Migrants Required to Live in Regional Australia Under Skilled Visa Scheme – 2026 Update

Updated: October 2026 | Australian Immigration & Migration

Australia continues to encourage skilled migrants to settle in regional areas through dedicated migration visa programs. These initiatives aim to address workforce shortages, support regional communities and create more opportunities for skilled workers outside Australia's largest cities.

Under Australia's regional migration framework, eligible migrants can apply for visas that allow them to live, work and study in designated regional areas, with potential pathways to permanent residency.

What Is the Regional Migration Visa Scheme?

The Australian Government introduced two major skilled regional provisional visas in November 2019 to encourage skilled workers to settle outside Australia's major metropolitan areas.

These visas remain available in 2026:

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For eligible skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): For eligible skilled workers sponsored by an employer located in a designated regional area.

Both visas generally allow successful applicants to remain in Australia for up to five years, subject to their visa conditions.

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs – Regional Work Visas.

Where Are Migrants Required to Live?

Under these regional visa programs, visa holders must comply with conditions requiring them to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

For migration purposes, designated regional areas include most locations outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Interestingly, several major Australian cities are classified as regional areas for migration purposes, including Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Hobart, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong.

This means skilled migrants may have opportunities to live and work in established cities while meeting the regional requirements of their visa.

Applicants should confirm that their intended location is included in the official list of eligible regional postcodes.

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs – Designated Regional Areas.

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in regional Australia.

To qualify, applicants generally need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area.

Applicants must also meet relevant eligibility requirements, including having an occupation on an applicable skilled occupation list, obtaining a suitable skills assessment, meeting the points test and receiving an invitation to apply.

The visa allows eligible applicants to live, work and study in designated regional areas for up to five years.

After holding the visa for at least three years, eligible applicants may apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs – Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491).

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) allows eligible regional employers to sponsor overseas skilled workers where they cannot find appropriately skilled Australian workers.

Applicants generally need to be nominated by an approved employer, have a relevant occupation, meet applicable skills and work experience requirements, and demonstrate the required level of English proficiency.

Most applicants must also be under 45 years of age, unless an exemption applies.

The visa allows successful applicants to live, work and study in designated regional areas for up to five years, subject to sponsorship obligations and visa conditions.

Eligible visa holders may apply for permanent residency after holding the visa for at least three years.

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494).

Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the key benefits of Australia's regional migration programs is the opportunity to apply for permanent residency.

Eligible holders of subclass 491 or 494 visas may apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after holding an eligible visa for at least three years.

Applicants must satisfy the relevant requirements, including compliance with their visa conditions and providing Australian Taxation Office notices of assessment for three income years.

There is currently no minimum taxable income threshold for the subclass 191 Regional Provisional stream.

Permanent residency is not automatic. Applicants must meet all applicable requirements when applying.

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).

Why Choose Regional Australia?

Living in regional Australia can offer skilled migrants opportunities to build their careers while enjoying a different lifestyle from Australia's largest metropolitan areas.

Depending on the location, regional communities may offer growing employment opportunities, educational institutions, a welcoming community environment and access to natural attractions.

Regional migration programs may also provide additional opportunities for eligible skilled workers seeking a pathway towards permanent residency.

However, employment prospects, housing costs and lifestyle preferences vary between locations. Migrants should carefully research their intended destination before making a decision.