We can expect to hear a lot more about regional visas.

From 16 November 2019, there will be two new regional visas; 23,000 places in the 2019-20 Skilled Migration Program (over 20% of the total) have been allocated to these new visas. The Government has also allocated over $20 million to promotion, processing and compliance relating to new regional visas.

One of the new visas is based on employer sponsorship, providing a pathway to permanent residence for sponsored employees after 3 years.

While there are still a number of important unknowns, employers should consider the following:

• The new definition of “regional” is likely to only exclude Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Perth;
• The list of available occupations is likely to be very extensive, over 670 occupations;
• The position must be located in regional Australia, and be full time, genuine, and likely to exist for 5 years;
• Labour market testing is required to evidence that the position cannot be filled locally;
• Sponsored employees (and any family members) are required to live, work and study in regional Australia;
• The training levy is payable once at the provisional visa stage ($3,000 if business turnover is less than $10 million, otherwise $5,000), and is not payable at the time of the permanent residence application;
• Permanent residence is not based on an offer of permanent and ongoing employment, rather evidence of the applicant’s income, compliance with visa conditions, among other requirements;
• All regional visa applications will be given priority processing.

Should you have an interest in finding out more, please contact your adviser at Ajuria Lawyers.

DISCLAIMER This information is current as of 28 August 2019 and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.