Reports that Perth could be removed from the regional area list have been circulating widely this week. Many applicants already in Perth, or planning to move there, have asked us about it. Here, we want to explain how the issue developed and its potential implications.
News that appeared to come out of nowhere
It is not really sudden. Changes to regional areas form part of Australia’s broader skilled migration reforms. Employer sponsorship and Subclass 858 have already been changed, leaving two major tasks: reforming the points test and, in parallel, regional migration. Changing the definition of regional areas is one of the main directions already agreed on. Until now, however, most discussion has focused on points-test reform.
Tracing the earliest reports about removing Perth
Looking back, the earliest link we found between regional reform and Perth was in an early-October media release from the Western Australian Premier. Its main focus was opposition to federal cuts to state nomination allocations. However, the final section also mentioned that the Australian Government was progressing regional reforms. WA would oppose any reform that affected its ability to attract workers, removed Perth’s regional status or reduced Perth applicants’ competitiveness through points-test changes. At least by then, there must have been internal discussion, or the issue had appeared in preliminary proposals.
At the time, though, everyone was focused on state nomination allocations. Neither applicants nor the industry paid much attention to regional reform, perhaps because implementation still seemed some way off.
Then, in late December 2025, a senior MARA-registered migration agent in Perth said the Australian Government would receive more developed proposals on points-test and regional reforms in early 2026.
A sudden surge in attention
Now, in January, another agency has suddenly launched a prominent campaign for Perth. The final decision on whether to remove it may well appear in the report. At the very least, the current version of the report or proposals appears unfavourable to Perth’s regional status.
Australia’s regional area boundaries have changed several times
If the Department wants to change the definition of regional areas, previous examples suggest it can do so quickly through a legislative instrument (LI).
The current framework was largely established in 2019, when Subclass 491 replaced Subclass 489. The Liberal Government increased the time required before transitioning to permanent residency but expanded the regional area boundaries. To address population and skills growth needs, urban areas such as Wollongong, the Gold Coast and Perth were added. Regional areas were also divided into two categories: relatively developed cities or regional centres, and more sparsely populated areas.
In March 2022, the Department expanded the regional area boundaries, mainly by adding areas around Brisbane that are only about a 30-minute drive from the city. The boundaries have remained largely unchanged since then.
What could be affected, and how can you prepare?
1. If Perth is removed, its graduates would lose the three-year graduate visa benefit
If you graduated in Perth and already hold your first Subclass 485 visa, you can apply now for the additional second visa available for regional areas. You do not need to wait until your first visa is close to expiry. Once the second visa is granted, you must remain in a regional area. If you are concerned about being affected, contact us now for assistance.
2. If Perth is removed, its graduates who have not received an invitation would lose Regional points
If you have not received an invitation, the position theoretically depends on when the EOI is confirmed. Even if the area was regional throughout your studies, you would be unable to claim those points if new legislation removed it.
3. Subclass 491 holders whose visas are granted after legislation passes would no longer be able to live and work in Perth
In theory, Subclass 491 holders who have already been granted their visas and are currently settled in Perth would be unaffected and could continue living there to meet the Subclass 191 requirements.
Where Subclass 491/494 holders can live to meet the Subclass 191 requirements is determined by the definition of regional areas at the time their visas are granted.
Scenario one: A is overseas when their visa is granted on 1 February. Area B is not regional at that time, but legislation adds it to the regional area list on 1 April. A enters Australia on 1 May and settles in B. A has chosen the wrong regional area.
Scenario two: C is in area D when their visa is granted on 1 February, and D is regional at that time. Legislation changes on 1 April and D is no longer regional. C can still remain in D to meet the requirements for transitioning to Subclass 191.
Remember the basic principle: match the date the legislation takes effect with your visa grant date. Updates to the Department’s website are sometimes delayed.
For more detail, see: Subclass 489/491 holders, do not live in the wrong place! The Department confirms the regional areas that apply to different Subclass 489/491 visas!
4. If Perth is removed, employer-sponsored applicants in Perth would no longer be able to apply for Subclass 494
As in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, only Subclass 482 and 186 would remain. Subclass 482/186 applications in Perth are also currently processed faster than those in the three major cities because they receive regional priority; that advantage may also disappear.
5. However, this would not mean applicants in Perth could no longer receive Subclass 491 invitations
Under the current policies in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, applicants in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane can still receive Subclass 491 invitations. The real difference would be that, after a Subclass 491 grant, they could no longer stay in Perth. They could move elsewhere in WA or to a regional area in another state.
Some analysis
WA’s annual population growth to the middle of last year was 65,600, faster than every other state. This included more than 40,000 arrivals from overseas, a natural increase of nearly 15,000 and just over 10,000 arrivals from other states. WA and Queensland were the only two states with positive net interstate migration, meaning people from elsewhere in Australia continued moving into them. Queensland has several other cities that can absorb that growth, while WA has no other large population centres outside Perth.
That is also why WA really needs Perth to attract people. Outside Perth, the remaining towns have populations of only tens of thousands. Persuading people from overseas or interstate to move to those towns is very difficult. Perth is a drawcard that can attract people before they disperse to other parts of WA. Another issue is that WA is currently inviting many construction workers through Subclass 491, while the main need for new housing is in Perth. If Perth were removed, those workers would be unable to meet the demand where homes are actually needed.
At present, the WA Government is firmly opposed to removing Perth. We hope opposition from the state government, MPs and the wider community will keep Perth on the list.
