Expressions of interest for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa subclass 491 visa have opened.

Nurses on temporary visas are encouraged to visit their local Regional Development Australia website to check their eligibility and, if eligible, lodge an expression of interest.

The relevant Regional Development Australia website links can be found here:

• Central Coast
• Central West
• Far South Coast
• Far West
• Hunter
• Illawarra
• Mid North Coast
• Northern Inland
• Northern Rivers
• Orana
• Riverina
• Southern Inland(including Murray region)
• Sydney

After an expression of interest is lodged, a person may then be invited to apply for the subclass 491 visa.

Holders of a subclass 491 visa may be eligible for permanent residency if they live in a designated regional area for at least 3 years.

Nurses on the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa may also be able to apply for another Temporary Graduate visa if they:

• graduated from an education provider located in a regional area; and
• have been living in a regional area for at least the past 2 years.

The above is not intended to be relied on as legal advice.  Before making a visa application you should contact NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association for a referral to Visa Assist, the free and confidential immigration advice service for union members.