A representative from the Victorian government recently provided key updates on the state nomination program, which re-opened in August 2024. The message from the Melbourne State Government highlights an increase in opportunities for regional Victoria during the 2024-2025 program year.
This year, 2,000 places have been allocated to the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa, with the following sectors being prioritized in regional Victoria:
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Digital Economy
• Advanced Manufacturing
Benefits of Regional Victoria:
Regional Victoria offers a direct pathway to permanent residence while providing a high quality of life and strong career opportunities. More information on regional living can be found at www.regionalliving.vic.gov.au.
Overview of the Victorian State Nomination Application Process:
• First Invitation Round (27th August 2024):
The first invitation round for the new financial year took place, with 900 invitations issued. The next invitation round is expected to occur in 4–6 weeks. It was confirmed that the invitation process for Victorian state nomination remains highly competitive.
• Registration of Interest (ROI) Required:
Submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) remains a pre-requisite for consideration. After submitting a valid Expression of Interest (EOI), applicants must submit an ROI to the state government. Invitations are issued based on the ROI submitted by candidates.
• Priority Sectors:
While Victoria does not adhere to a specific occupation list, all occupations on the Department’s skilled occupation list are eligible. However, priority sectors under the Subclass 190 visa program include:
o Health
o Education (including Early Childhood Teachers)
o Construction
o Social Services
o Renewable Energy
• Criteria for the Subclass 190 Visa:
Candidates may be located either inside or outside of Australia for state nomination consideration. However, candidates currently in Australia must be living in Victoria, while those outside Australia must demonstrate a commitment to living in Victoria.
The Victorian state government does not require candidates to be employed, nor must they work in their nominated occupation. There are no minimum work experience or work-hour requirements.
However, due to the competitive nature of the Subclass 190 program, candidates who are employed in Victoria in their nominated occupation and earning at or above the average income level for their profession will have a higher chance of receiving an invitation.
• Criteria for the Subclass 491 Visa:
Candidates may also be located inside or outside of Australia for state nomination consideration. However, candidates in Australia must be living in regional Victoria, and those outside Australia must demonstrate a commitment to settling in Victoria.
For the Subclass 491 visa, candidates must be employed in skilled work with an employer physically located in regional Victoria. Candidates are ineligible for state nomination if they are not employed, working in unskilled employment, or working for an employer outside of regional Victoria.
Currently, the Victorian state government is prioritising overseas candidates with skills in Social Services, Healthcare and Education (including Early Childhood).
For further details or to explore opportunities, candidates are encouraged to book in a consultation with one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.
