The Australian Government is committed to supporting regional areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. See information below regarding visa programs to attract migrants to help strengthen our economy and boost our regional areas.

In November 2019, the Australian Government announced changes to our immigration program to strengthen our economy and boost regional areas. Australia’s regional migration program consists of:

1. 2 skilled regional provisional visas that provide a pathway to permanent residence
2. A skilled regional permanent resident visa (from November 2022)
3. Additional points under the Skilled Migration Points Test for skilled migrants nominated to live and work in regional Australia
4. More options for international students who graduate from regional universities

The Australian Government works closely with state, territory and local governments, and local communities, to attract migrants to regional areas. Skilled migrants settling in regional Australia have a diverse range of available occupations to match their experience, skills and qualifications.