Regional migration is encouraged by Australia in 2025 through various focused visa programs urging skilled employees to reside and work predominantly away from major cities.
In addition to offering a pathway toward permanent residency, these regional work visas also provide incentives such as priority processing and more opportunities in a greater variety of occupations. If you have made your mind to move to regional Australia, the next step involves understanding how to apply for these visas.
Understanding Regional Visas
The major regional work visa options available in 2025 include the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), both of which are temporary five-year visas mapped out to live, work and study in specified regional areas.
These route apps unambiguously lead to permanent residency under the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), subject to you meeting criteria such as income thresholds and time spent in a region.
Check Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, candidates must check to see whether they meet important criteria, including having their occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, receiving a positive skills assessment, and demonstrating competent levels of English language capability.
For the subclass 491 visa, applicants need a nomination from an Australian state or territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a regional area. For subclass 494, you need to be nominated by an approved employer in a regional area for a skilled position.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once eligibility is confirmed, an Expression of Interest must be lodged via SkillSelect. This contains details regarding qualifications, experience, and other pertinent information that contributes to the points-based ranking system. For state nomination under subclass 491, states have their own nomination requirements, so it is worth checking the individual state or territory website with the latest updates.
Apply for the Visa After Receiving an Invitation or Nomination
After a nomination or sponsorship is received and an invitation is issued through SkillSelect, the applicant must submit an application for the visa within the time limit presented to them. Supporting documents must be submitted as part of the application, including identity documents, records of education, work references, and proof of nomination or sponsorship. Processing times may vary, although the Department of Home Affairs will generally give priority consideration to regional visa applications.
Start Your Regional Journey
Upon being granted the visa, you work and live in regional Australia, which includes all areas outside of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.