Australia Introduces Six Visa Categories for Skilled Migrants

The Australian government has outlined six categories of visas available for skilled migrants, offering multiple pathways to live and work in Australia. These include temporary regional arrangements and permanent residence options.

Among the ten work-related visas, two provisional visas are specifically for skilled migrants willing to settle in regional Australia: the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, subclass 491, and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, subclass 494. Holders of these provisional visas can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, subclass 191, if they demonstrate residency and employment in a regional area.

The Skills in Demand visa, subclass 482, requires employer sponsorship, while the older Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa, subclass 489, is no longer accepting new applications. On the permanent side, the Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme, subclass 187, is also closed to new applications.

Other visas include the Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462, and the Working Holiday visa, subclass 417, which allow migrants to work while traveling in Australia.