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Victorian State Nomination Program

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

CriteriaSubclass 491 – Skilled Work RegionalSubclass 190 – Skilled Nominated
Visa TypeProvisional (5 years) – pathway to PRPermanent visa (direct PR)
Residence RequirementMust live, work, study in regional VictoriaMust live in Victoria
Eligibility – OffshoreEligible; must relocate to regional VictoriaEligible; must commit to living in Victoria
Eligibility – OnshoreMust already live in regional VictoriaMust already live in Victoria
Employment RequirementOnshore: skilled employment in regional Victoria. Offshore: not requiredNo requirement. Onshore: optional skilled employment; earnings can be claimed if applicable
Claiming Earnings in ROIOnly if working in regional VictoriaOptional; only if working in skilled employment in Victoria
Occupation RelevanceEmployment need not match nominated occupationSame
CommitmentMust live/work in regional VictoriaMust live/work in Victoria
ROIMust submit and be selected; not guaranteedSame
AgeUnder 45 at nominationUnder 45 at nomination
EnglishCompetent English (12+ weeks validity)Same
Skills AssessmentValid assessment matching EOI; health professionals must align with AHPRASame
PointsMinimum 65, including 15 points from state nominationMinimum 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.

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