About this visa
This visa is a three (3) 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 (2) 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 characteristics needed in the Australian labour market.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is for you if you are:
- outside Australia
or - a New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category visa (subclass 444)
You must:
- be under 45 years of age
- have good English language skills
- have the skills and qualifications that meet the Australian standard for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
The SOL is a list of skilled occupations that are in need in Australia. Each occupation listed on the SOL is allocated a points value for use in the visa assessment process.
See: Form 1121i Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL) (129KB PDF file)
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 (3) 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