Centrelink Eligibility For New Visa Schemes Starting In November 2019 – Visa 491 & 494
This post reflects the legal landscape as of the date of publication. Laws may have changed since then. Please consult a legal professional for current information and personalised advice.
Skilled Regional Visas (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019
The Skilled Regional Visas Bill aims to amend seven Acts in order to provide the holders of 491 and 494 visas access to welfare payments and government services. These new visas are set to come into effect on 16 November 2019 and are a part of the Australian Government’s aims to manage the immigration provide whilst also providing support to regional areas in Australia.
The legislation proposed to be amended is as follows:
- A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999
- Disability Services Act 1986
- Fair Entitlements Guarantee Act 2012
- Higher Education Support Act 2003
- National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013
- Paid Parental Leave Act 2010
- Social Security Act 1991
The proposed changes will ensure that 491 and 494 provisional skilled regional visa holders will have the same access to welfare and government services that current Permanent Resident visa holders have. The legislation to be amended will generally be addressing sections which currently apply to Australian residents and inserting new subparagraphs which extend the definition of an Australian resident to include those who hold provisional skilled regional visas. The amendments are subject to the same eligibility requirements and waiting periods as current permanent skilled visa holders. These waiting periods usually are 2 or 4 years – this is to ensure that migrants will be able to support themselves upon first settling in Australia, and to sustain the welfare system. The full range of current exemptions for waiting periods will be available to 491 and 494 visa holders. See this link for some information about social security benefits in Australia. https://guides.dss.gov.au/guide-social-security-law/3/1/2/70. Note that we are not able to provide any advice about your eligibility for social security payments.