Migrate with More Benefits – Regional Australia Pathway

At PassX Immigration, we guide skilled professionals, students, and entrepreneurs in unlocking the advantages of migrating to Australia’s Designated Regional Areas. With incentives like priority visa processing, extra visa points, and extended post-study work rights, regional Australia is an excellent choice for future migrants.

What Are Designated Regional Areas?

Australia has classified regional areas into two categories to attract skilled migrants and promote economic development beyond major metropolitan hubs:

Category 2 – Cities and Major Regional Centres

Includes:
Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart.

Incentives:

• Priority visa processing
• Access to the Regional Occupation List (more job opportunities)
• 1 extra year on the post-study work visa for international graduates from a regional campus

Category 3 – Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas

In addition to all Category 2 benefits, Category 3 areas offer:

• Access to the 11,200 dedicated regional visa places
• 2 extra years post-study work rights for eligible graduates
• Priority access to Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs)

Post-Study Work Rights for International Graduates

If you graduate with a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regional campus of a registered Australian institution:

• Category 2 graduates: +1 year on your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
• Category 3 graduates: +2 years on your Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)

This extended stay opens more doors for employment, residency, and migration pathways.

Applicable Visa Types for Regional Areas

Regional incentives apply to a wide range of Australian visa subclasses:

Regional Visas:

• Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
• Subclass 494: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
• Subclass 489 (granted post-16 Nov 2019): Skilled Regional (Provisional)

Skilled Migration Visas:

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)*
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)*

Employer-Sponsored Visas:

• Subclass 187: Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (TRT stream only)
• Subclass 186: Employer Nomination Scheme (nomination fee waived if regional)
• Subclass 482: Skills in Demand Visa (if based in regional Australia)

Graduate Visa:

• Subclass 485: Temporary Graduate Visa (second visa eligibility for regional graduates)

Business & Investment Visas:

• Subclass 888: Business Innovation & Investment (Permanent)
• Subclass 892: State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner

Points Test Bonus

• +15 points: If nominated for a Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491)
• +5 points: If your study qualifies as the Australian Study Requirement and was completed in a designated regional area

Postcode List for Designated Regional Areas

The Department of Home Affairs provides a detailed list of postcodes to define designated regional areas. This list is used to determine eligibility across relevant skilled, regional, employer-sponsored, and graduate visas.

Why Choose PassX Immigration for Regional Migration?

• Proven expertise in regional skilled migration and visa pathways
• Personalized guidance to select the right regional location and visa stream
• Support for students, professionals, employers, and entrepreneurs
• Full documentation, nomination, and visa filing assistance

Take the Smarter Route – Migrate to Regional Australia

Whether you’re a skilled professional or an international graduate, regional Australia offers unmatched advantages. Let PassX Immigration help you plan the best move. Contact Us today to explore your regional migration options!