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IT IS now easier to obtain a migration visa for Australia if you are prepared to settle in a region under a new programme which came into effect on July 1, which covers virtually the whole of the country.
Under the new Skilled Independent Regional (Provisional) visa applicants will need to be skilled but should only need to obtain 110 points, which will help people who otherwise may not have been able to emigrate.
They can settle anywhere in Australia outside of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong (New South Wales), Brisbane and the Gold Coast (Queensland), Melbourne (Victoria) and Perth (Western Australia). Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart are the only capital cities in which they can settle, plus the Northern Territory.
But this leaves a huge number of regional and rural cities and towns where there are skills shortages and where life is pleasant, with great climates and plenty to do, with good facilities and a great life for children.
Migrants will be required to settle in these designated areas for a minimum of three years but can apply for permanent residence after two years. If they leave the designated areas within three years they will have to leave Australia at the end of their three year period.
There will be an initial 9,000 places under this SIR visa programme in the coming 12 months but the Minister for Immigration, Senator Amanda Vanstone said she is willing to lift this figure if there is sufficient demand.
"The visa opens the door to Australia for a group of skilled migrants who are willing to commit to settling in regional Australia for three years, who would not otherwise be able to gain permanent entry into Australia, Senator Vanstone said.
Special Regional Outreach Officers will be stationed in the major regional areas to liase between the local authorities and potential migrants and assist these migrants to settle in the area.
To qualify to apply for the SIR visa, applicants must:
* 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);
* be found suitable for that occupation by the relevant Australian assessing authority;
* have recent work experience in a skilled occupation;
* have recently completed an Australian qualification.
There are several migration programmes which assist migrants to settle in the regions or in low growth areas, mainly in conjunction with the local State or Territory government, which can give assistance in finding suitable employment and often has a list of skilled vacancies in their area.