How to Apply for Australia Skilled Regional Visas

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Australia offers several skilled regional visas to encourage skilled workers to move to designated regional areas. These visas are a part of the Australian Government’s efforts to support the growth of regional communities by attracting skilled workers to less populated areas. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps of applying for these visas, the requirements, and important information to help you succeed in your application.

Types of Skilled Regional Visas

Australia offers multiple types of skilled regional visas that allow individuals to live and work in specific regions. Here are the main options:

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

For skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

For skilled workers who are sponsored by an employer in a regional area of Australia.

Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa

For those who hold a Subclass 491 or 494 and have met the conditions to apply for permanent residency.

Also Read: New South Wales 190 Visa

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a skilled regional visa, you must meet the following key requirements:

Occupation List

You must nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL).

Points-Based Assessment (for Subclass 491)

The visa is points-tested. You’ll need to score at least 65 points on the points test based on factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.

State or Family Sponsorship

You must either be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by a family member living in a designated regional area (for Subclass 491).

Employer Sponsorship (for Subclass 494)

Your employer must be based in a regional area and be willing to sponsor you.

Also Read: State Sponsorship Visas in Australia: How They Work and the Pathways for Students

Application Process

Steps Details
Step 1: Check Eligibility Ensure your occupation is on the SOL or ROL, check the points system, and determine if you need state nomination or family sponsorship.
Step 2: Expression of Interest Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. You’ll be ranked based on your points and preferences.
Step 3: State Nomination If you’re applying for Subclass 491, you must seek nomination from a state or territory or obtain family sponsorship.
Step 4: Apply for Visa Once invited, lodge your visa application with all supporting documents such as skills assessment, police clearance, and health checks.
Step 5: Wait for Decision The processing time varies but can range from a few months to a year depending on the visa and application complexity.
Step 6: Travel to Regional Area If granted, move to the regional area and comply with the visa conditions (e.g., living and working in a regional area for a certain period).

Points Test System

To qualify for the Subclass 491 visa, you need to score at least 65 points. Here is a breakdown of how points are awarded:

Criteria Points
Age Up to 30
English Language Up to 20
Skilled Employment Up to 20
Educational Qualifications Up to 20
State/Territory Nomination 15
Other factors (e.g., partner skills) Up to 10

Age-Based Points

Age Range Points
18 – 24 25
25 – 32 30
33 – 39 25
40 – 44 15

English Language Proficiency Points

Level Points
Superior (IELTS 8.0) 20
Proficient (IELTS 7.0) 10
Competent (IELTS 6.0) 0

Designated Regional Areas

Here is the designated regional areas for the Skilled Regional Visas:

  • New South Wales (NSW): All of NSW except Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong.
  • Victoria (VIC): All of Victoria except Melbourne.
  • Queensland (QLD): All of Queensland except Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
  • Western Australia (WA): All of WA except Perth.
  • South Australia (SA): Entire state.
  • Tasmania (TAS): Entire state.
  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Entire territory.
  • Northern Territory (NT): Entire territory.

Note: All of Australia, except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, is considered regional.

Also Read: Is Australia Sponsoring People to Move on there Any City?

Processing Times & Costs

Visa Subclass Processing Time Cost (AUD)
Subclass 491 8 – 12 months $4,640
Subclass 494 10 – 15 months $4,640
Subclass 191 N/A (Application opens 2022) $385

How to Increase Your Points

Here are some tips to improve your score:

  • Improve English Skills: Scoring higher on the IELTS or other approved English tests can give you up to 20 points.
  • Work Experience: Ensure your experience is counted and verified. Working in Australia on a temporary visa can also help boost points.
  • Qualifications: Consider pursuing an additional degree or professional certification.
  • Partner Skills: If your partner has skills in demand, you may get additional points for their qualifications.

Living in a Regional Area

Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to live and work in a regional area. Here’s a comparison of some popular regional locations:

City Population Key Industries Average Rent (AUD)
Adelaide 1.3 million Education, Manufacturing $400/week
Hobart 240,000 Tourism, Healthcare $350/week
Darwin 150,000 Mining, Energy $450/week
Canberra 450,000 Government, Technology $500/week

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my family?

Yes, both Subclass 491 and 494 visas allow you to bring family members.

Can I move between regions?

For Subclass 491, you must live and work in a designated regional area, but some flexibility exists depending on your visa conditions.

What happens after my visa expires?

You can apply for the Subclass 191 visa for permanent residency after meeting residency and work requirements.

Conclusion

Applying for a skilled regional visa in Australia can be a life-changing opportunity. By understanding the process, gathering the necessary documents, and maximizing your points, you’ll be on your way to securing a visa and starting your new life in one of Australia’s vibrant regional areas.

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