In an attempt to reduce the congestion in capital cities of Australia, the Department of Home Affairs announced two new skilled regional visas that require skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for at least three years before being eligible to apply for permanent residency.
The new skilled regional visas which will commence on 16 November 2019 are as follows:
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in Australia. This visa subclass is estimated to have at least 500 eligible occupations. Subclass 491 will replace existing visa Subclass 489 upon commencement.
The Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa is for skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer located in regional Australia. This visa subclass is estimated to have almost 700 eligible occupations. Subclass 494 will replace existing visa Subclass 187 upon commencement.
In November 2019, the Department of Home Affairs will be simplifying the definition a Regional Australia. The new definition of Regional Australia will include the entirety of Australia excluding the following areas:
*Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this article is for general information only. Always seek professional legal advice in regards to your situation as every situation is different. Immigration legislation changes regularly and thus always, get up-to-date advice on your situation. Lodging a visa application is a judicial process and is based on the quality of legal advice and legal representation you receive. It is illegal for any Migration Agent or Lawyer to guarantee 100% of a positive result as it is a judicial process.