SIR Visas

Australia grants many Skilled–Independent Regional (SIR) Visas (Provisional) to attract and retain, skilled migrants who are willing to live and work in a low population growth metropolitan area for at least 2 years before they can apply for permanent residence. These visas are processed ahead of other applications for general skilled migration.

All State and Territory Governments like New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and the Northern Territory with the exception of Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory participate in the SIR visa program. These visa holders can live anywhere in Australia except in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, the NSW Central Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne or the Australian Capital Territory.