Program
Skilled–Independent Regional (SIR) Visa
***LAUNCH OF NEW SKILLED VISA FOR REGIONAL AUSTRALIA
The new program of skilled visas has been launched today. The Skilled–Independent Regional (SIR) visa is for skilled people who wish to live and work in a regional or low population growth area in Australia. The visa was developed in consultation with state and territory Australian governments and is designed to assist regional areas attract and retain skilled migrants to fill skill shortages and boost development in regional communities.
The SIR visa will allow the holder to stay in Australia for 3 years. At the end of this time the visa holder may be eligible to apply for permanent residence. Applicants for the SIR visa will be required to sign an undertaking that they and the members of their family unit, will live, work or study in regional Australia or a low population metropolitan centre for the duration of their SIR visa. Applicants for a SIR visa must have state or territory government sponsorship.
Potential applicants need to meet existing minimum requirements for skilled migration:
- be under 45 years of age when they apply,
- have at least vocational English langauge knowledge,
- nominate a skilled occupation and be favourably assessed by an Australian assessing authority,
- have recent work experience in a skilled occupation or have recently completed an Australian qualification.