IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Australian Government has announced plans to expand its regional migration program by making more visas available and by including the Gold Coast and Perth as part of regional Australia for migration purposes.

What does the change mean? The number of regional visas issued annually will increase from 23,000 to 25,000. International students in the Gold Coast and Perth will be able to extend their visas for an additional year, employers will be able to sponsor foreign workers for Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visas for roles on the Regional Occupation List (ROL), and foreign workers in these areas will be eligible for regional visas that become available later this month.

  • Implementation time frame: The changes will take effect Nov. 16.
  • Visas/permits affected: Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visas, Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visas, Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visas.
  • Who is affected: Employers in regional Australia (i.e., outside of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney), including employers in the Gold Coast and Perth.
  • Business impact: Employers in the Gold Coast and Perth will have an easier time recruiting some foreign workers, including recent graduates qualifying for Temporary Graduate visas and workers in roles listed on the ROL.

Additional information: The Australian Government has taken steps to prioritize regional migration, setting aside 25,000 visas for regional migration even as it reduced the nationwide number from 190,000 to 160,000. Employers in the Gold Coast and Perth will be eligible for regional migration perks, including the ability to (1) extend Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas for an additional year, (2) obtain Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visas for roles on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) (in addition to the Short Term Skilled Occupational Demand List and the Medium- and Long-Term Strategic Skill List), and (3) sponsor foreign workers on regional visas that become available later this month, including the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visa.

Analysis & Comments: The Australian Government is emphasizing regional migration, evidenced by its decision earlier this year to set aside a significant number of visas for regional Australia even as officials cut migration numbers overall. The recent changes highlight this effect, not only by making more visas available, but also by expanding the areas defined as regional Australia. Employers in regional Australia are encouraged to work closely with their immigration provider to determine what visa options are best for their workforce.

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