The Migration (Designated Areas) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/004) has been registered specifying the designated regional areas recognised for migration purposes across Australia.
The instrument made on 18 September 2026 by Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Tony Burke and takes effect the day after registration. It repeals and replaces the Designated Areas 2016/044 instrument.
It sets out the areas that qualify as “designated areas” for the purposes of regulation 1.03 of the Migration Regulations 1994 – a classification relevant to certain regional visa pathways and regional work or study requirements.
Designated areas under the new instrument include:
- Australian Capital Territory – entire Territory
- New South Wales – excluding Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong (specified postcode ranges apply)
- Norfolk Island – entire Territory
- Northern Territory – entire Territory
- Queensland – excluding the Brisbane metropolitan area (specified postcode ranges apply)
- South Australia – entire State
- Tasmania – entire State
- Victoria – entire State
- Western Australia – entire State
Click here: LIN 26/004 – Migration (Designated Areas) Instrument 2026
