Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is now open to residents of Metropolitan Melbourne.
Highlights
Subclass 491 is a visa open to applicants living and/or working in metropolitan Melbourne.
Who can apply for subclass 491 visa nomination in Victoria?
What does a Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) entail?
Recently, Victoria made a noteworthy alteration to its skilled visa nomination program for 2022-2023. The state has decided to extend its skilled work regional visa (subclass 491) to include applicants residing and/or employed in metropolitan Melbourne, which will fill the program's remaining spots.
Subclass 491 visa is now open for metropolitan Melbourne applicants
Previously, only skilled migrants residing in specific regional areas of Victoria had access to the subclass 491 visa. Nonetheless, the updated eligibility requirements have broadened, which means that skilled migrants residing in any part of Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne, can now apply for the visa if they plan to relocate and work in a designated regional area of Victoria.
The updated eligibility requirements are good news for skilled migrants residing in metropolitan Melbourne who were not qualified for the subclass 491 visa earlier. This development enables them to reside and work in a designated regional area of Victoria, and they can also apply for permanent residency in the future.
Who can apply for subclass 491 visa nomination in Victoria?
Although skilled migrants residing in any part of Victoria can now apply for subclass 491 visa, it is still required that the applicant must meet the visa nomination requirement. To be eligible, you must:
be committed to living in regional Victoria,
have had your Registration of Interest (ROI) selected,
be under 45 years of age,
have competent English,
have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list for this visa,
have achieved at least 65 points on the Australian Government’s points test for your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
What does a Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) entail?
It is important to note that subclass 491 visa entails both benefits and responsibilities. Here are the following things you are expected to do while having a subclass 491 visa
Live, study, and work in a designated regional area for a period of 5 years
After 3 years, subclass 491 visa holders may be eligible to apply for the subclass 191 visa which provides permanent residency.
Applicants may need to move to a designated regional area of Victoria or secure a job that provides them with regional employment.
If you are having a hard time planning your pathway to working in regional Victoria, the best thing to do is ask for assistance from certified migration experts. At Think Visa, we specialize in successfully processing skilled visas for both offshore and onshore applicants. By ensuring that all the essential documents are accurately and promptly submitted, our team of skilled migration consultants can help you progress through the visa application process. Start your migration process with people you could trust.
