Australia: Introducing the new visa Subclass 494
On Nov. 16, the new Subclass 494 Regional – Employer Sponsored visa replaced the Subclass 187 visa.
What are the benefits? 
- For employers, the main incentive is that the employee is required to remain in regional Australia for three years before becoming eligible for permanent residence.
- The eligible skilled occupation list is wider than the scope for the Subclass 482 visa.
- Areas classified as regional have been updated to include Perth and the Gold Coast.
Criteria
- All applicants must have at least three years of work experience related to their nominated occupation.
- All applicants must meet English language (competent), health and character requirements.
- All applications require Labour Market Testing evidence, unless exempt.
- All applicants require a skills assessment in their nominated occupation.
- This is a five-year provisional visa. The holder will have similar rights to permanent residence and can access government services. Visa holders can apply independently for permanent residency after working for three years in regional Australia.
- Applicants must be under 45 years of age. However, they can still progress to permanent residence if they turn 45 while holding a 494.
- The Department has promised the priority processing of regional visas.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager, APAC.
Chile: New procedure permitting the exit of foreign nationals while processing work permits
The Department of Immigration and Migration of Chile (Departamento de Extranjería y Migración de Chile) published Circular No. 29 detailing the following new procedure:
Facilitating foreign nationals exiting Chile whose residence permits are in progress
Foreign nationals who have applied for a residence visa (subject to contract/student or temporary), its extension or Definitive Permanence, will be required to notify the authorities (as outlined below) within five business days before traveling outside of Chile. This requirement is subject to the Department of Immigration not processing these applications.
Looking ahead 
To avoid long lines at the airport, foreign nationals should email permissionsalida@interior.gob.cl at least one week in advance, with the following documents:
- Electronic proof of residence application or proof of sending the application via mail.
- Air tickets or any means of international transport, where the destination is stated.
- Explanatory letter detailing the reasons for the request.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Departamento de Extranjeria y Migración – Chile (in Spanish).
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director, Immigration.
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