New Regional Visas (previously announced) – RSMS (Subclass 187) and Skilled Regional (Subclass 489) to go
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visas will be introduced from 1 November 2019
The RSMS (Subclass 187) and Skilled Regional (Subclass 489) will be discontinued
‘Enhanced’ compliance activities will also be implemented for these visas
New Regional Visa Subclasses
Four new regional visa subclasses were announced in the lead up to the Budget.
Skilled Employer Sponsored (Provisional) – available from 1 November 2019
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) – available from 1 November 2019
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – available November 2022 Temporary Graduate visa – available 2021
These visa subclasses were announced in media releases prior to the NSW State elections and no regulations or policy has been forthcoming to date. The following details are all that have been released to date:
Skilled Employer Sponsored (Provisional)
9000 places have been allocated
‘almost’ 700 eligible occupations, which is 450 more occupations than non regional areas
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) 
14,000 places
‘over’ 500 eligible occupations, which is 70 more occupations than non regional areas
Features of these two new provisional subclasses
both commence 1 November 2019
priority processing
Access to additional skilled occupations
Five year validity
Three years living and working in regional area to be eligible for PR