What is a Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa in Australia?

This visa is perfect for those with professions or trades that are in demand in regional Australia. It offers an opportunity to experience a different lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Sydney and Melbourne, while still enjoying the high standard of living that Australia is known for. The visa allows you to live and work in Australia for several years, providing a chance to immerse yourself in local communities and landscapes.

To be eligible, you must be sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area or nominated by a state or territory government. This sponsorship or nomination is crucial, as it helps ensure you have a support network to help you settle into your new environment.

The Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa opens up opportunities for skilled workers to make meaningful contributions to regional Australia.

Purpose and Benefits of the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

Purpose

• Addressing Skill Shortages: The main purpose of this visa is to attract skilled workers to regional areas in Australia where there are labor shortages. Many regional communities need specific skills to help their economies grow and thrive.
• Promoting Regional Development: By encouraging skilled workers to settle in less populated areas, this visa helps distribute the population more evenly across the country, easing the pressure on major cities and boosting regional development.
• Economic Growth: Bringing skilled professionals to regional areas helps stimulate local economies. These workers can fill critical job roles, start businesses, and contribute to the economic vitality of their new communities.

Benefits

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: One of the biggest benefits of the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa is that it can lead to permanent residency in Australia. After living and working in a regional area for a specified period, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
• Work and Live in Australia: This visa allows you to live and work in Australia for several years. You can bring your family with you, and your children can attend local schools, giving you the opportunity to build a life in Australia.
• Access to Public Services: Visa holders have access to public healthcare and other community services, ensuring a good quality of life while living in regional Australia.
• Experience Regional Life: Living in regional areas offers a unique experience compared to city life. You can enjoy the natural beauty, relaxed pace, and strong community spirit of these areas.
• Support from Local Government: Being nominated by a state or territory government means you have local support to help you settle in. This can include assistance with finding a job, housing, and other essential services.

The Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa not only helps skilled workers build a new life in Australia but also supports the growth and prosperity of regional communities.

Types of Skilled Regional Sponsored Visas

Subclass 489 (Previous)

The Subclass 489 visa, known as the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa, was a temporary visa that allowed skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to four years. To apply for this visa, individuals needed to be sponsored by an eligible relative living in a regional area or be nominated by a state or territory government.

Applicants had to meet several criteria, including being under 45 years of age, having a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, achieving a certain score on the points test, and meeting English language proficiency requirements.

After living and working in a regional area for at least two years and working full-time for at least one year, Subclass 489 visa holders could apply for the Subclass 887 visa, which granted permanent residency.

The Subclass 489 visa was phased out in favor of the Subclass 491 visa, which offers similar benefits with updated requirements and features.

Subclass 491 (Current)

The Subclass 491 visa, known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, is the current visa designed to attract skilled workers to regional Australia. It allows holders to live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years.

Similar to the Subclass 489, applicants must be under 45 years old, have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant list, meet the points test requirements, and demonstrate English language proficiency. They also need to be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area.

The Subclass 491 visa provides greater incentives to live and work in regional areas, including access to priority processing of regional visas and more points under the points test for regional nominations or sponsorships.

After living and working in a regional area for three years and meeting income requirements, Subclass 491 visa holders can apply for the Subclass 191 visa, which grants permanent residency.

The transition from Subclass 489 to Subclass 491 reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to promoting regional growth and addressing skill shortages in less populated areas.

Eligibility Criteria of the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

To be eligible for the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa, you need to meet several key criteria. These criteria ensure that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to contribute effectively to regional Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the main eligibility requirements:

Skills Assessment

A skills assessment is an evaluation of your qualifications and work experience to ensure they meet Australian standards. You need to have your skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority, which varies depending on your occupation. This assessment confirms that you are qualified and capable of performing the job you’re applying for in Australia. It’s an essential step to prove your expertise in your field.

Occupation Lists

Your occupation must be on a specific list of eligible jobs that are in demand in regional Australia. These lists are regularly updated to reflect the needs of the Australian labor market. Here are the main lists:

• Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): This list includes occupations that are in high demand across Australia, not just in regional areas. Examples of occupations on this list are Engineers, ICT Professionals, and Medical Practitioners. These roles are essential for the long-term development of the economy.
• Regional Occupation List (ROL): This list is specific to occupations needed in regional areas. Examples include Agricultural Technicians, Primary School Teachers, and Regional Medical Officers. These occupations support the growth and sustainability of regional communities by addressing specific local needs.

Points Test

The points test is a way to measure and rank your suitability for the visa based on various factors. To pass the test, you need to score at least 65 points. Points are awarded for a range of criteria including your age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other factors like your partner’s skills or whether you have studied in Australia. The higher your points, the better your chances of being invited to apply for the visa.

English Language Requirements

To qualify for the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa, you must demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency. This is typically proven by taking an approved English language test, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The required score depends on the specific visa subclass, but generally, you need at least a “competent” level of English. This means you should be able to communicate effectively in everyday situations, both in written and spoken English. Providing evidence of your English skills is crucial, as it shows you can integrate into the Australian community and workforce.

Health and Character Requirements

Australia places a high priority on the health and character of its visa applicants to ensure the well-being of its citizens and residents. For health requirements, you and any family members included in your application must undergo a medical examination by a panel doctor. This ensures you are free from diseases or conditions that could be a public health risk or place excessive demand on the Australian health care system.

For character requirements, you need to provide police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This is to prove you have no significant criminal history. These checks help maintain the safety and security of the Australian community.

Meeting these criteria is crucial for securing a Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa. By ensuring your skills are up to standard, your occupation is in demand, and you score well on the points test, you increase your chances of successfully obtaining this visa and starting a new life in regional Australia.

Nomination and Sponsorship Requirements

To be eligible for the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa, you need either a nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. These support mechanisms are crucial in helping you settle into regional Australia and demonstrate that there is a need for your skills in these areas.

State or Territory Government Nomination

A state or territory government nomination involves being selected by an Australian state or territory based on their specific labor market needs. Each state and territory has its own list of occupations in demand and criteria for nomination. To be nominated, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, indicating the states or territories where you are willing to live and work. If a state or territory is interested in your skills and experience, they will nominate you, which boosts your EOI and increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa. This nomination shows that there is a regional need for your specific skills, helping to support local economic growth.

Eligible Family Member Sponsorship

If you have an eligible family member living in a designated regional area, they can sponsor your visa application. An eligible family member can be a parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or grandparent. The family member must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This sponsorship requires your family member to commit to supporting you and ensuring you have the means to settle in a regional area. The sponsorship demonstrates that you have a personal support network, which can greatly aid your integration into the community and help you find employment and accommodation.

Both nomination and sponsorship are vital components of the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa, ensuring that applicants are well-supported and that their skills are directed to areas where they are most needed.

Application Process for the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

The first step in applying for the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa is submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system. The EOI is not a visa application itself but a way to express your interest in applying for the visa. In your EOI, you’ll provide detailed information about your skills, work experience, and qualifications. You’ll also need to include your results from a skills assessment and your English language test. Based on this information, SkillSelect will calculate your points score. You need at least 65 points to be considered. The higher your score, the better your chances of being invited to apply for the visa.

Invitation to Apply

Once your EOI is submitted, it goes into a pool with other candidates. State or territory governments and eligible family members can then review EOIs to identify potential candidates for nomination or sponsorship. If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Invitations are issued periodically, based on the demand for particular skills and the points scores of applicants. Receiving an invitation is an important milestone, as it means you are now eligible to lodge a formal visa application.

Lodging the Visa Application

After receiving an invitation, you must submit your visa application within 60 days. This application is done online through the Department of Home Affairs website. When lodging your application, you will need to provide comprehensive documentation, including:

• Proof of your identity (such as a passport)
• Evidence of your skills assessment
  English language test results
• Details of your work experience and qualifications
• Health examination reports
• Police clearance certificates

Additionally, you must pay the visa application fee. It’s crucial to ensure all information is accurate and all required documents are included to avoid delays or rejection.

Once your application is lodged, it will be reviewed by immigration officers. They will assess whether you meet all the requirements for the visa. If approved, you will receive your visa grant notice, allowing you to live and work in regional Australia. The entire process can take several months, so it’s important to be thorough and patient.

Conditions and Obligations for the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

Living and Working in a Designated Regional Area

One of the key conditions of the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa is that you must live and work in a designated regional area of Australia. These areas are defined as regions outside major metropolitan centers like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The purpose of this requirement is to help address skill shortages and promote economic growth in less populated regions. You are expected to make these regional areas your primary residence and employment location. Regular checks or updates may be required to confirm that you are fulfilling this obligation.

Complying with Visa Conditions

In addition to living and working in a regional area, you must adhere to several other visa conditions. These include maintaining your visa status by following all the rules and regulations set out by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This includes not engaging in any criminal activity and ensuring you continue to meet the visa’s requirements, such as maintaining your health and character standards.

You must also inform the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your address or employment status, as failing to do so can affect your visa status. Additionally, you need to report any changes in your circumstances, such as if you move to a different regional area or change employers. Compliance with these conditions is crucial, as failure to adhere could result in visa cancellation or impact your ability to apply for permanent residency in the future.

Moving to Permanent Residency

Subclass 887 Visa

If you hold a Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa and wish to stay in Australia permanently, you can apply for the Subclass 887 Visa. This visa allows you to transition from temporary to permanent residency. It’s specifically designed for those who have lived and worked in a regional area of Australia for a set period.

Requirements and Process

To be eligible for the Subclass 887 Visa, you must meet several key requirements:

• Residency in a Regional Area: You need to have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for at least two years while holding your current visa. This demonstrates your commitment to the region and your contribution to its economy.
• Work Experience: You should have worked full-time in a skilled occupation in the regional area for at least one year. This shows that you have integrated into the local job market and contributed to the community.
• Valid Visa: You must hold a valid Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 491 or 482) or its predecessor (Subclass 489) at the time of your Subclass 887 application.

To apply, you need to submit your application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You’ll need to provide proof of your regional employment and residence, along with other supporting documents. The application process involves an assessment of your eligibility based on your regional living and working history.

Successfully obtaining the Subclass 887 Visa grants you permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It also provides access to Medicare and other benefits available to Australian permanent residents.

Benefits of the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

Work Rights

The Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa allows you to work full-time in Australia, offering the opportunity to build your career and gain valuable experience in your field. This visa is designed to fill skill shortages in regional areas, so you’ll have the chance to contribute significantly to the local economy while also enhancing your professional skills. Whether you’re in healthcare, engineering, or any other in-demand occupation, this visa provides the flexibility to pursue your career goals in a regional setting.

Access to Healthcare and Education

As a holder of the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa, you and your family members are entitled to access Australia’s public healthcare system through Medicare. This includes coverage for medical treatments, hospital visits, and some medications, ensuring you have access to quality health services. Additionally, your children will be able to attend public schools, which offer a high standard of education. This access to healthcare and education provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your family are well-supported during your time in Australia.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the major benefits of the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa is that it offers a pathway to permanent residency. By fulfilling the visa conditions, such as living and working in a regional area, you can eventually apply for the Subclass 887 Visa, which grants permanent residency. This transition opens doors to long-term stability in Australia, with the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the country, along with enjoying the full range of rights and benefits available to Australian permanent residents.

Challenges and Considerations

Regional Living

Living in a regional area can be a significant shift from urban life. While regional areas offer a quieter and often more affordable lifestyle, they may lack some of the amenities and conveniences found in major cities. Public transport options might be limited, and access to certain services and recreational activities may not be as extensive. Additionally, regional areas can experience different weather conditions and landscapes, which might require some adjustment if you’re used to a city environment.

Employment Opportunities

While the Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa aims to address skill shortages in these areas, finding employment can still be a challenge, especially in niche or highly specialized fields. Regional job markets can be smaller, and opportunities may be limited compared to metropolitan areas. It’s essential to research the job market in your chosen regional area thoroughly and consider networking with local professionals to enhance your employment prospects. Some sectors might be more robust in certain regions, so aligning your job search with local demand is crucial.

Integration into the Community

Integrating into a new community can take time, especially in smaller regional areas where tight-knit social networks might already exist. Building new relationships, understanding local customs, and adapting to the community’s pace of life can require patience and effort. Participating in local events, joining community groups, and engaging with neighbors can help ease the transition and build connections. Embracing regional living with an open mind and a proactive approach can enhance your overall experience and contribute to a successful settlement in Australia.