Designated Regional Areas in Australia

A designated regional area is any location the Australian Government classifies as regional for migration purposes. This classification matters because certain skilled visas are only available if you settle in these areas.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, most places outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are considered regional. These locations are divided into two groups:

• Category 2 – Cities and Major Regional Centres
• Category 3 – Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas

For visa eligibility purposes, both Category 2 and Category 3 locations qualify as designated regional areas, and there is no separate visa application process based on category. What matters in practice is whether the specific postcode is officially listed as regional.

You’ll often see people searching for the ‘Australia regional areas list’ to double-check whether a specific city qualifies. That’s because choosing the wrong location can affect your visa eligibility.

Why Designated Regional Status Matters for Skilled Migration

This isn’t just a label on a map. Regional classification directly affects which visa options are open to you.

Australia uses regional migration to encourage skilled workers to settle outside its largest cities. It’s a deliberate policy decision tied to workforce planning and population growth.

If you choose a designated regional area, you may benefit from:

• Extra points under the skilled migration points test
• Access to specific regional visa subclasses
• A structured pathway to permanent residence

Before committing to a job or nomination, it’s important to confirm designated regional area postcodes. Eligibility is postcode-based, not just city-based. One suburb can qualify while another nearby may not.

Regional classification directly affects whether you can apply for Subclass 491, Subclass 494, and eventually Subclass 191.

Regional Definitions Apply to the following Visas:

Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional): The permanent residency pathway for individuals who have already held a 491 or 494 visa and complied with the regional living and working requirements.

Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional): A points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by a family member to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years.

Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional): A provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer to fill a role specifically located in a regional area.

Is My City a Designated Regional Area?

Wondering if your preferred city qualifies as a designated regional area under Australia’s skilled migration framework? Here’s how commonly searched locations are currently classified: 

Is Wollongong regional?
Yes. Wollongong is classified as a Category 2 City and Major Regional Centre.

Is Gold Coast regional?
Yes. Gold Coast is designated as Category 2.

Is Newcastle regional?
Yes. Newcastle falls within Category 2.

Is Perth regional?
Yes. Perth is classified as Category 2 under current migration settings.

Is Canberra a regional area?
Yes. Canberra is designated as Category 2.

Is Adelaide a regional area?
Yes. Adelaide is classified as Category 2.

Is Brisbane a regional area?
No. Brisbane is not considered a designated regional area for migration purposes.

Is Sunshine Coast regional?
Yes. Sunshine Coast is an eligible regional location.

Is Geelong considered regional?
Yes. Geelong is classified as Category 2.

How the Categories Work 

• Category 2 includes larger regional cities such as Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong, and Hobart.
• Category 3 covers smaller regional centres and rural areas across each state and territory.
• In some states, all postcodes outside the main metropolitan area fall into Category 3.
• The Australian Capital Territory is entirely Category 2.
• The Northern Territory is entirely Category 3.

How to Confirm Whether an Area Is Officially Regional

• Check the regional postcode list published by the Department of Home Affairs
• Review state nomination occupation lists
• Confirm the postcode attached to your job offer
• Seek professional advice before lodging your visa

Rules change through legislative updates, so it’s wise to verify details close to the time you apply.

Choosing the Right Regional Pathway

Picking a regional visa isn’t just about location; it’s about planning strategically from day one.

You need to consider:

• Whether you qualify under points testing or employer sponsorship
• Whether your occupation appears on the relevant skilled list
• Whether you can realistically meet visa requirements
• How you’ll progress from provisional status to permanent residence

This is where experienced guidance becomes crucial. 

Why Work With Immagine Immigration

Regional visas come with rules, conditions, and long term planning. Getting the structure right early makes the rest of the process much easier.

Immagine Immigration brings:

• Over 30 years of combined migration experience
• Registered migration agents for both Australian and New Zealand visas
• Support across skilled, employer sponsored, partner, student, and permanent residence pathways
• Thousands of successful visa outcomes
• Clear, practical advice tailored to regional visa planning
• End to end support, from your first eligibility check through to visa grant
  

Regional migration can be a smart pathway when it’s approached strategically. With the right structure in place, it can move you from a provisional regional visa to permanent residence in Australia without unnecessary surprises along the way.

Explore other guides:

• Character Requirements for Australian Visas
• Health Examination for Visa
• How to Bring Family Members to Australia