Hello and welcome to our in-depth guide on the 2024-25 Skilled Visa Nomination Program for Victoria, Australia. If you’re a skilled professional looking to move to or remain in Australia, this blog is for you. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), both of which are now open for applications. Whether you’re already living in Victoria or currently residing overseas, we’ll guide you through the process to help you make the best decisions for your future.
Overview of the Skilled Visa Nomination Program
Victoria’s Skilled Visa Nomination Program for 2024-25 offers two main visa pathways for skilled migrants:
1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190):
This visa grants permanent residency and allows you to live and work anywhere within Victoria. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for long-term stability and want to establish your life in one of Australia’s most vibrant states.
2. Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491):
This visa is a provisional visa, valid for five years. It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency, provided you live and work in regional Victoria for at least three years. It’s a great option for those who are interested in the lifestyle and opportunities available in Victoria’s regional areas.
The Australian Government has allocated a total of 5,000 visa nomination places to Victoria for the 2024-25 program. These are divided as follows:
Subclass 190: 3,000 places.
Subclass 491: 2,000 places.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 190 Visa Nomination
To apply for a Subclass 190 visa nomination in Victoria, you need to meet several key criteria:
1. Residency Status:
You must be either living in Victoria or living overseas at the time of your application. This means that you can apply regardless of whether you’re currently onshore in Victoria or offshore in another country.
2. Commitment to Victoria:
You must demonstrate a genuine commitment to living and working in Victoria. This is crucial, as the state is looking for individuals who intend to contribute to the local economy and community.
3. Registration of Interest (ROI):
Your Registration of Interest (ROI) must be selected by the Victorian Government. This is an important step in the nomination process and indicates that the state sees you as a valuable potential migrant.
4. Age Requirement:
You must be under 45 years of age when you apply. This is a standard requirement across most skilled visas.
5. English Proficiency:
You need to have at least ‘Competent English.’ This means you must meet the English language requirements specified by the Australian Government, which typically involves achieving a certain score in an approved English language test.
6. Skills Assessment:
You must have a valid Skills Assessment in an occupation that is listed on the eligible skilled occupation list for this visa. The Skills Assessment ensures that your qualifications and experience are recognized in Australia.
7. Points Test:
You need to achieve at least 65 points on the Australian Government’s points test. Points are awarded based on factors like age, work experience, education, and English proficiency.
Living in Victoria (Onshore)
If you are currently living in Victoria and wish to apply for the Subclass 190 visa, here are some additional considerations:
1. Employment Requirements:
While it’s not mandatory to be employed, if you are working, your employer must be physically located in Victoria. A business that only uses a virtual or proxy office will not be considered as being located in Victoria.
2. Earnings Estimation:
If you are working in Victoria, you should include an estimate of your annual earnings in your ROI. This estimate should be based on your base salary and exclude superannuation and income tax deductions. It’s important not to overestimate your earnings, as doing so could lead to your nomination being refused.
3. Employment Type:
Your employment doesn’t have to be related to your nominated occupation, but your earnings must come from skilled employment within Victoria. If you are not working, or if your job doesn’t qualify as skilled employment, you can still apply, but you won’t be able to claim earnings in your ROI.
Living Overseas (Offshore)
For those living overseas, applying for a Subclass 190 visa nomination has its own set of rules:
1. No Employment Requirement:
You are not required to claim any earnings in your ROI. This makes it easier for skilled professionals who may not be currently employed or who are working outside their nominated occupation to apply.
2. Commitment to Victoria:
Even though you’re living overseas, you must show a strong commitment to relocating to Victoria and contributing to the state’s workforce and economy.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 491 Visa Nomination
The Subclass 491 visa is designed for those who wish to live and work in regional Victoria. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Residency and Work Location:
You must either be living and working in regional Victoria or living overseas. Regional Victoria includes some outer suburbs of Melbourne, such as the Mornington Peninsula, Pakenham, and Geelong, which are considered regional for migration purposes.
2. Commitment to Regional Victoria:
Similar to the Subclass 190 visa, you need to demonstrate a commitment to living and working in regional Victoria.
3. Registration of Interest (ROI):
Your ROI must be selected by Victoria. This selection is crucial as it indicates that the state values your skills and experience.
4. Age Requirement:
Like the Subclass 190 visa, you must be under 45 years of age.
5. English Proficiency:
You must have at least Competent English, meeting the same language requirements as the Subclass 190 visa.
6. Skills Assessment:
You need a valid Skills Assessment in an occupation listed on the eligible skilled occupation list for the Subclass 491 visa.
7. Points Test:
You must achieve at least 65 points on the Australian Government’s points test.
Living in Regional Victoria (Onshore)
If you are already living in regional Victoria, here’s what you need to know:
1. Employment Requirements:
You must be employed in skilled work by an employer who is physically located in regional Victoria. Again, businesses with only virtual offices are not considered as being physically located in the region.
2. Earnings Estimation:
You are required to provide an estimate of your annual earnings in your ROI. This estimate should reflect the total compensation you receive, excluding superannuation and before tax deductions.
3. Employment Type:
Your job does not need to be directly related to your nominated occupation, but your earnings must come from skilled employment in regional Victoria.
Living Overseas (Offshore)
For offshore applicants considering the Subclass 491 visa:
1. No Employment Requirement:
You are not required to claim earnings in your ROI, making it accessible to skilled professionals regardless of their current employment status.
2. Priority Skills:
Victoria is currently prioritizing ROIs for Subclass 491 visas from offshore applicants with skills in healthcare, social services, and education, including Early Childhood Education.
Important Considerations
When preparing your application, it’s crucial to keep the following in mind:
1. Accurate Earnings Estimation:
Only include earnings from skilled employment in your ROI. Use your base salary as your estimated annual earnings and avoid overestimating, as inaccuracies could result in your application being refused.
2. Understanding Regional Designations:
Some outer suburbs of Melbourne, such as the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong, are considered regional for migration purposes, which could impact your eligibility and application strategy.
The 2024-25 Skilled Visa Nomination Program offers a fantastic opportunity for skilled professionals to live and work in Victoria, Australia. With 5,000 places available across the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, this program provides a clear pathway to permanent residency for those who meet the eligibility criteria. Whether you’re in Victoria or overseas, make sure your Expression of Interest is up-to-date and your Registration of Interest is submitted correctly. This could be your chance to secure a prosperous future in one of Australia’s most dynamic states.
If you have any questions regarding your visa options, please book a consultation.
Disclaimer:
The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education on social media and blogs is for general informational purposes only. (The information is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change.) It is not legal or immigration advice and should not be relied upon as such.
If you need immigration advice specific to your circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
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