To Alan Collett

I really hope you can help, I've been upset by hearing two different stories regarding the 475 visa regarding how long you have to stay in the state. I'll be honest I want to live in Sydney (I have my reasons), so it makes a big difference to me. If I have to stay in a different state for only 2 years, I'll apply to migrate. If it's 4 years, I won't. This is what I've been told:

1) You have to stay two years and then you can apply for a permanent resident visa which can be processed with a few months. After which you can live anywhere in Australia. Also, after a total of 4 years (including the two years on the 475 visa), you can apply to become an Australian citizen.

2) You have to stay two years and then you can apply for a permanent resident visa which can be processed with a few months. After which you can have to live in the state for ANOTHER two years (a total of 4 years), before you can live anywhere in Australia. Also, after a total of 6 years (the two years on the 475 visa do not count), you can apply to become an Australian citizen.

On the DIAC website it does not mention anything about having to stay an additional 2 years:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/475/index.htm
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/sir.htm
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/887/index.htm

Many many many thanks

This question is an issue of your permanent residency visa pathway and the obligations attaching to the grant of the permanent visa.

In short, if your permanent residency visa will be a subclass 887 visa I do not believe you will have an obligation to reside in regional Australia - at least you don't under the legislation as presently drafted.

Best regards.

That's great!!! Thanks very much