If you’re looking for a way to work in Australia that isn’t in a big city, then read on. This article will give you 20 ways to work in regional Australia.
Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to do your research before deciding on which one is right for you.
Whatever you choose, we wish you the best of luck!
- Working Holiday Maker (Subclass 462) visa: This is an excellent option for those who are looking to stay in Australia for 12 months and do short-term work in regional areas. You’ll need to meet the requirements, such as being between 18-30 years old and having enough money to support yourself while you’re here, but it’s a great way to experience life in regional Australia.
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 489: If you have skills that are needed in regional Australia, then this could be the perfect option for you. It allows you to live and work there permanently, provided you work full-time in an occupation that has been approved by the Australian government for at least two years.
- Skilled Worker Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 491: This is similar to the 489 visas but with a few extra requirements, such as having an employer in regional Australia sponsor you and having your skills assessed by the relevant authorities.
- Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485: If you’ve recently graduated from an Australian university or higher education institution, this could be a great pathway to working in regional Australia. You can stay here for up to 18 months after finishing your course and work full-time in any job that suits your qualifications.
- Working Visa: If you have a job offer from an employer in regional Australia, then you may be able to get a working visa. Depending on your circumstances, this could be either a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa Subclass 457 or the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) permanent residence visa Subclass 186.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS): If you have an employer in regional Australia who is willing to sponsor you and nominate you for a position with their business, then the RSMS could be the perfect option for you. You’ll need to meet specific criteria, such as having an occupation on the relevant list of eligible occupations, but it’s one way to get a permanent employment in regional Australia.
- Business Innovation and Investment Programme: If you have plans to open a new business or invest in an existing one in regional Australia, then this programme could be the way to go. You’ll need to meet specific requirements and have a business plan, but it’s an excellent way to help boost the economy in regional areas.
- Graduate visa: If you’ve recently completed a Masters’s or Doctorate degree from an Australian university, you may be eligible for a Subclass 485 graduate visa. This will allow you to stay in Australia for up to 18 months after finishing your course and work full-time while doing so.
- Working Holiday Maker Extension: If you’re already on the Working Holiday Maker (Subclass 462) visa, you can apply for an extension if you want to stay longer than 12 months and continue working in regional Australia. You’ll need to show that you’re still employed and meet specific criteria, but it’s an option for those who want to stay longer than the initial 12-month period.
- Business Skills visa: If you have a business idea you’d like to implement in regional Australia, this could be the perfect way to do it. With this visa, you’ll be able to stay here indefinitely while working on your business plan and setting up your business.
- Partner Visas: If you’re married or in a de facto relationship with someone already living and working in regional Australia, this could be an excellent way for you to join them there. The requirements vary depending on whether your partner is an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen.
- Bridging visa: If you’re already in Australia and need to change your visa status, then this could be the way to go. A bridging visa allows you to stay while you wait for a decision on your application or if your current visa has expired and you haven’t yet been granted another one.
- Seasonal Worker Programme: This programme is designed for those who want to work in regional areas during peak season, such as harvest time when there is an increase in demand for labour. You’ll need an offer of employment from a local employer and must return home after the season ends.
- Regional subclass 494 visa: This visa is designed to encourage skilled workers from overseas to move to regional Australia and contribute to the local economy. You’ll need an approved sponsor, a minimum of two years’ work experience in your field and the ability to meet specific English language requirements.
- Employer-Sponsored visas: If you have a job offer from an employer based in regional Australia, then this could be an excellent way for you to come here and start working immediately. Your employer will need to become an approved sponsor and provide evidence that they cannot fill the position with a local worker, but it’s one of the quickest ways for foreigners to get started working in regional Australia.
