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July 2024 Important Notice for 491 Visa Applicants: Evidence of Living in a Regional Area

If you are a holder of a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa, it is crucial to be aware of your obligations regarding visa condition 8580. This condition requires you to provide evidence of living in a designated regional area while holding your 491 visa, if requested. This blog post outlines the necessary steps and documentation required to fulfill this condition.


Understanding Visa Condition 8580

Visa condition 8580 mandates that, upon request, you must supply evidence of various addresses to confirm your residency in a regional area. This evidence ensures that you comply with the conditions of your provisional visa, which can be requested at any time during your 491 visa period, not just when applying for permanent residency.


Types of Required Addresses

If requested in writing, you will need to provide evidence for the following addresses for yourself and all listed visa holders:

  • Residential address

  • Employer’s address

  • Workplace address (where your position is located)

  • Education provider address (includes distance education address)


Acceptable Evidence

Evidence may include, but is not limited to:

  • Residential Tenancy Agreements: Official rental agreements indicating your residential address.

  • Bank Statements: Statements showing transactions in the regional area.

  • Credit Card Statements: Transaction records from the regional area.

  • Mobile Phone Accounts: Bills and statements indicating usage in the regional area.

  • Utility Accounts: Gas, electricity, or water bills for your residence.

  • Employment Contracts: Contracts showing your workplace address.

  • Letter from Employer: Confirmation of workplace location on employer’s letterhead.

  • Confirmation of Enrolment Letters: From educational institutions.

  • Education Transcripts: Records from schools or universities.


Separate Applications for Family Members

If any of your family members have lodged a visa application separately from yours using a subsequent entrant form, you will need to provide the requested evidence for them by completing a separate Regional Contact Details form. This form can be accessed through their subsequent entrant application.

To link the application to your ImmiAccount, use the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) or Application ID for the family member, which can be found in the correspondence table.


Responding to the Request

You must respond to the request for evidence within 28 days from the date of the request letter. Failure to provide the necessary documentation within this timeframe may impact your visa status.


Steps to Provide Evidence

  1. Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents for the specified addresses.

  2. Complete Forms: Fill out the Regional Contact Details form for each family member if applicable.

  3. Submit via ImmiAccount: Log into your ImmiAccount and upload the documents using the TRN or Application ID.

Conclusion

Adhering to visa condition 8580 is essential for maintaining your 491 visa status. Make sure to keep thorough records and promptly respond to any requests for evidence to ensure you remain compliant with the visa requirements.

For more detailed information or assistance, refer to your ImmiAccount or contact the Department of Home Affairs directly. Stay compliant and best of luck with your journey in Australia!


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