About this Visa

This visa is a three year provisional visa for skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled - Independent visa. You will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after you have lived for two years and worked at least 12 months in a Specified Regional Area of Australia.
See: Specified regional areas

This visa requires you to be either:

• nominated by a participating state or territory government agency
  or
• sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia.

This visa uses a points test to select visa applicants with skills and attributes needed in the Australian labour market.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is for you if you:

• have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL); and
  are outside Australia
  or
• are an New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category visa (subclass 444).

How much does this visa cost?

You must pay the relevant visa application charge when you lodge your visa application.
See: Professionals and other Skilled Migrants

What does this visa let me do?

This visa:

• allows you to remain in Australia for up to three years and requires you to live and work in a Specified Regional Area in Australia
• allows accompanying secondary applicants to work and study, but only in a Specified Regional Area of Australia
• provides a pathway to permanent residence.
  See: Pathways to permanent residency