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THE Australian Government is introducing a new visa for skilled migrants who are prepared to live and work in regional Australia.
From 1 July 2004, eligible people who want to come to Australia as skilled migrants will be able to obtain a three-year temporary residence visa (Temporary Skilled-Independent Regional Migration Visa) if they commit to living and working in regional Australia.
After two years, they will be able to apply for permanent residency.
Under the new visa type, existing minimum requirements for skilled migration will still need to be met. Applicants will need to:
* be under 45 years of age when they apply,
* have at least vocational English,
* nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (a skilled occupation), and
* be found suitable for that occupation by the relevant Australian assessing authority
* have recent work experience in a skilled occupation, or
* have recently completed an Australian qualification.
The new visa is aimed only at skilled migrants who can meet the minimum requirements for the visa. People who cannot meet these requirements should not apply.