The government is moving ahead with its plan to encourage migrant workers into regional areas of Australia with the introduction of two new skilled regional visas that come into effect on 16 November. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) replaces the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) – first provisional stream, and The Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) replaces the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187) – Direct Entry stream. There are several benefits to these changes which aim to encourage migrants to move to regional Australia and incentivise them to stay there as well. For example, eligible migrants will be able to apply for permanent residence without a second nomination stage, through the subclass 191 visa, from 16 November 2022. Additionally, migrants who apply for a subclass 491 will be eligible for more points And they’ll be exposed to a broader range of occupations than had they pursued non-regional pathways. The minimum taxable income for the subclass 191 visa will be set at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, which is currently $53,900 unless concessions are agreed. As one of a few companies to be approved by the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration) to have an on hire labour license, Ayers Group can help you by arranging migrant visas for the talent you need today and into the future. Talk to an expert at the Ayers Group today.