More than 60,000 job vacancies are currently in need of skilled immigrants in regional Australia alone, says the country’s Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman.
An increasing number of companies based in regional Australia are looking to attract skilled immigrants to fill job vacancies.
As a result, an extra 2,000 visas have been made available to skilled individuals looking to live and commit to the development of regional Australia.
The list of regional locations accessible under the skilled migration program include:
- South Australia;
- Western Australia;
- Northern Territory;
- Victoria (except the Melbourne metropolitan);
- Queensland (except the greater Brisbane area);
- New South Wales (except Sydney);
- Australian Capital Territory;
- Tasmania.
Skilled individuals looking to make the most of this opportunity can apply for skilled immigration to Australia under the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
With this visa, skilled immigrants can live and work in a designated Australian regional area for five years. They can have their family members accompany them and travel to and from the country as they wish within this period.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Having an occupation on the skilled occupation list;
- Obtaining sponsorship from a state or territory government, or an eligible relative;
- Being less than 45 years of age;
- Meeting the Australian points requirements;
- Meeting the English language requirements.
Meeting the qualifying criteria can also lead to permanent residency in Australia for skilled immigrants.
Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
This skilled visa also lets immigrants live and work in Australia for five years. Eligibility factors include being nominated by a regional Australian employer, having an occupation on the skilled occupations list and having a good grasp on the English language.
For more information on these visas and how to apply, get in touch with eduaid!
