The Australian Government is committed to supporting migrants to settle in regional areas. The Australian Government has announced changes to its  immigration program to strengthen its  economy and boost its regional areas. The changes are:

• Two new skilled regional provisional visas that provide a pathway to permanent residence
• A new skilled regional permanent resident visa
• A refined definition of ‘regional Australia’ for migration purposes
• Additional points under the Skilled Migration Points Test for skilled migrants nominated to live and work in regional Australia
• More options for international students who graduate from regional universities

These changes will support regional businesses and local communities thrive by getting the right skills into the right regions.

The Australian Government works closely with state, territory and local governments, and local communities, to attract migrants to regional areas. Skilled migrants settling in regional Australia have a diverse range of available occupations to match their experience, skills and qualifications.