Skilled Migration

Supporting Workforce Needs and Strengthening the Hunter Region

Across regional Australia, employers in many industries continue to experience challenges finding suitably qualified workers. Regional skilled migration helps address these shortages by allowing employers to fill vacancies with skilled overseas workers when no appropriately skilled Australian worker is available, while providing skilled workers with meaningful employment and pathways to long-term settlement.

By attracting skilled workers to live and work in the region, skilled migration supports the entire Hunter community by:

  • Helping employers access the workers they need to remain competitive
  • Supporting long-term workforce development
  • Strengthening local industries and regional economies
  • Encouraging population growth in regional centres and rural communities
  • Bringing valuable skills, cultural diversity and stability to the region
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For skilled workers, regional migration in the Hunter offers the opportunity to:

  • Build a long-term career in high-demand and emerging industries
  • Enjoy a regionally based lifestyle close to coastline, wine country, rural communities and expanding local centres
  • Join welcoming, connected communities with strong support networks
  • Access potential pathways to permanent residency, depending on visa type and individual eligibility

The Hunter region offers a unique combination of lifestyle and economic opportunity, including:

  • A highly diverse economy across health, mining, manufacturing, advanced energy, defence, education, viticulture, logistics, ICT and professional services
  • A balanced lifestyle with beaches, national parks, rural townships and vibrant urban centres
  • More affordable housing options compared with major metropolitan cities
  • Strong community connection and access to regional settlement and support services


These qualities make the Hunter an attractive destination for skilled workers seeking stability, opportunity and an enjoyable lifestyle.

Skill needs shift over time, however, current priority areas for the Hunter region include:

  • Health, care and community services
  • Construction, infrastructure and traditional trades
  • Manufacturing and defence industry
  • Hospitality, tourism and customer service
  • Net zero, emerging industries, skills and innovation


This list is indicative only. Employers across a wide range of occupations may be eligible to nominate skilled workers if they can demonstrate genuine need and meet visa program requirements.

Alongside employer sponsored options, Australia’s skilled migration program also offers points tested visas, state and territory nomination pathways, and a range of incentives for skilled workers who choose to live and work in regional areas.

To support this, the Australian Government has established a comprehensive regional migration framework that provides several dedicated pathways designed to attract and retain skilled migrants in regional communities. These include:

  • Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
    For employers who need to fill genuine skilled positions in regional Australia.
    RDA Hunter is the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) accepts RCB Advice applications for 494 visa nominations in the Hunter region. For more information visit Applying for RCB Advice
  • Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
    A points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by eligible family members living in a regional area.
    Please note that RDA Hunter is no longer receiving 491 Visa applications. For more information on Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) visit NSW – Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491 or Home Affairs – Skilled Work Regional Provisional 491 
  • Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
    A permanent pathway for eligible holders of regional provisional visas who meet residency, work and income requirements.
    Please note that RDA Hunter does not have a role in receiving or processing 191 Visa applications. For more information on Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) visit Home Affairs – Skilled Regional 191

 

Additional incentives for regional applicants may include extra points in the skilled migration points test and extended post-study work rights for international graduates who study and live in regional Australia.

Moving to a new region is about more than visas and paperwork, it’s about building a life, finding your place, and feeling at home. Whether you’re new to Australia or considering a move to the Hunter Region, Settling in the Hunter: Your Guide to Australian Life is designed to help you navigate the transition with confidence.

Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and strong sense of community, offering a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and study. The Hunter Region captures the best of this lifestyle, combining relaxed regional living with vibrant communities, a strong economy, and access to quality education, health care, and community services. From stunning coastlines and vineyards to national parks and thriving towns, the Hunter offers a balance of opportunity, connection, and lifestyle.

This guide walks you through your rights and responsibilities, what everyday life looks like, and how to settle in successfully, so you can focus on making the Hunter your home. Download here

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