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Australian Sponsored Work Visa: SIR (Provisional)
The Skilled-Independent Regional (Provisional) (SIR) Visa is a sponsored work visa for skilled people wishing to live and work in a regional or low population growth area in Australia. The SIR (Provisional) is a good option for those who do not meet the pass mark for the Skilled-Independent Visa.
The current SIR (Provisional) Visa pass mark is 110 points on the Points Test. At present however, the Government is allocating an additional 10 points to SIR applicants in effect reducing the pass mark to 100 points. Applicants must meet the Basic Requirements and nominate an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List.
Take The Points Test To Determine Whether You Qualify For A Regional Sponsored Visa
Process
The SIR (Provisional) is a temporary visa valid for a period of 3 years. Applicants for the SIR (Provisional) Visa will be required to sign an undertaking that they, and the members of their family unit, will live, work or study in regional Australia or a low population metropolitan centre for the duration of their SIR (Provisional) Visa.
Applicants for a SIR (Provisional) Visa must have State/Territory government sponsorship.
The following States/Territories participate in the SIR (Provisional) sponsorship scheme:
Through a 2-stage visa process, SIR Visa holders must live and work in or a low population growth metropolitan area for at least 2 years before they can apply for permanent residence.
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Stage 1 - SIR (Provisional) Visa Stage
Successful applicants will be granted a 3 year temporary visa to live and work/study in regional Australia.
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Stage 2 - Permanent Residence Stage
SIR Visa holders who have met the SIR Visa conditions of:
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- Having lived in regional Australia for at least 2 years; and
- Having been employed (including self employed) for at least 12 months in regional Australia;
may apply for one of the following permanent residence visas:
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS);
- State/Territory Nominated Independent (SNTI); or
- State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner.
