New Regional Visas
The new Regional Visa Program commenced on the 16th of November 2019.
There are two new regional visas: one requiring an employer sponsorship, and one for individuals based on a revised points test.
Employer Sponsorship (494)
The new Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional) 494 visa requires sponsored employees (and their family members) to live, work and study in regional Australia – anywhere in Australia except Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane metropolitan areas.
This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years. Unlike the Employer Nomination Scheme (186), permanent residency is not based on an offer of permanent employment. Instead, evidence of income (tax assessments) and compliance with visa conditions (live, work and study in regional Australia) are the two main requirements.
Points of consideration for the nominating businesses:
- The Skilling Australians Fund (training) levy applies to the provisional stage (494), but is not payable at the time of the permanent visa (191) application;
- The occupation lists available include the Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skills List, as well as the Regional Occupation List (includes 434 new occupations);
- The position must be located in regional Australia, be full-time and available for 5 years;
- Labour Market Testing (two advertisements) is required to evidence that the position cannot be filled locally;
- The position must have a base salary of at least $53,900 (excluding any non-monetary benefits)
- The base salary must be at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (determined by a Regional Certifying Body)
Points of consideration for the visa applicant:
- have skills (qualifications and/or work experience) that match those required for the nominated position. A formal skill assessment will need to be obtained, which must be commenced prior to lodging the visa application.
- have at least three years of full-time experience (or the part-time equivalent) in your nominated occupation (or a closely related field)
- aged between 18 and 44
- genuinely intend to work in the nominated position
- meet any mandatory licensing, registration or professional membership requirements
- have Competent English (dependent family members over 18 years of age must have Functional English).
- meet the relevant health and character criteria
The Australian Government has increased the number of places available for regional visas from 23,000 to 25,000 places. These visas now receive priority processing.
Should you wish to learn more, please contact us.
Visa applicants may also complete our free visa assessment.