Australia · Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-08 · Our methodology
5.3/10 diff
Challenging

5-year provisional residence in designated regional area (everywhere except Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane). +15 points for S…

Min income
Processing
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

5-year provisional residence in designated regional area (everywhere except Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane). +15 points for State/Territory nomination or family sponsorship under Sch 6D Part 6D.13 — largest single boost in points test. Min 65 points; typical cut-off 80–95. Must live/work in regional area. After 3 years living + 2 income years with regional income, eligible for permanent residence via Subclass 191.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
60 months
Processing Time
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education Requiredbachelor
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredYes

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
Spouse Can WorkYes
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes
Time to Citizenship7 years

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Sydney
Single (monthly)€3,140
Family (monthly)€5,650
Rent 1BR (center)€2,072
Groceries€785
Transport pass€188
Melbourne
Single (monthly)€2,503
Family (monthly)€4,800
Rent 1BR (center)€1,475
Groceries€626
Transport pass€150
Brisbane
Single (monthly)€2,448
Family (monthly)€4,550
Rent 1BR (center)€1,565
Groceries€612
Transport pass€147

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa?

5-year provisional residence in designated regional area (everywhere except Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane). +15 points for State/Territory nomination or family sponsorship under Sch 6D Part 6D.13 — largest single boost in points test. Min 65 points; typical cut-off 80–95. Must live/work in regional area. After 3 years living + 2 income years with regional income, eligible for permanent residence via Subclass 191.

Can I bring my family on the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa?

Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

Can the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward citizenship in approximately 7 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

Are there alternative pathways to Australia?

Yes. Australia offers 24 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Australia country page.

What is the cost of living in Australia?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Sydney: €3,140/mo; Melbourne: €2,503/mo; Brisbane: €2,448/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-08 · See our methodology

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