The Victorian Government’s program is designed to attract skilled migrants who can contribute to the state’s economy and address skill shortages. Victoria has a significant allocation for both visas, providing pathways for applicants across various industries.
The Victorian migration program offers two main streams for skilled applicants:
1. Skilled Work Pathway (Onshore and Offshore Applicants)
Eligibility for Subclass 190:
Must be living in Victoria at the time of application.
Have work experience in a skilled occupation aligned with Victoria’s target sectors.
Demonstrate a commitment to working in Victoria long-term.
No need to work in Victoria, however, employment and earnings are considered in invitations.
Eligibility for Subclass 491:
Must be living in a designated regional area of Victoria.
Must be working in regional Victoria however no number of minimum hours and the work you are currently employed in need not be in your skilled occupation.
Have relevant skills and work experience that match Victoria's target sectors.
Willingness to reside in a regional area for the visa’s duration.
2. Graduate Pathway (Victoria-Based Graduates)
Subclass 190 Eligibility:
Completion of a qualification (Bachelor's, Master’s, or Ph.D.) from a Victorian university.
Be living in Victoria and currently working in your nominated occupation or a closely related field.
Subclass 491 Eligibility:
Completion of a qualification from a Victorian regional university.
Must demonstrate efforts to secure employment in your field in a regional area.
Exemption to the requirement to work.
BREAKING: Victoria's New Pathways for International Student Graduates in the 2024/25 Migration Program
The Victorian Government has introduced expanded pathways for international student graduates to access the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa:
Reserved Nomination Places: At least 500 subclass 491 visa nominations (25% of the total allocation) are reserved for international graduates from Victorian educational institutions. Whilst the original pathway referred to graduates of Victorian universities; this new expansion refers to “institutions”.
New Pathway for Melbourne Graduates: Graduates living and working in Melbourne can now submit a Registration of Interest for subclass 491, creating a route to relocate to regional Victoria.
This initiative offers more opportunities for international graduates to establish their careers in regional Victoria.
Victoria’s Target Sectors
Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program prioritizes applicants in the following target sectors:
Health: Including medical practitioners, nurses, and allied health professionals.
Digital: ICT, cyber security, and software development roles.
Business & Finance: Accountants, auditors, and financial analysts.
Education: Teachers, academic professionals, and educational consultants.
Engineering: Civil, structural, and other engineering professionals.
Building & Construction: Roles in architecture, project management, and construction.
Agriculture: Horticulturists, agronomists, and agricultural engineers.
For each target sector, specific skills and experience requirements apply, and these details can be found on the Live in Melbourne website.
Application Process
Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI via the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system, indicating Victoria as your preferred state.
ROI (Registration of Interest): Submit an ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal, providing detailed information about your skills, qualifications, and experience.
Invitation to Apply: If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for Victorian state nomination.
Final Application: Submit your application through the Victorian Government’s migration portal, including all required documents, within 14 days of receiving the invitation.
Key Points and Considerations
English Language Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate competent English proficiency; however, some occupations may require a higher level.
Work Experience: Relevant post-qualification work experience is crucial for Subclass 491 (except for recent graduates), and the duration required varies by occupation. Experience not required for Subclass 190 but highly valued.
Financial Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to settle in Victoria.
Commitment to Victoria: Demonstrating a genuine commitment to living and working in Victoria will significantly strengthen your application.
For more detailed information, please get in touch:
Guney Migration Consultancy
Ceren Guney, Migration Lawyer
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