🇦🇺 Move to Regional Australia in 2025: Easiest Work Visas to Apply For
Australia’s regional areas are becoming increasingly attractive for skilled migrants looking to live, work, and eventually settle. With government incentives, faster visa processing, and strong pathways to permanent residency, regional Australia offers a viable and rewarding option for workers in 2025.
In this guide, we’ll cover the easiest work visa programs you can apply for to move to regional Australia in 2025 — and how to get started.
Why Consider Regional Australia?
The Australian Government promotes migration to regional areas to support population growth, economic development, and to ease pressure on major cities. Regional visas come with several benefits, including:
- Priority visa processing
- Lower cost of living
- Access to more job opportunities
- Stronger pathways to permanent residency
- Extra points for permanent visa applications
To check if a location is classified as regional, visit the official list here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/regional-migration
Easiest Regional Work Visas in 2025
1. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. It is one of the most accessible regional visas due to broad occupation lists and state/territory sponsorship options.
Key features:
- Requires nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by a relative in a regional area
- Offers a clear path to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa
- Applicants must be under 45, have competent English, and pass a skills assessment
More information:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491
2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
This visa is for skilled workers sponsored by an employer located in a designated regional area.
Key features:
- Requires a job offer from an approved regional employer
- Valid for 5 years with a pathway to the Subclass 191 permanent visa
- Applicants must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience and meet skills/English requirements
More information:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-employer-sponsored-regional-494
3. Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485 (Post-Study Work Stream)
If you studied in Australia, you may be eligible for the 485 visa, which grants temporary work rights. Graduates who study and live in regional Australia may be eligible for an extra 1-2 years of stay.
Key features:
- No job offer required to apply
- Open work rights
- Additional stay period for regional graduates
More information:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485
4. DAMA Program – Designated Area Migration Agreements
The DAMA program allows employers in specific regions to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers for roles not usually covered by standard visa programs. It’s a great option if your occupation isn’t on the general skilled migration list.
Key features:
- Offers concessions on age, English, and skills
- Employer sponsorship required
- Leads to permanent residency
Each region has different agreements. You can check DAMA region lists here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/employing-and-sponsoring-someone/dama
How to Apply for a Regional Work Visa
Here’s a simplified step-by-step process for applying to regional Australia:
- Check if your occupation is on the relevant list – Use this official link:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list - Complete a skills assessment from an approved authority.
- Gather English language results, such as IELTS or PTE.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect - Apply for state or regional nomination, if required (for 491 visa).
- Wait for an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Lodge your visa application online through the ImmiAccount portal:
https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login
Best States for Regional Migration in 2025
Some states are especially active in sponsoring regional visa applicants. These include:
- South Australia – https://migration.sa.gov.au
- Tasmania – https://www.migration.tas.gov.au
- Queensland (Regional Areas) – https://migration.qld.gov.au
- Western Australia (Regional WA) – https://migration.wa.gov.au
Each state has its own nomination requirements and occupation lists.
Conclusion
Regional Australia presents one of the easiest and most strategic pathways for skilled migration in 2025. Whether you’re applying through the 491 visa, 494 visa, or DAMA, moving to regional Australia increases your chances of approval and opens up long-term settlement opportunities.
To begin your journey, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
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