491 Visa – Time to Relocate to Regional + Address Evidence...

491 Visa – Time to Relocate to Regional + Address Evidence While Offshore?

Hi everyone,

I lodged my 491 visa in December 2023, and received an s56 request in October 2023 for remedicals, which has since been cleared. I'm currently on a Bridging Visa A and living in a non-regional area for work reasons.

As you know, once the 491 visa is granted, the following conditions will apply:

• 8578 – Must notify of certain changes
• 8579 – Must live, work or study only in a designated regional area
• 8580 – Must provide evidence of residential addresses if requested
• 8581 – Must attend an interview if requested

I have a couple of questions I hope someone can help with:

• After the visa is granted, how much time is given to relocate to a regional area to comply with condition 8579? Is there a grace period, or is the expectation to move immediately?

• We have offshore travel planned for 2-3 months soon after the visa grant. To save on rent during that time, we’re planning to store our belongings at a friend’s place (which is in a regional area).

• What kind of address evidence does Home Affairs accept to show we are residing in a regional area? Would temporary storage at a friend’s place be sufficient?

• Do we need to show lease agreements, utility bills, or anything else to satisfy condition 8580?

Appreciate any guidance from others who have been through this or have insights.

Thanks in advance!