Skilled - Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) Visas

The 475 subclass of this visa is for skilled workers who are outside of Australia and unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled – Independent (175) visa.

The 487 subclass is for eligible overseas students and holders of certain temporary visas who are in Australia.

Both subclasses offer a three year provisional (temporary) visa. After living for two years and working for at least 12 months in a Specified Regional Area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa.

The Skilled – Regional Sponsored visa is offered by the Australian Government's Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), however applicants need to be sponsored by the Victorian Government or an eligible relative living in regional Victoria to be eligible for the visa.

Please note that success in gaining State sponsorship or eligible relative sponsorship does not guarantee a grant of a Skilled – Regional Sponsored visa by DIAC.

Are you eligible?

  1. Self assess against the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) regulations and eligibility criteria for the Skilled – Regional Sponsored (475) visa or Skilled – Regional Sponsored (487) visa
  2. To be eligible for sponsorship by the Victorian Government you must:
    • Have an occupation listed on the Skilled – Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) Eligibility List
      The Skilled – Regional Sponsored (475 and 487) Eligibility List provides information regarding eligibility requirements for occupations. You may be required to have a Trade Certificate or other special requirements. For some occupations, the skills listed are broad and there will be a better chance of employment across all specialisations and across many areas of Victoria. In other cases, only certain specialisations within an occupation are in demand or the demand exists only in certain areas of Victoria. The list identifies skills in demand in regional Victoria, and is regularly updated to take into account changes in industry requirements for skilled professionals and tradespeople.
    • Have an offer of employment from an employer in regional Victoria.
      The employment offer needs to be in an occupation on DIAC’s Skilled Occupation List and the contract of employment must be full-time and for a minimum of three months.
    • Have reasonable employment opportunities in regional Victoria.
      The Victorian Government will obtain advice from a Participating Agent located in the relevant regional area about your employment prospects based on your skill set and qualifications. If you already have a genuine job offer in regional Victoria, this will demonstrate that you satisfy this requirement.
    • Be committed to living and working in regional Victoria.
      Applicants must identify and investigate employment and other opportunities in a chosen regional area. This includes thoroughly researching the region and understanding what is required to successfully settle there. The Victorian Government will consider whether you have sufficient funds to establish yourself and your family (where applicable) in regional Victoria while you seek employment. It will also consider any connections you have with regional Victoria through family, friends, previous travel, study or employment.

Apply for Visa Sponsorship

Apply for skilled visa sponsorship from the Victorian Government.

Also See

Related Sites

Last updated: October 2009

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State Government of Victoria