Important Update: Significant Changes to AST Visa Designation

The Australian Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 491) has undergone some significant changes in its visa designation – the Australian Government has renamed it as the Australian Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). This change came into effect on November 16, 2022, and aims to better reflect the visa's scope and purpose.

The Australian Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas in Australia for up to five years. This visa is an attractive option for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia and who may not meet the requirements for permanent residency. The visa also provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 191), which is granted after the visa holder has lived and worked in regional Australia for at least three years.

The Australian Government's decision to rename the visa designation reflects the government's commitment to attracting and retaining skilled workers to regional Australia. By providing a clear and accurate representation of the visa's purpose and scope, the government hopes to encourage more skilled workers to apply for the visa and contribute to regional Australia's economic growth.

The new visa designation also highlights the government's efforts to address the skills shortage in regional Australia. The visa is designed to attract skilled workers in occupations that are in high demand in regional areas, such as healthcare, agriculture, and construction. By providing a streamlined pathway for skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia, the government hopes to address regional skills shortages and promote regional economic growth.

In addition to the new visa designation, the Australian Government has also expanded the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The new list includes over 700 occupations, making it easier for skilled workers to find a job in regional Australia. The government has also increased the number of places available under the visa, from 14,000 to 16,000 per year, to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in regional areas.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is also more accessible to skilled workers who do not meet the points test requirements for other skilled visas, such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). The visa offers additional points for skilled workers who have studied or worked in regional Australia, have a partner who meets certain requirements, or have a nomination from a state or territory government agency.

The Australian Government's decision to rename and expand the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a significant step towards addressing the skills shortage in regional Australia. By providing a clear and accurate representation of the visa's purpose and scope, the government hopes to attract more skilled workers to regional areas and promote regional economic growth.

If you are a skilled worker interested in living and working in regional Australia, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) may be an attractive option for you. Contact a registered migration agent or visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for more information.