New Pathway for International Graduates| Victoria’s Expansion

Good news for international graduates from Victorian institutes.

 

Now, Victoria has announced her new move to expands pathway for international graduates under Victoria state nomination for 491 visa. Through this initiative there will be more opportunities for international students. 

 

Let’s get started to know more.

 

As per recent news, the Victorian Government has announced an exciting expansion of the Subclass 491 visa program for international graduates for 2024-25. This means the Victoria State Nomination for SC491 visa is now available to all international students who have recently graduated from Victorian Educational Institutes or Temporary Graduate SC485 visa holders. The main purpose of this expansion is to provide more opportunities for international students.

This initiative will significantly impact the lives of international students who want to build their careers in regional Victoria.   

 

Key Features of Victoria Nomination for 491 Visa 2024-25:

Before heading towards the details, let’s have a look at the key features of this initiative:

• Increased Allocation for Graduates: For the 2024-25 program year, the Victorian government will reserve at least 500 subclass 491 nomination places specifically for overseas students who graduated from Victorian educational institutions. This allocation is at least 25% of the total allocation for this category. 
• Expanded Eligibility: Those international graduates who are currently living and working in Melbourne (onshore) will now be eligible to submit a Registration of Interest ROI for the Subclass 491 visa nomination. Through this change, there will be a new and clear pathway for those overseas graduates who want to relocate to regional Victoria.

 

What is Victoria’s Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491?

Victoria’s skilled regional work regional (provisional) visa 491 is designed for skilled workers, including overseas students, who live and work in regional parts of Victoria. This visa provides a new pathway to permanent residency for onshore recent graduates living and working in Melbourne and Regional Victoria. 

 

Through this pathway, skilled workers and talented international students will have a chance to contribute to the economy of regional areas of Victoria. However, there are two significant streams that cater to recent offshore Victorian graduates, more specifically from Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

 

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Subclass 491 visa in Victoria?

This exciting initiative by Victoria to expand pathways for the program of 2024–25 will attract more international students to Victoria, where they might find their place after fulfilling specific eligibility criteria.

Let’s understand the eligibility criteria for the subclass 491 visa in Victoria.

 

Basic Eligibility Criteria for SC 491

To apply for a skilled work regional provisional visa, you must:

• Be nominated by a state or territory government agency or an eligible relative who can sponsor you to apply for subclass 491.
• Have a relevant occupation included on the skilled occupation list.
• Have a positive skill assessment for your relevant occupation.
• Be invited first to apply.
• Meet the point test score.

 

Eligibility Criteria for Onshore Graduates in Melbourne

For recent onshore students who are living in Melbourne and graduated from Victorian educational institutes, here are the eligibility criteria for Subclass 491, such as:

Residency in Melbourne

If you live in Melbourne, you can apply for this Victorian nomination for the 2024-25 program of the year. Once you obtain subclass 491, you ought to relocate to designated regional areas of Victoria to live, work, and study. 

Types of Visas You Need to Hold

You must hold either Student Visa Australia subclass 500 or Temporary Graduate subclass 485 at the time of submitting your application for a Victorian state nominations 2024-25. 

Employment Experience

Though there is good news for the recent graduates that they are exempt from these regional employment requirements. This means you are still eligible whether you are not currently working , working in non-skilled employment, or working outside of Victoria for an employer-based job.

 

Note: If this situation applies to you, report “0” for your estimated annual earnings in your Registration of Interest (ROI).

 

Eligibility Requirements for Regional Graduates in Victoria

International graduates who completed their graduation while living in regional parts of Victoria are eligible to apply for Subclass 491 Victorian nomination 2024-25.

Below are some eligibility criteria that need to be followed for a more seamless transition to skilled work and residency in Victoria.

 

Residency in Regional Victoria

You should have lived in designated regional Victoria for at least three years. After securing Victoria’s skilled work regional visa 491, you must continue to stay, work, and study in the regional parts of Victoria. There is a more focus on maintaining your residency in regional Victoria than in other streams.

Types of Visa You Need to Hold

Similar to Melbourne graduates, you are also required to hold a study visa subclass 500 or Temporary Graduate Visa 485.

Employment Experience

Just like Melbourne, you are exempt from the regional employment requirements. Whether you are working or not and working in non-skilled employment, you are still eligible for the Victoria state nominations for subclass 491.

 

Note: However, if you are working in a skilled occupation, you can claim the earnings in your Registration of Interest ROI. Any earnings declared in your application must be supported with sufficient evidence. 

 

Other Essential Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 491 Visa

Further general requirements for the pathways mentioned above are:

Offshore Skilled Migrants

Once the 491 visa is granted, offshore applicants living outside Australia are required to relocate to regional Victoria. This stream will prioritize sectors like healthcare, education, and social services, with no requirement to claim earnings in the ROI.

Onshore Other Visa Holders

All onshore withholding other visas must live in regional Victoria and work in skilled employment for an employer physically located in regional areas of Victoria. This employment ought not to match your nominated occupation.

Commitment to Living Regional Victoria

All applicants must commit to living and working in a designated regional area of Victoria for the duration of their visa.

 

Key Benefits of the Victorian Government’s Subclass 491 Visa Initiative 

The Victorian government is expanding the subclass 491 visa pathway to offer more opportunities to international students for 2024–25. This initiative will lead to significant advantages for international students after completing their studies in Melbourne or across regional Victoria, such as:

 

A Priority for Skilled Graduates in Demand

Through this program, multitudes of skilled graduates will be attracted to Victoria, aligning with the key regional industries of Victoria like healthcare, education, engineering, and agriculture. The overseas graduates with these skills and qualifications (required for regional development) will be prioritized in the visa application process.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

The subclass 491 visa offers a direct route to permanent residency for international graduates in regional Victoria. When you obtain subclass 491 for three years and meet all the work and income criteria, you can apply for a permanent residency subclass 191 visa. This opportunity will lead you to start your life and professional career in Victoria’s beautiful and welcoming regional community.

Stay in Australia Up to 5 Years

Skilled Work Visa 491 allows international graduates to live, work, and study in regional Victoria for up to five years. This extended period is ideal for those who want to grow their careers, establish networks, and improve their chances of long-term employment in Australia. 

 

Apply Now for State Nomination Victoria!

The Government of Victoria expands pathways for international graduates to obtain the Skilled Work Regional Visa, subclass 491. With the Victorian Government initiative Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), there is a moment for international students to secure their permanent place and future in the regional Victorian state of Australia.  

 

This pathway will offer unique chances for recent graduates in both Melbourne and regional Victoria to get permanent residency, job security, Australian lifestyle benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to the economy of Australia. 

 

With its flexible employment requirements and eligibility criteria, particularly for international graduates, the Victorian government has made it more accessible and attractive to relocate and contribute to regional communities.  

 

At the Migration, we have an experienced registered migration agent who will guide you through your subclass 491 visa application process. You will have the best chance of success. So, don’t waste your time. Book your appointment now.

 

For more news and recent information about state nominations in Victoria, visit our website’s blogs and news section. To know in detail, read the following blog post.

 

Reference blog:https://themigration.com.au/blog/victoria-skilled-migration-program-2024-2025/

 

Make your move towards Victoria smooth and stress-free. Apply now with our expert guidance!