This visa lets regional employers sponsor skilled workers to fill labour shortages they cannot fill with an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
At a Glance
- Stay: 5 years (subsequent entrants: up to 5 years)
- Visa cost: From AUD6,140.00 (Same starting cost for Employer Sponsored, Labour Agreement and Subsequent Entrant streams. Estimator does not include the second instalment or other costs. Concessions apply in limited circumstances; from 1 July 2026 a lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.)
Who It Is For
- You are nominated by an approved work sponsor
- Your occupation is on a relevant skilled occupation list
- You have a suitable skills assessment
- You are under 45
- You meet minimum English language standards
What You Can Do With This Visa
- Live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia
- Apply for permanent residence 3 years after grant
Good to Know
- Regional areas only
- Processing is prioritised under Ministerial Direction 122; page lists lodgement months being processed (for example December 2025 for priority sectors)
- Labour Agreement stream needs an employer with a labour agreement
- Subsequent entrant stream is for family members of 494 holders
Getting Advice
Our registered migration agents can talk through your situation, explain whether this visa suits you and help you prepare. This page is general information only, summarised from the Department of Home Affairs and checked in November 2026. Fees and rules change, so always check the official page before you apply.
Official information: the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa.