Condition 8549 for Subclass 489 visas and Condition 8579 for Subclass 491 visas state that visa holders must live, work, and study exclusively within a designated regional area while in Australia.
Condition 8579 is not designed to restrict visa holders from undertaking occasional activities outside the Designated Regional Area (DRA). Such activities may include:
- Taking holidays
- Attending work-related travel
- Participating in work-related training
The Department applies a reasonable and flexible approach when assessing compliance with Condition 8579, considering the individual circumstances of each visa holder.
However, prolonged absences from the DRA may prompt further review by the Department to confirm that the visa holder continues to meet the living, working, and studying requirements within the designated region.
- The Department may also seek additional evidence explaining travel outside the DRA in cases where:
- The visa holder spends more than 90 cumulative days per year outside the DRA, or
- The visa holder remains outside the DRA for more than 60 consecutive days, or
- There is an ongoing pattern of lengthy or frequent absences suggesting employment or residence outside the DRA.
Similar FAQs
- What Are My Chances for a Subclass 189, 190 and 491 Skilled Visa?
- Which states can I apply for a subclass 190 and 491 visa for my occupation?
- Do I Need to Work in My Field When I Have the 491 Visa?
- Can you show me the RDA map for NSW 491 visa ?
- What documents are required for applying NSW 491 Pathway 1 (RDA) State Nomination?
