From 16 November 2019 regional will be defined as any area excluding Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Important change: Perth and Gold Coast are classified as regional areas. Regional areas include Perth, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Lake Macquarie, Illawarra, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra.
To obtain 5 additional points you must have at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution that satisfies the Australian study requirement obtained while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia
you must meet the Australian study requirement. To be eligible for the award of points your educational qualification:
- have been obtained while you lived in, and studied at a campus in, one or more of the areas listed as regional Australia or a low population-growth metropolitan area
- not include study undertaken by distance education
For use when applying for skilled visas:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) – State and territory nominated applicants via the Invited pathway
- Skilled Regional (Residence) visa (subclass 887)
| State | Areas | Postcode |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Everywhere except Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong | 2311 to 2312, 2328 to 2411, 2420 to 2490, 2536 to 2551, 2575 to 2594, 2618 to 2739, 2787 to 2898 |
| Northern Territory | Everywhere in the territory | All postcodes |
| Queensland | Everywhere except the greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast | 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4211, 4270 to 4272, 4275, 4280, 4285, 4287, 4307 to 4499, 4515, 4517 to 4519, 4522 to 4899 |
| South Australia | Everywhere in the state | All postcodes |
| Tasmania | Everywhere in the state | All postcodes |
| Victoria | Everywhere except the Melbourne metropolitan area | 3211 to 3334, 3340 to 3424, 3430 to 3649, 3658 to 3749, 3753, 3756, 3758, 3762, 3764, 3778 to 3781, 3783, 3797, 3799, 3810 to 3909, 3921 to 3925, 3945 to 3974, 3979, 3981 to 3996 |
| Western Australia | Everywhere except Perth and surrounding areas | 6041 to 6044, 6083 to 6084, 6121 to 6126, 6200 to 6799 |
If you would like assistance in applying for General Skilled Migration, you may wish to book an appointment with one of our advisors. They can assess your likely eligibility and give you advice in writing about the migration pathways which may be appropriate to your situation.
