Australia, known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, has long been a coveted destination for immigrants. While major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are often in the spotlight, it’s essential to recognize that numerous regional areas across the country are equally appealing for migrants seeking new opportunities and a high quality of life. In this article, we explore Australia’s designated regional areas for migration purposes, shedding light on the benefits, postcodes, and exceptions that prospective immigrants should be aware of.
Understanding Designated Regional Areas
The Australian government classifies regions outside major cities as designated regional areas for migration purposes. These areas are further divided into two categories:
- Cities and Major Regional Centres: This category encompasses cities like Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart. Migrants choosing these locations can enjoy various regional incentives, including priority processing of regional visas, access to the Regional Occupations List (offering more job opportunities compared to non-regional lists), and an attractive offer for international graduates who have completed a bachelor’s or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution – an additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa.
- Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas: In this category, migrants can access dedicated 11,200 regional places, priority processing of regional visas, and the Regional Occupations List. International graduates with a bachelor’s or higher qualification from a regional campus of a registered institution can enjoy an even more extended stay in Australia, with an additional 2 years on a post-study work visa. This category also provides priority in negotiating region-specific Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).
Navigating Designated Regional Areas: Postcode List
A list of postcodes specifying designated regional areas is available and applies to various visa categories, including:
- Regional Visas:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) – designated regional areas apply to visa holders nominated by a State and Territory government agency whose visa was granted after 16 November 2019.
- Skilled Visas:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Employer Sponsored Visas:
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) – the Temporary Residence Transition stream remains open to transitional 457 or Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) workers.
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) – If the position is located in regional Australia, the nomination fee is waived.
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) – If using an occupation on the Regional Occupation List for this subclass.
- Temporary Graduate Visa:
- Second Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Business Investment Visas:
- Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)
- State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner visa (subclass 892)
Additional Points and Exceptions
- Nomination to live and work in designated regional Australia can earn migrants an additional 5 points (from 10 to 15) under the Skilled Migration Points Test.
- If your studies were completed in a designated regional area and meet the Australian Study Requirement, you can claim an additional 5 points.
Exceptions to Regional Designation
While most visas emphasize geographical regions, some visas focus on specific industries. For instance, the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme allows work in certain industries rather than specific areas.
The Working Holiday Maker program offers a second and third-year visa option for individuals who have worked in a regional area and within eligible industries, with a different list of designated regional areas.
Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV)
The SHEV is a temporary protection visa for those engaging Australia’s protection obligations. Regional areas designated for SHEV arrangements differ from the list of designated regional areas for migration purposes. For specific details on SHEV requirements and SHEV regional area postcodes, consult the Safe Haven Enterprise visa pathway.
Australia’s regional areas offer a wealth of opportunities for skilled migrants, students, and entrepreneurs. Understanding the nuances of regional designations, postcodes, and exceptions is crucial for those considering a move to the land Down Under. With its diverse landscapes, strong economy, and welcoming communities, Australia’s designated regional areas beckon with promise and possibility.