Home » News & Articles » Navigating The Path To Regional Visas: Your Gateway To A Life In Regional Australia
Book Now
Book Now
Book your consultation
ENQUIRY FORM
Call Us
1300 245 756

Navigating The Path To Regional Visas: Your Gateway To A Life In Regional Australia

26th Oct 2023

Dive into the comprehensive world of regional visas and pave your path to a promising future, guided by the expertise of All Access Migration.

This article by the All Access Migration team, explains the options for regional visas in Australia. Detailing the pathways for skilled migrants to live and work amidst Australia’s regional areas, it offers a comprehensive overview of visa options and the potential benefits they present. Navigate the opportunities and requirements of regional visas with clarity and confidence, and take the first step in determining if this is a suitable option for you.

BACKGROUND – REGIONAL VISAS

For skilled migrants and their dependent family members, Australia offers two regional visa options. These visas provide the opportunity to live and work in regional areas, away from the metropolises of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Let’s explore these two pathways to your regional Australian dream.

1. SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) VISA (SUBCLASS 491):

This visa is tailored for individuals nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member who can contribute their skills to regional Australia. Here’s what you can expect:

Duration: Upon approval, there is the possibility to stay in Australia for five years from the visa grant date.

Allowances: You are permitted to live, work, and study in a designated regional area.

Travel: Enjoy the freedom to travel to and from Australia while the visa remains valid.

Path to Permanent Residence: If eligible, you can apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after holding the Subclass 491 visa for three years.

Designated Regional Area:

It’s essential to reside, work, and study in a designated regional area throughout the duration of your visa. Keep in mind that your nomination must not be withdrawn, as this could jeopardise your visa status.

2. SKILLED EMPLOYER SPONSORED REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL) VISA (SUBCLASS 494):

For those sponsored by an employer in regional Australia, the Subclass 494 visa offers the chance to live, work, and study in designated regional areas. Here’s a snapshot:

Duration: You can stay in Australia for five years from the date your visa is granted.

Location: Live, work, and study exclusively in designated regional areas, excluding Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Travel: Like the Subclass 491 visa, you can travel to and from Australia during the visa’s validity.

Path to Permanent Residence: Eligible applicants can apply for permanent residence after holding the Subclass 494 visa for three years.

PATHWAYS TO PERMANENT RESIDENCE – (SKILLED REGIONAL) VISA (SUBCLASS 191):

From November 2022, new skilled regional provisional visa holders can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191). This permanent visa opens doors to numerous opportunities:

Stay: You can reside in Australia permanently.

Work and Study: Enjoy the freedom to work and study in Australia.

Medicare: Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.

Sponsor Family: You can sponsor your relatives to come to Australia.

Citizenship: If eligible, apply for Australian citizenship.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINES:

You can apply for the subclass 491 and 494  visas from in or outside Australia. Application processing times can vary based on individual circumstances, including document submission, information requests, and external agency checks. For an estimate of processing times, you can use the visa processing time guide tool, which provides a general indication of recent application processing times.

In Summary – Regional Visas

In the vast nature of Australia’s regional development plans lies an opportunity for skilled migrants to enhance their professional journey and immerse in the unique vibrancy of regional communities. With two significant visa pathways, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494, applicants can transition from bustling urban spaces to tranquil regional havens. While the benefit of these visas is evident in their varied conditions, the potential to further secure permanent residence through Subclass 191 if all conditions are met, amplifies their appeal. The dream of living, working, and embracing the regional Australian lifestyle is more attainable with tools and guidelines in place to facilitate a smooth application process. Trust in experts like the All Access Migration to guide you through this processturning your regional Australian aspirations into tangible realities.

Embrace Regional Australia with Ramsden Lawyers!

Navigating the complex world of regional visas can be challenging, but with the proper guidance, you can embark on a fulfilling journey to live and work in regional Australia. Ramsden Lawyers is here to assist you in every step of the process, ensuring that your dreams of regional life become a reality. Contact us today, and let us  help you achieve a successful outcome throughout this exciting adventure!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and should not be considered legal advice. Please seek specific advice based on your unique circumstances.

Brisbane Office

1300 245 756

50 McDougall Street,
Milton, Brisbane, QLD, 4064
Australia

CALL NOW

Gold Coast Office

1300 245 756

Levels 5 & 9, Corporate Centre One,
2 Corporate Court,
Bundall, QLD, 4217
Australia

CALL NOW

Sydney Office

1300 245 756

Level 6,
15 Castlereagh Street,
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Australia

CALL NOW

NEWS & INSIGHTS

Latest Articles and Updates

VIEW ALL
Student Visa

27th Feb 2024

Changes Outlined in New Migration Strategy Target Australia's Student and Graduate Visa Program

In December 2023, the Australian Government released their Migration Strategy. In particular, the Government has outlined their intention to make significant changes to the Student and Graduate Visa programs, focusing on “strengthening the integrity and quality of international education”. To ensure you protect your migration position, contact our experienced team to guide you through these changes.

READ ARTICLE
Temporary Skill Shortage Visas

21st Nov 2023

Navigating The Australian Work Landscape: Temporary Skill Shortage Visas Explained

Unlock the potential of Australia's job market with the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa - Subclass 482. Introduced in 2018, the TSS visa bridges Australia's skill gap, providing a pathway for skilled professionals to realise their career aspirations. It addresses short- and medium-term needs with three distinct streams catering to varying employment durations. However, the journey requires navigating specific requirements, from employer sponsorships to applicant criteria. Fortunately, All Access Migration team offers expert guidance. Whether you're an employer or a potential employee, delve into the intricacies of this visa with us and turn your Australian work dreams into reality.

READ ARTICLE
Regional Visa

26th Oct 2023

Navigating The Path To Regional Visas: Your Gateway To A Life In Regional Australia

Explore the world of regional visas, including the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494). Discover a life rich with opportunities in the heart of regional Australia! Whether you're drawn to its serene landscapes or thriving communities, there's a path tailored for you. With distinct visa options offering a chance to live, work, and study amidst Australia's hidden gems, with an employer, or state to sponsor you, the dream is closer than you think. Under the expert guidance of All Access Migration, the visa options become clear and achievable.

READ ARTICLE
WORKING REGIONALLY IN AUSTRALIA

27th Sep 2023

Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA): Paving The Way For Skilled Workers And Australian Businesses

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) significantly evolved Australia's skilled migration framework, offering a dynamic two-tiered system tailored to regional needs. Diverging from traditional migration pathways, DAMAs permit regions to source a broader range of overseas talent. A foundational five-year "head agreement" with regional representatives is at the helm. This paves the way for tier two: individual labour agreements with employers, aligning with the head agreement's stipulations. While 12 DAMAs currently operate, each mirrors its region's unique necessities. While the process might seem intricate, advisors like All Access Migration ensure a streamlined experience for businesses eager to tap into this option.

READ ARTICLE
Healthcare Worker

19th Jun 2023

Queensland Government's Workforce Attraction Scheme Recognises Interstate and International Healthcare Heroes

Discover Queensland Government's groundbreaking initiative revolutionising healthcare by attracting skilled workforce. Addressing critical shortages, the government offers appealing incentives to healthcare workers across Australia and abroad. Count on All Access Migration for seamless support during relocation and immigration process. Enjoy benefits of up to $20,000 for joining Queensland Health and up to $70,000 for rural doctors. These incentives transform healthcare, ensuring top-notch services for all Queensland residents.

READ ARTICLE
TEMPORARY SKILLED MIGRATION INCOME

10th May 2023

Update: The Australian Government Announces Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold Increase

As a result of an independent review, the Australian government has decided to raise the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $53,900 to $70,000 effective from 1 July 2023. This alteration will impact companies that sponsor foreign workers under skilled migration programs, as they must comply with the minimum salary requirement to guarantee that migrant workers receive equitable pay. The government's choice reflects their dedication to fairness within the skilled migration system.

READ ARTICLE
New Zealanders

10th May 2023

Direct Pathway to Australian Citizenship for New Zealanders

The Australian Government has introduced a direct pathway to Australian citizenship for eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia, which marks a significant change in the migration policy between the two nations. This move is expected to make access to Australian citizenship much more manageable for New Zealanders living in Australia, and it is set to take effect from 1 July 2023. The article emphasises the significance of this policy shift and its impact on the lives of New Zealanders living in Australia.

READ ARTICLE
TPD Claim

14th Apr 2023

Overhaul Needed For Skilled Migration System To Address Labour Shortages

Australia’s skilled migration system is facing a significant challenge for addressing the country's skill shortage and labour crisis. However, the mandatory job advertisement requirement for employers recruiting skilled migrants has hindered the system's success, as recently pointed out by a review conducted by Martin Parkinson, Joanna Howe, and John Azarias. Removing this requirement could significantly improve the system's efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, the visa system's outdated policies have led to the exploitation of temporary migrants by unscrupulous employers, creating a vulnerable group that needs protection.

READ ARTICLE