The Australian Government commenced the new Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (491) on 16th Nov 2019.
This visa essentially replaces the current Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (489) and has 25,000 places allocated per year. 

What are the requirements?
To lodge an application for this visa:
– applicants must be below 45 years of age at the time of lodgement of application
– must have a positive Skills Assessment for their relevant occupation. 
– competent level of English
– a nomination by State Government or a Sponsorship by a family member who is settled in a designated regional area is also required

Once granted it will be valid for 5 years and after holding it for 3 years, a migrant may apply for subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.
Regional areas of Australia have seen decline in population over the years therefore, the Australian government will be imposing condition 8579 on this visa which will restrict a migrant to live and work in specified regional areas.
From 16th November 2019, all of Australia has been classified as Regional except for Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

How can we help you?
One of the key requirements for this application is to have a positive outcome on a Skills Assessment for an applicant’s relevant occupation. 
It would be wise to lodge an application of Skills Assessment now itself, because the launch of this visa application will see a large influx of applications. 
This will definitely increase the processing times and every occupation under this visa category will have limited places available, which could lead to capping of the application intake. 
We can assist you in navigating the complexities of this new visa program and will be able to prepare and successfully lodge an application on your behalf. 
Book a consultation with us today and let us help you make your dream of moving to Australia a reality.