Designated Regional Areas in Australia
Designated Regional Areas are specific locations in Australia that offer migration incentives for skilled workers, graduates, and employer-sponsored applicants. These areas are defined by the Department of Home Affairs and are outside major metropolitan centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Living and working in a designated regional area can provide additional visa benefits, priority processing, and extended stay options under selected visa programs.
Visa Aid helps applicants understand regional eligibility, postcode classifications, and the most suitable visa pathways based on location.
Why Regional Areas Matter for Visas
Australia encourages skilled migration to regional areas to support workforce demand and economic growth.
Choosing a designated regional area may offer:
• Additional migration points
• Access to regional visas
• Priority visa processing
• Extended post-study work rights
• Broader occupation lists
• Pathways to permanent residency
Visas Linked to Designated Regional Areas
The following visas require residence, employment, or study in a designated regional area:
Skilled Regional Visas
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
Employer Sponsored Visas
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 – Regional stream)
• Employer Nomination Scheme (Regional roles)
Graduate and Student Pathways
• Post-Study Work extensions for regional study
• Graduate visa benefits for regional campus graduates
What Is Considered a Designated Regional Area
Designated regional areas include:
• Perth
• Adelaide
• Gold Coast
• Sunshine Coast
• Canberra
• Newcastle
• Wollongong
• Geelong
• Hobart
• Regional cities and towns across all states
Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are excluded.
Regional classifications are divided into:
• Cities and Major Regional Centres
• Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas
Postcode-Based Regional Classification
Eligibility is determined by postcode, not just city name.
Some postcodes fall under:
• Regional cities
• Significant regional hubs
• Additional regional zones
Visa Aid assists clients in confirming whether a specific postcode qualifies as a designated regional area for visa purposes.
Benefits of Studying or Working in a Regional Area
Applicants who live, study, or work in regional Australia may receive:
• Extra points under the General Skilled Migration system
• Access to regional occupation lists
• Longer post-study work visas
• Additional pathways to permanent residency
• Employer sponsorship opportunities
Important Notes
• Regional definitions can change based on government policy
• Visa eligibility depends on individual circumstances
• Meeting regional requirements does not guarantee visa approval
Visa Aid stays updated with current Department of Home Affairs regulations to ensure accurate advice.
How Visa Aid Can Assist
Visa Aid provides support with:
• Regional postcode eligibility checks
• Visa pathway assessment based on location
• Skilled migration strategy planning
• Employer-sponsored regional visas
• PR pathways through regional migration
All applications are assessed strictly by the Department of Home Affairs.
Planning to Move or Work in a Regional Area
If you are considering regional Australia for migration, professional guidance is strongly recommended.
Book a consultation with Visa Aid to confirm your regional eligibility and identify the most suitable visa option.
