Victoria’s Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is designed for skilled workers, including recent graduates, to live and work in regional Victoria. The visa provides a pathway to permanent residency while allowing graduates to contribute to the regional economy. Two significant streams cater to Onshore Recent Victorian Graduates, specifically in Melbourne and Regional Victoria. In this article, we will focus on these two streams and briefly summarise other relevant details about the 491 visa.
Onshore Recent Victorian Graduate in Melbourne
For recent graduates from a Victorian education institution living in Melbourne, the Subclass 491 visa opens doors to long-term regional opportunities. Here are the key details for Melbourne graduates applying for this visa:
Eligibility Requirements for Melbourne Graduates:
- Residency: Although you are currently living in Melbourne, you are eligible to apply for Victorian nomination. However, once the 491 visa is granted, you are required to relocate to a designated regional area in Victoria to live, work, and study.
- Visa Types: You must hold either a Student (Subclass 500) or Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa at the time of applying for the Victorian nomination.
- Employment: Recent graduates are exempt from the regional employment requirement. This means that even if you are not currently working, working in non-skilled employment, or working for an employer based outside of regional Victoria, you are still eligible for this visa. If this applies to you, you should report “0” for estimated annual earnings in your Registration of Interest (ROI).
Why This Pathway Works for Melbourne Graduates:
This pathway is designed for graduates in Melbourne who are willing to commit to regional living after their visa is granted. It allows them to start their careers in areas with growing industries, improving their chances of long-term employment and a pathway to permanent residency.
Onshore Recent Victorian Graduate in Regional Victoria
For those graduates who have completed their studies while living in regional Victoria, the Subclass 491 visa offers a more seamless transition to skilled work and residency. Below are the critical details for regional Victorian graduates:
Eligibility Requirements for Regional Graduates:
- Residency: You must already be living in regional Victoria. Once granted the visa, you are required to continue living, working, and studying in the regional area. There’s a higher focus on maintaining your residency in these areas compared to other streams.
- Visa Types: Like Melbourne graduates, you must hold a Student (Subclass 500) or Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa.
- Employment: Similar to the Melbourne graduates, you are exempt from the regional employment requirement. If you are not working or are working in non-skilled employment, you can still apply for this visa. However, if you are employed in a skilled occupation, you can claim earnings in your ROI. Any earnings claimed must be supported with sufficient evidence.
Advantages for Regional Graduates:
Regional graduates who already live in these areas are well-positioned to meet the visa conditions. The lack of an employment requirement makes it easier for graduates who may not have secured skilled work yet but are committed to staying in regional Victoria.
Overview of Other Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 491 Visa
In addition to the pathways mentioned above, here are some of the general requirements for other streams under the Subclass 491 visa:
- Offshore Skilled Migrants: Applicants living outside Australia (offshore) must relocate to regional Victoria once the visa is granted. This stream prioritizes sectors such as healthcare, education, and social services, with no requirement to claim earnings in the ROI.
- Onshore All Other Visa Holders: You must live in regional Victoria and work in skilled employment for an employer physically located in regional Victoria. The employment does not need to match your nominated occupation.
- Commitment to Regional Victoria: All applicants must commit to living and working in a designated regional area for the duration of their visa.
Conclusion:
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) provides unique opportunities for recent graduates in both Melbourne and regional Victoria. The flexibility in employment requirements, especially for graduates, makes this an attractive option for those willing to relocate and contribute to regional communities. Whether you are living in Melbourne or regional Victoria, the Subclass 491 visa could be your next step toward permanent residency.
For more detailed guidance on how the 491 visa can benefit you, or to explore your eligibility, visit Kris Ahn Lawyers and book a consultation with us today to take the next step toward your future in regional Victoria.
Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice
The information provided in this blog post/article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create a representative-client relationship. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content may not reflect the most current legal developments or specific circumstances.
Do not rely solely on the information presented here – but please book in a consultation with us to see how you this information applies to you and may benefit you. Any reliance on the material in this post is at your own risk.
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