With Australia’s renewed focus on regional development, the immigration landscape for skilled migrants considering a move to regional areas is increasingly promising. For the 2024/25 financial year, unique visa pathways are available to support regional migration, offering clear routes to permanent residency along with various lifestyle benefits. Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers is here to help you navigate these pathways and ensure your application is strategically positioned for success.
1. Why Consider Regional Australia?
Australia’s regional migration strategy continues to incentivize skilled migration to areas where expertise is needed, creating opportunities with added benefits like priority processing and lower competition than in metropolitan regions. Regional areas also offer an affordable cost of living, close-knit communities, and access to natural beauty, creating a high quality of life. At Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers, we provide the expertise needed to guide skilled workers through these pathways, helping you make informed choices about regional migration.
2. Key Visa Options for Regional Migration in 2024/25
For skilled workers interested in regional Australia, three primary visa pathways support a transition from temporary to permanent residency:
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): A points-tested, provisional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas for five years. Requirements include nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a designated regional area. Additional points are available to applicants committing to a regional area, enhancing eligibility.
- Requirements for Subclass 491 include meeting points-test criteria, receiving state or territory nomination (or family sponsorship), and aligning with the relevant occupation list for the nominated region.
- Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa): This visa is for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area and allows the applicant and their family to live and work in the region for up to five years. The Subclass 494 offers a pathway to permanent residency after three years, provided that employment and residency requirements are met.
- Requirements for Subclass 494 include employer sponsorship in a regional area, a valid skills assessment for the nominated occupation, and alignment with the occupation list for the chosen region. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the skills and qualifications required for the sponsored role.
- Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa): After holding a 491 or 494 visa and meeting residency requirements, visa holders can apply for the 191 visa, which grants permanent residency. For the 2024/25 financial year, there is no minimum income requirement for this visa, and no legislative instrument specifies an income threshold. Primary applicants must, however, provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of the five years they held the eligible visa. Those who have already lodged applications should ensure their submission includes these three notices.
Key Differences from Metropolitan Pathways: Regional visa pathways provide extra points, streamlined processing, and greater accessibility for skilled migrants who commit to living in regional areas. Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers helps clients navigate these options, ensuring applications meet all current requirements to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
3. Benefits of Moving to Regional Australia in 2024/25
Migrating to regional Australia offers unique advantages, from increased visa accessibility to lifestyle benefits.
- Higher Chances of Success Due to Lower Competition: With fewer applications, regional pathways often increase applicants’ chances of success.
- Additional Points for Skilled Visas: Migrants who commit to regional Australia gain extra points, simplifying their path to PR.
- Cost of Living and Lifestyle Advantages: Regional areas typically offer affordable housing, a more relaxed pace, and access to scenic landscapes, creating an appealing work-life balance.
Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers provides clients with a full understanding of these benefits, assisting you in selecting a pathway that suits both your professional and personal goals.
4. Government Incentives for Regional Migration
The Australian government is focused on regional growth, offering numerous incentives for regional migrants in 2024/25:
- Scholarships and Financial Assistance: Many states and territories provide scholarships and grants to help skilled migrants settle, especially in high-demand fields.
- Regional Development Programs: Government-backed programs and initiatives make regional areas increasingly attractive, especially as funding for infrastructure, healthcare, and education increases.
At Augustine & Co., we keep clients informed of relevant incentives and provide guidance on leveraging them for a successful migration journey.
5. Pathways from Regional Visas to Permanent Residency
Regional visa pathways offer a structured route to permanent residency for skilled migrants who commit to designated areas.
- Step 1: Apply for a Subclass 491 or 494 visa for provisional residency in a designated regional area.
- Step 2: Fulfill the minimum three-year residence requirement under the 491 or 494 visa.
- Step 3: After meeting these residency requirements, apply for the Subclass 191 visa, which grants permanent residency and provides the flexibility to live anywhere in Australia.
Important Note for Subclass 191 Applicants: For the 191 visa, applicants must provide notices of assessment issued by the ATO for three out of the five years they held an eligible visa. This replaces any minimum income requirement, making compliance straightforward. Those applying for the 191 visa should ensure these notices are included to avoid processing delays.
At Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers, we guide our clients through each step, ensuring all criteria are met for a streamlined transition to permanent residency.
6. Common Challenges of Regional Migration and How to Address Them
While regional migration offers significant advantages, some challenges may arise:
- Access to Services: Certain areas may have limited access to specialized healthcare, advanced education, or cultural amenities compared to metropolitan areas.
- Job Availability in Specialized Fields: Certain industries, such as finance or high technology, may have fewer roles in regional settings.
Overcoming These Challenges: Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers assists clients by helping them plan their migration strategically, selecting regions that align well with their goals and preparing them for the lifestyle adjustments that regional migration may entail.
Why Choose Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers for Regional Migration?
Migrating to regional Australia offers distinct advantages, but the process requires precise planning and expert guidance. At Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers, we stay up-to-date with the latest policies, incentives, and regional migration strategies for the 2024/25 financial year. Our team provides specialized support to ensure your application aligns with the latest immigration requirements, maximizing your chance of success.
Take the First Step Toward Regional Migration: Book a consultation with Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers to explore your options and create a tailored migration plan that aligns with your professional and lifestyle goals.
Author
Calvin Augustine is the founding solicitor of Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers. He graduated with Honors from the University of London law school, before being admitted to practice in Malaysia and Australia (admitted in SA, appears in all Victorian Courts and Tribunals, at trial and appellate levels).
