The Skilled Work Regional Visa is an extremely popular pathway to Australia, which allows skilled foreign workers to reside, study and work in a designated regional area in Australia. Not only does this help Australia attract foreign talent to the country, but it also helps regional areas in Australia grow and develop in multiple manners. 

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While there are several subclasses under the Skilled Work Regional Visa, this blog will be delving into Subclass 491 and Subclass 190 for applicants who wish to apply to the state of Victoria. 

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Located in Southeast Australia, Victoria is a sprawling state that boasts many attractions. From its diverse nature and sceneries to bustling cities such as Melbourne, which is a cultural, gastronomical and social hub. Job sectors such as healthcare, construction and retail trade are immensely popular in Victoria and contribute greatly to the economy. 

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To begin with, let us understand the difference between a 491 Visa and a 190 Visa. In essence, the 190 Visa is for applicants looking to directly obtain permanent residency (PR). While the 491 Visa is a transitional visa, this means that holders of a 491 Visa will be allowed to apply for PR after living, working or studying in Australia for a certain number of years. 

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Changes to the 2022-2023 Program 

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The Australian government has recently expanded its eligibility criteria for this visa, bringing opportunities to skilled migrants who are residing anywhere in Victoria, including previously ineligible cities such as Melbourne. 

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Onshore candidates who are residing and/or working in Melbourne can now submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for a Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) nomination. 

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491 Visa holders must reside, work and study in a regional area of Victoria for at least 3 years before applying for a 191 Visa to obtain permanent residency (PR). for some applicants, this means that they may have to move to a designated regional area of Victoria to secure a job that is eligible for a 491 Visa. 

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The Department of Home Affairs has also made many relevant occupations eligible. Applicants no longer have to use STEMM skills and work in a target sector to apply for this visa. 

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Victoria Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) 

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As stated above, the Victoria Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) allows skilled foreign workers to study, work and reside in designated regional areas of Australia for a period of 5 years. 

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It is important to note that the Federal Government bears the responsibility for Australia’s migration program, which also includes the allocation of available places across different program streams and making important decisions on visa applications. 

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Under an agreement with the Federal Government, state/territory governments are allowed to nominate a limited number of applicants for a limited number of skilled, business and investor visa subclasses.

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Eligibility 

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Before proceeding further with an application, applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for a 491 Visa. 

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• Be under the age of 45 before applying for this visa:‍
• If an applicant turns 45 after submitting an EOI but before they are invited by a government agency, they cannot apply for the visa 
• Applicants above 45 may still apply for a visa if they are invited by the government ‍
• Declare a positive skills assessment result
• Possess competent English language skills
• The applicant’s occupations must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List 
• Meet the Australian government’s health and character requirements
• Pay back any outstanding debt to the Australian government
• Sign the Australian Values Statement‍
• Must not have had a previous visa cancelled or an application refused 
• As a 491 Visa is a points-tested visa, applicants will have to score at least 65 points or more on the points test 
• Must be committed to Victoria:‍
• Applicants must commit to living in Victoria 
• State nominations cannot be transferred from one state to another
• Onshore applicants living in states/territories other than Victoria will not be given a nomination ‍
• Must have their ROI selected 

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Nomination Pathway 

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• Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and ROI through the SkillSelect portal
• Once their EOI is selected, applicants will receive an invitation to apply for the Victoria State Nomination, this will also include instructions on how to apply and the documents that are required

Once applicants complete their visa application, they may submit it to the Department of Home Affairs

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Fast Track Nomination Process 

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Victoria has a fast-track nomination process for job roles that fall under several occupation categories. To be eligible for fast-track nomination, applicants must be skilled in an eligible occupation and state it in their ROI. they must also meet the minimum visa requirements. 

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Eligible Fast Track Occupations 

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While this list may be subject to change, applicants can remain updated through this link. 

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134212 - Nursing Clinical Director

234915 - Exercise Physiologist (subclass 491 only)

241111 - Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher

241311 - Middle School Teacher

241411 - Secondary School Teacher

241511 - Special Needs Teacher

241512 - Teacher of the Hearing Impaired

241513 - Teacher of the Sight Impaired

241599 - Special Education Teacher (nec)

251111 - Dietitian

251211 - Medical Diagnostic Radiographer

251212 - Medical Radiation Therapist

251213 - Nuclear Medicine Technologist

251214 - Sonographer

251411 - Optometrist

251412 - Orthoptist

251511 - Hospital Pharmacist

251513 - Retail Pharmacist

251912 - Orthotist Or Prosthetist

252311 - Dental Specialist

252411 - Occupational Therapist

252511 - Physiotherapist

252611 - Podiatrist

252711 - Audiologist

252712 - Speech Pathologist

253111 - General Practitioner

253112 - Resident Medical Officer

252312 - Dentist (subclass 491 only)

253311 - Specialist Physician (General Medicine)

253312 - Cardiologist

253313 - Clinical Haematologist

253314 - Medical Oncologist

253315 - Endocrinologist

253316 - Gastroenterologist

253317 - Intensive Care Specialist

253211 - Anaesthetist (subclass 491 only)

253318 - Neurologist

253321 - Paediatrician

253322 - Renal Medicine Specialist

253323 - Rheumatologist

253324 - Thoracic Medicine Specialist

253399 - Specialist Physicians (nec)

253411 - Psychiatrist

253511 - Surgeon (General)

253512 - Cardiothoracic Surgeon

253513 - Neurosurgeon

253514 - Orthopaedic Surgeon

253515 - Otorhinolaryngologist

253516 - Paediatric Surgeon

253517 - Plastic And Reconstructive Surgeon

253518 - Urologist

253521 - Vascular Surgeon

253911 - Dermatologist

253912 - Emergency Medicine Specialist

253913 - Obstetrician And Gynaecologist

253914 - Ophthalmologist

253915 - Pathologist

253917 - Diagnostic And Interventional Radiologist

253918 - Radiation Oncologist

253999 - Medical Practitioners (nec)

254111 - Midwife

254311 - Nurse Manager

254411 - Nurse Practitioner

254412 - Registered Nurse (Aged Care)

254413 - Registered Nurse (Child And Family Health)

254414 - Registered Nurse (Community Health)

254415 - Registered Nurse (Critical Care And Emergency)

254416 - Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)

254417 - Registered Nurse (Disability And Rehabilitation)

254418 - Registered Nurse (Medical)

254421 - Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)

254422 - Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

254423 - Registered Nurse (Perioperative)

254424 - Registered Nurse (Surgical)

254425 - Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)

254499 - Registered Nurses (nec)

272199 - Counsellors (nec)

272311 - Clinical Psychologist

272312 - Educational Psychologist

272313 - Organisational Psychologist

272314 - Psychotherapist

272399 - Psychologists (nec)

272511 - Social Worker

272613 - Welfare Worker

411111 - Ambulance Officer

411112 - Intensive Care Ambulance Paramedic

411211 - Dental Hygienist (subclass 491 only)

411213 - Dental Technician

411214 - Dental Therapist (subclass 491 only)

411411 - Enrolled Nurse

411711 - Community Worker

411716 - Youth Worker

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Victoria Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 190) 

Subclass 190 of the Victoria Skilled Work Regional Visa is a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR) for applicants. There is no transitional period, once the applicant receives their 190 Visa, they can permanently reside, work and study in Australia. 

It is important to note that the Federal Government bears the responsibility for Australia’s migration program, which also includes the allocation of available places across different program streams and making important decisions on visa applications. 

‍

Under an agreement with the Federal Government, state/territory governments are allowed to nominate a limited number of applicants for a limited number of skilled, business and investor visa subclasses.

‍

Eligibility 

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Before proceeding further with an application, applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for a 491 Visa. 

• Must be living in Victoria at the time of the nomination
• Be under the age of 45 before applying for this visa:‍
• If an applicant turns 45 after submitting an EOI but before they are invited by a government agency, they cannot apply for the visa 
• Applicants above 45 may still apply for a visa if they are invited by the government ‍
• Declare a positive skills assessment result
• Possess competent English language skills
• The applicant’s occupations must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List 
• Meet the Australian government’s health and character requirements
• Pay back any outstanding debt to the Australian government
• Sign the Australian Values Statement‍
• Must not have had a previous visa cancelled or an application refused 
• As a 190 Visa is a points-tested visa, applicants will have to score at least 65 points or more on the points test 
• Must be committed to Victoria:‍
• Applicants must commit to living in Victoria 
• State nominations cannot be transferred from one state to another
• Onshore applicants living in states/territories other than Victoria will not be given a nomination ‍
• Must have their ROI selected

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Nomination Pathway 

• Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and ROI through the SkillSelect portal
• Once their EOI is selected, applicants will receive an invitation to apply for the Victoria State Nomination, this will also include instructions on how to apply and the documents that are required
• Once applicants complete their visa application, they may submit it to the Department of Home Affairs

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Occupation Requirements and Target Sectors 

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• Casual employment is accepted in Victoria
• Applicants must be working in a target sector 
• Victoria accepts applications wherein the applicant holds an occupation close to their nominated field 
• Victoria will not accept applications wherein the applicant holds an occupation that is completely unrelated to their nominated field 
• All claims of employment must contain proof as part of the application
• Applicants must be working in the following sectors: ‍
• Healthcare 
• Medical research 
• Life sciences 
• Agri-food 
• Advanced manufacturing 
• New energy, emissions reduction and circular economy 
• Digital 

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Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided here does not constitute legal advice. This must solely be regarded as content that provides general immigration information and is not a substitute for professional legal advice that occurs between an immigration lawyer and a client.

Path Migration strongly recommends readers contact certified immigration lawyers for a holistic overview of the Australian immigration system and a detailed analysis of each case.