued to you, you could experience significant delays at the airport and may be denied permission to board your plane.