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Australia has recently updated its visa processing system to better support skilled workers in regional areas. This change is designed to help regional businesses by accelerating visa approvals for the skilled workers they sponsor, addressing labor shortages and boosting local economies.
Priority Visa Processing for Regional Australia: The Department of Home Affairs has made employer-sponsored visas for regional Australia a top priority. This includes faster processing for key visas such as:
- Skills in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) Visa: Ideal for temporary work, this visa requires sponsorship from an approved Australian employer to fill urgent skill gaps.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa: A pathway to permanent residency, this visa requires nomination by an Australian employer for a skilled role.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 494) Visa: Designed specifically for regional areas, this visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
In the 2022–2023 period, the Department of Home Affairs issued over 6,466 Temporary Skill Shortage visas in healthcare and social assistance, and more than 1,060 visas in education and training — sectors that consistently experience the highest demand for skilled workers.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Visa Home Lawyers today and start building your future in Australia!