Regional Visas: Your Pathway to Living, Working, and Settling in Regional Australia

Are you looking to settle in Australia? Its a land of beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures, and a vibrant economy - which can offer a variety of opportunities for individuals seeking to live, work, and establish their roots. And while there is always a draw to live in the bustling cities across the country, it's important to note that the true Australian experience usually exists in its regional areas, which hold a unique charm and a range of opportunities waiting to be explored. So that is where regional visas can come in handy, as they provide a gateway to experiencing the distinct lifestyle, career prospects, and personal growth that regional Australia has to offer, and can also be an express pathway into PR.

Are you ready to chat to an expert about one of the regional visa's availabilities in Australia? Chat to us today!

Regional Visas are a category of visas specifically designed for international skilled workers, students, and business individuals who wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. These visas offer a range of options tailored to specific needs and aspirations, providing a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Types of Regional Visas:

• Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia.

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): For skilled workers sponsored by an eligible employer in regional Australia.

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 489): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government agency with a pathway to permanent residency after three years.

• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191): For skilled workers who have lived and worked for at least three years in designated regional areas on an eligible visa.

Eligibility Requirements for Regional Visas:

Each regional visa has its own set of eligibility criteria, typically involving factors such as age, education, work experience, skills, health, and character. Carefully review the eligibility requirements for the visa that aligns with your purpose and qualifications. And if this process becomes confusing, feel free to book in for a free 15-minute visa consultation with one of our expert agents.

Application Process for Regional Visas:

The application process for regional visas typically involves the following steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for your chosen visa category.

2. Secure Nomination or Sponsorship: Obtain a nomination from an eligible state or territory government or sponsorship from an eligible employer, depending on the visa category.

3. Gather Supporting Documents: Compile the necessary supporting documents, including identity documents, skills assessment results, work experience evidence, English language test results, nomination or sponsorship documents, and health and character certificates.

4. Create an ImmiAccount: Register an ImmiAccount, the Australian government's online portal for visa applications.

5. Complete the Visa Application Form: Fill out the appropriate visa application form, providing accurate and detailed information about your background, purpose, and plans in Australia.

6. Pay Visa Application Fees: Settle the applicable visa application fees, which vary depending on your circumstances.

7. Submit the Application: Submit your completed application, supporting documents, and visa application fees to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Recent regional visa announcements

The Australian Government has announced changes to our immigration program to strengthen our economy and boost our regional areas.

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – This visa type is for people nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia.

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) – This visa type is for people sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.

• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) - Started from November 2023, this visa type is to be eligible for permanent residence, holders of the new skilled regional provisional visas will need to show they have lived and worked in regional Australia while holding one of these visas.

Take a look at the official Australian Immigration page for more information.

1. Affordable cost of living

Even though Sydney and Melbourne are popular study destinations, the cost of living in these iconic cities has been increasing due to inflation. Its no doubt that international students living in regional areas will need to spend way less than their budget.

2. Migration opportunities

Keen to apply for your Permanent Residency ASAP? When you study in regional areas, you stand to gain 5 extra points towards your PR in Australia. Migration perks in regional Australia include priority processing of regional visa, access to the Regional Occupations List and an additional year in Australia.

3. Additional year for Post Study Work Visa

One of the most attractive reasons to study in regional Australia - a graduate from a regional university can get an additional year of their post-study work visa.

4. Regional scholarships for international students

Did you know universities have dedicated scholarships for students studying in their regional campuses? Get in touch with our education counsellors who will talk you through the latest scholarships available for international students.

5. Explore The Great Outdoors

Moving to a regional area to study also means you’ll get to experience small towns and explore Australia on a whole new level. Get your Instagram followers ready for stunning shots of outback Australia.