Does Regional Migration Increase Your Chances of Permanent Residency as a Skilled Migrant?

In general, relocating outside major metropolitan centres increases potential visa options through the skilled migration program. Regional migration works through two main pathways designed to encourage population growth and economic development in regional parts of the country.

Firstly, the employer-sponsored visa pathway which includes visa subclasses 482, 494, and 186. This route involves an Australian employer sponsoring a migrant to work in their business. It provides a direct or eventual pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who meet qualifications and work experience requirements.

Secondly, the General Skilled Migration program (points-tested visas) encompasses visa subclasses 491, 189, and 190.  Applicants express interest through lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) which gathers information regarding age, English language ability, qualifications and skilled experience.  Applicants are assessed on their skills and attributes and will be allocated a score on the points test.

Both pathways offer advantages for businesses and migrants based in regional areas including:

• Extra points – Applicants living in a regional area may receive additional points and state or territory nomination for a Subclass 491 visa.  Applicants who study in a regional area may receive additional points on the skilled migration points test.

• Broader occupation lists - Regional migration programs such as the subclass 494 visa include more occupations, making it easier for skilled workers to find a pathway that matches their profession.

• Higher demand - for most skilled occupations including trades there is a higher demand in regional areas and businesses are more willing to take on the risk and investment of sponsoring a migrant worker.

• Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) – formal agreements between the Australian Government and regional authorities allowing employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled migrants in a wider range of occupations than standard visa programs, with concessions on visa requirements and tailored pathways to permanent residency that address unique local labour market needs.

However, immigration, like many things in life, is a gamble. Consider two aspiring chefs who take different routes after arriving in Australia. One chef moves to a metropolitan city as a student with no prior hospitality experience, starting with a part-time kitchen hand job. Through dedication and building strong relationships, this person advances to a chef role during studies, ultimately securing employer sponsorship and a pathway to permanent residency.

The other chef arrives with a decade of experience and qualifications, choosing to relocate directly to a regional area to work. By meeting the criteria for regional skilled visas and contributing to areas with skill shortages, this chef increases the odds of receiving permanent residency through programs aimed at encouraging skilled migrants to settle in regional Australia.

In conclusion, relocating to regional Australia may provide additional visa options and pathways for permanent residency, making it a strategic option for many skilled migrants.

Book a consultation to speak to one of experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.