New Clarity on Remote Work and Travel for Regional Visa Holders

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has released updated policy guidance clarifying how holders of the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, and Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa can meet their regional living and work requirements.

The update addresses long-standing uncertainty around remote work, working for metropolitan or overseas employers, and travel outside designated regional areas (DRAs) during employment.

1. Remote work from a regional area is generally compliant

The key idea is simple:

It matters where you are working from, not where your employer is.

You will generally meet your visa condition if:

    • You live in a designated regional area (DRA), and

    • You usually do your work from that area (including working from home), and

    • If your employer is overseas, your income is paid and taxed in Australia

So Yes! Working from home in a regional area is acceptable.

2. “Frequently and routinely” replaces previous 60/90-day absence rules

Earlier internal policy referred to fixed time limits (such as no more than 60 consecutive days or 90 total days outside a regional area).

These have now been replaced with a more practical test, whether work duties are performed “frequently and routinely” outside a regional area.

3. Transport industry workers receive specific exemptions

Transport workers (such as truck or delivery drivers) may travel between regional and non-regional areas as part of their role without breaching visa conditions, provided:

    • You live in a regional area,

and

    • Your main work base is in that regional area

4. Non-compliance occurs when work is routinely performed outside regional areas

The policy confirms that Condition 8579 will not be met if:

   • A visa holder lives in a regional area but frequently and routinely performs work duties outside a regional area,

or

   • Work is split between regional and metropolitan areas on a regular and ongoing basis

5. Evidence visa holders may need to show

You may need to prove both where you live and where you work.

To show you live in a regional area:

  • Lease agreement or utility bills

  • Mortgage or property documents

  • School or study enrolment

To show you work in a regional area:

  • Employment contract

  • Payslips

  • ATO records

  • Employer letter

6. Common scenarios clarified

The Department confirms these situations are generally fine:

  • Working from home in a regional area for a city-based employer

  • Working remotely for an overseas company

  • Changing jobs (even to a metro or overseas employer) while staying based in a regional area

7. Clearer pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191)

This update makes it easier to understand what is expected and reduces the risk of accidentally breaching your visa conditions.

What This Means for You

  • You can work remotely from a regional area

  • Your employer can be in a city or overseas

  • Occasional travel is fine

  • Regular work outside your region can cause issues

  • Your pathway to PR is now clearer

How We Can Help:

At SCA Connect, we assist regional visa holders in staying compliant and preparing for permanent residency. From reviewing your work arrangements to supporting your Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa application, we ensure your position is clear and well-documented.

If your work situation has changed or you are unsure how this applies to you, it is important to seek advice early.

For further information and assistance, Book a consultation with 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.