SKILLED–REGIONAL SPONSORED (SUBCLASS 475)

The Skilled-Regional Sponsored visa was implemented on 1 September 2007 and has extensively replaced the Skilled Independent Regional and Skilled Designated Area Sponsored visas. The main aim of the Skilled–Regional Sponsored visa is to assist in the development of regional Australia through skilled migration. The Skilled-Regional Sponsored visa allows an initial stay of three years during which time the visa holder must live in a Regional or Designated Area for at least two years and work in their specified occupation for a minimum of one year.

To be eligible to apply for this subclass of visa you must be able to show the following:

• that you satisfy the basic requirements (see below)
• that you are able to pass the points test
• that you are sponsored by an eligible Australian relative living in a Designated Area or nominated by a participating State or Territory government.

To be sponsored by a relative he/she must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is related to you or your spouse as:

• a non-dependent child – natural, adopted or step-child
• a parent – includes adopted or step-parent
• a brother or sister – includes adopted or step-sibling
• a niece or nephew – includes adopted or step-niece/ nephew
• an aunt or uncle – includes adopted or step-aunt/uncle
• a first cousin
• a grandchild.

If you are relying on sponsorship by a person related to your spouse, partner or interdependent partner, he/she will need to be included in your application.

At the date of writing, Designated Areas are as follows:

At the date of writing the Regional Areas are as follows:

Once you have lived in Regional Australia or a Designated Area for at least two years and are able to show evidence that you have been employed for a minimum of 12 months, you are eligible to apply for permanent residence through a range of categories of regional visa which should be checked with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship at the time of application.

Basic requirements

To be eligible to apply for a Skilled-Regional Sponsored visa you must meet the following criteria:

• speak competent English
• be under 45 years of age at the time of application
• have an occupation that is listed on the Skilled Occupations list (please refer to Appendix 1, where a detailed version of this document is listed)
• have obtained a successful outcome of your skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority in Australia
• have at least 12 to 24 months’ recent work experience depending on your occupation
• have secured sponsorship from a relevant State/ Territory Authority, or have obtained sponsorship from a relative as detailed above.

STATE/TERRITORY SPONSORSHIP

All applicants are required to hold sponsorship from an appropriate authority of a State/Territory government. The relevant State/Territory will advise the DIAC of the approved sponsorship when it is given. Alternatively the applicant can forward the authorised Form 1224 with the application form 1276.

Each State/Territory government has their own sponsorship guidelines in line with their own particular employment and economic needs. Information pertaining to employment, housing, schools and other services in the regions in which you are interested can be found at www.immi.gov.au/migration/skilled/sir.htm.

Skilled-Regional Sponsored applicants must be aware that sponsorship by a State/Territory government does not mean any of the following.

• Your Skilled Regional Sponsored (SRS) visa will be automatically granted. Applicants will be assessed against the legal requirement in place and only if all criteria are met will a visa be granted.
• Employment will be arranged by the relevant State/ Territory government who sponsors you. Individuals should make every effort to contact potential employers and arrange interviews in their chosen location.
• You will be granted permanent residency at the expiry of your visa. To apply for permanent residency you must have abided by all conditions of your SRS visa and lodge an application under one of the following categories:
  – Regional Sponsored Migration scheme (RSMS)
  – General Skilled Permanent category
  – Sponsored Business Owner category.

Details of theses categories can be found in other chapters.