Victoria offers skilled workers the opportunity to apply for state nomination, helping eligible applicants gain either provisional or permanent residency in Australia. Understanding the differences between the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) and Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated – Permanent) visas is essential to determine the best pathway for your migration goals.
What is the Victorian State Nomination Program?
The Victorian State Nomination Program supports skilled migration to Victoria, allowing applicants to gain additional points toward the SkillSelect points test and secure nomination for visas like Subclass 491 or Subclass 190. State nomination is particularly useful for applicants seeking a skilled migration pathway to Victoria, whether onshore or offshore.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Victoria
The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary visa valid for five years, offering a pathway to permanent residence through Subclass 191 after three years if eligibility requirements are met. This visa is designed for skilled workers willing to live, work, and study in regional Victoria, including areas such as Geelong, Pakenham, and the Mornington Peninsula.
Key Points for Subclass 491 Victoria Nomination:
- Residence: Must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Victoria.
- Eligibility: Onshore applicants must already live in regional Victoria; offshore applicants must relocate after visa grant.
- Employment Requirement: Onshore applicants must work in skilled employment with an employer physically located in regional Victoria; offshore applicants do not need to provide employment evidence.
- Claiming Earnings: Only allowed if working in regional Victoria.
- Points: Minimum 65 points, including 15 points from state nomination.
- Other Requirements: Under 45 years of age, Competent English, valid skills assessment matching EOI, health professionals must align with AHPRA registration, and a selected ROI.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Victoria
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa, granting immediate permanent residency to successful applicants. This visa does not require applicants to live in regional areas, but applicants must commit to living in Victoria.
Key Points for Subclass 190 Victoria Nomination:
- Residence: Must live in Victoria. Applicants from other states or territories are not considered (border exceptions apply).
- Eligibility: Both onshore and offshore applicants can apply; offshore applicants must commit to living in Victoria.
- Employment Requirement: No work requirement. Onshore, if working in skilled employment in Victoria, applicants can claim annual earnings in ROI. Non-skilled or non-Victorian employment is allowed but cannot claim earnings. Offshore applicants do not need to claim earnings.
- Points: Minimum 65 points, including 5 points from state nomination.
- Other Requirements: Under 45 years, Competent English, valid skills assessment matching EOI, health professionals must align with AHPRA registration, and a selected ROI.
Subclass 491 vs Subclass 190 – Victoria Comparison Table
| Criteria | Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional | Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Provisional (5 years) – pathway to PR | Permanent visa (direct PR) |
| Residence Requirement | Must live, work, study in regional Victoria | Must live in Victoria |
| Eligibility – Offshore | Eligible; must relocate to regional Victoria | Eligible; must commit to living in Victoria |
| Eligibility – Onshore | Must already live in regional Victoria | Must already live in Victoria |
| Employment Requirement | Onshore: skilled employment in regional Victoria. Offshore: not required | No requirement. Onshore: optional skilled employment; earnings can be claimed if applicable |
| Claiming Earnings in ROI | Only if working in regional Victoria | Optional; only if working in skilled employment in Victoria |
| Occupation Relevance | Employment need not match nominated occupation | Same |
| Commitment | Must live/work in regional Victoria | Must live/work in Victoria |
| ROI | Must submit and be selected; not guaranteed | Same |
| Age | Under 45 at nomination | Under 45 at nomination |
| English | Competent English (12+ weeks validity) | Same |
| Skills Assessment | Valid assessment matching EOI; health professionals must align with AHPRA | Same |
| Points | Minimum 65, including 15 points from state nomination | Minimum 65, including 5 points from state nomination |
Key Differences in Practice
- Subclass 491: Regional restriction, provisional visa, higher state points (15), onshore applicants must work in regional skilled employment.
- Subclass 190: Permanent visa, no regional restriction, employment not mandatory, lower state points (5).
Which Visa is Right for You?
Both Subclass 491 and 190 provide pathways to skilled migration in Victoria. Your choice depends on your location preference, employment status, and whether you want provisional or permanent residency.
Oxford Immigration can guide you through the Victorian State Nomination Program, help determine which visa suits your circumstances, and assist with ROI submission and nomination applications.