Regional Visa
Australia

Purpose

• The regional visa encourages people to move to less populated areas of Australia to help with development and fill job shortages.

Benefits

• Priority in processing: Regional visas are in top 3 of the highest priority processed visas.
• Work: Find jobs in regional areas with high demand for skilled workers.
• Live: Enjoy the lifestyle and community of regional Australia.
• Permanent Residency: Some regional visas can lead to permanent residency.

Some Basic Requirements

• States Requirements: Depending on a state in Australia you are applying to there may be requirements for a period of time you must live in that state before you can be invited to apply for the visa.
• Nomination: You need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by a family member in a regional area.
• Skills: You must have a skill that is needed in regional Australia.
• English: You need to prove your English language ability with tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Health and Character: Pass health exams and police checks.

Some Types of Regional Visas

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by a family member to live and work in regional Australia.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): For skilled workers sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191): For holders of Subclass 491 and 494 visas who have lived and worked in regional Australia for at least 3 years. This visa allows for permanent residency.