"Today's realities are.... Yesterday's decisions"
"Tomorrow's realities will be.... Today's decisions"

FAQ

Skilled Independent - Regional (Provisional) visa
What is the Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) visa?

  • The SIR visa is designed to attract highly skilled people who wish to live in regional Australia but are unable to meet the criteria to be granted a permanent visa. Applicants, who can meet the lower pass mark for the SIR (Provisional) visa, are granted a three-year visa. After living for at least two years, and working for a total of at least 12 months, in regional Australia, SIR (Provisional) visa holders are eligible to apply for residence through one of the existing "regional" permanent residence visa classes without leaving Australia.

 

Who can apply for the SIR visa?

  • You should first visit DIMIA's SIR visa website at: http://www.immig.gov.au/migration/skilled/sir.htm. This website will have links to the various State and Territory authorities and details on any regional initiatives in their State or Territory. You will be required to obtain sponsorship for your SIR (Provisional) visa from a relevant State/Territory authority before making your application. The sponsorship form to be used is form 1244.

 

Is the SIR (Provisional) visa points tested?

  • Yes. The current pass mark for the SIR (Provisional) visa is 110 points. This is a lower pass mark than currently applies to the Skilled - Independent (Migrant) visa classes, which is 120 points.

 

I have a student visa can I apply for the SIR visa as soon as I complete my studies? 

  • Yes, provided you can meet the basic criteria for the SIR visa as set out in Question 2 above.

 

Do I need to have health and character checks to be grants SIR Provisional visa?

  • Yes. All SIR visa applicants are required to satisfy health and character tests for permanent residence (i.e. full migrant medical). 

 

Can I add a child, spouse or other dependant to my SIR (Provisional) application after it has been lodged?

      • A dependant may be added to your application without charge provided a decision has not been made on the application. If the application has been decided, then your dependant will need to lodge his or her own application and pay the prescribed application charge.

 

What is meant by a "regional area or a low population growth metropolitan centre" in Australia? 

    • "Regional Australia" is defined as any Statistical Division with a population of less than 200,000. A "low population growth metropolitan centre" is one with a population growth rate between the last two censuses of less than 50 per cent of the national average.

    The areas currently listed are: ·

     

    New South Wales - except Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong;

     

    · Queensland - except Brisbane and the Gold Coast

    · Victoria - except Melbourne metropolitan areas;

    · Western Australia - except Perth metropolitan area;

    · South Australia - entire state;

    · Tasmania - entire state;

    Northern Territory - entire state.

 

How do I have a working holiday in Australia?

    Australia's Working Holiday scheme aims to promote international understanding through helping young people experience the culture of another country. It allows Working Holiday makers to have an extended holiday by supplementing their travel funds through incidental employment, and experience closer contact with a local community. Only citizens of arrangement countries are eligible to apply for Working Holiday visa.

 

Where do I lodge my application for my SIR (Provisional) visa?

    All applications must be lodged either by courier or by post to the following address:

    By courier to: The Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre

    Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs

    1st Floor, 55 Curie Street ADELAIDE SA 5001 Australia, Or Posted to:

    The Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs GPO Box 1638

    ADELAIDE SA 5001

    Australia

     

Can I lodge my application electronically?

  • Electronic lodgement of applications is currently being developed.