Exciting News: Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) Now Available for Metropolitan Melbourne Residents

Immigration News

Victoria has recently announced a significant change in its skilled visa nomination program for 2022-2023. The state is opening its skilled work regional visa (subclass 491) to applicants living and/or working in metropolitan Melbourne, fulfilling the remaining places allocated for the program. This means that onshore candidates in metropolitan Melbourne can now submit a registration of interest (ROI) for the subclass 491 visa nomination.

Previously, the subclass 491 visa was only available to skilled migrants living in designated regional areas of Victoria. However, the new expanded eligibility criteria mean that skilled migrants living anywhere in Victoria can now apply for this visa, including those living in metropolitan Melbourne who wish to relocate and work in a designated regional area of Victoria.

The subclass 491 visa allows applicants to stay in Australia for 5 years, live, work and study in a designated regional area of Victoria, and have unlimited travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid. The visa also allows applicants to apply for permanent residency three years after the time of visa grant.

However, it is important to note that subclass 491 visa holders must live, work and study in a regional area of Victoria for at least three years before they can apply for their subclass 191 visa, which provides permanent residency. This means that applicants may need to move to a designated regional area of Victoria or secure a job that provides them with regional employment.

To apply for a subclass 491 visa nomination, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs using SkillSelect. Once they receive the EOI number from SkillSelect, they can lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Victorian nomination via the Live in Melbourne portal. If they are selected to apply for a Victorian visa nomination, they can then apply for a subclass 491 visa nomination on the Live in Melbourne portal. If the nomination application is approved, they can submit a visa application with the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

This new change in eligibility criteria is a welcome development for skilled migrants living in metropolitan Melbourne who may have previously been ineligible for the subclass 491 visa. It allows them to work and live in a designated regional area of Victoria, while also being able to apply for permanent residency in the future.

It is essential for applicants to give thorough consideration to the visa requirements, which entail living, working, and studying in a regional location for a minimum of three years prior to being eligible to apply for permanent residency.

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