Subclass 190 Victoria Skilled Nominated Visa 2025
Australia continues to be one of the top destinations for skilled workers globally. One of the most prominent pathways to permanent residency is the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program. This program offers skilled foreign workers the chance to live and work in Victoria, Australia.
The Victorian Government is accepting applications, with a deadline set, making it an ideal time for skilled professionals to advance their immigration plans.
In this guide, we’ll explore the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program in detail: who it’s for, how the application process works, and why Victoria is a prime destination for skilled migrants.
What is the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program?
The Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) system. Through this program, the Victorian Government nominates skilled professionals whose occupations align with the state’s labor market needs. A nomination from Victoria boosts an applicant’s chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a skilled visa from the Australian Government.
Victoria supports the following two major visa subclasses:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): A temporary visa valid for five years, leading to permanent residency after three years if specific conditions are met.
To apply for these visas, you must first receive a nomination from the Victorian Government and then an invitation from the Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs.
Why is Victoria Opening Its Program Early?
The Australian immigration strategy targets filling critical skill shortages across various industries. The early application window aligns with the Australian Government’s migration planning, ensuring quicker processing and meeting the fiscal year-end goals.
Victoria is particularly seeking professionals in industries such as:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Construction
- Education
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Science and Research
- Trade Occupations
This early invitation cycle ensures faster visa processing and job placement for qualified professionals.
Check Also: Document Requirement for Switzerland National Visa
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for a nomination, applicants must meet both state and federal requirements:
- Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List: Your occupation must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and align with Victoria’s workforce needs.
- Skills Assessment: You must undergo a positive skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation, confirming your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
- English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficient English, usually via an approved test like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. The required score varies by occupation and visa subclass.
- Points Test: You must score at least 65 points in the Department of Home Affairs’ points test, with additional points awarded for factors like age, qualifications, work experience, and state nomination.
- Commitment to Regional Living (Subclass 491): For the Subclass 491 visa, applicants must commit to living and working in regional Victoria for at least three years.
- Work Experience and Employment Alignment: Victoria prioritizes candidates currently working in their field or those with strong employment prospects in their nominated occupation.
Application Process of Subclass 190 Victoria Skilled Nominated Visa 2025:
Here’s a clear breakdown of the application process:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and that you meet both state and federal criteria.
- Skills Assessment: Apply for a skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority. This can take several weeks, so it’s advisable to begin this process early.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Create an EOI through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs’ online platform, expressing your interest in Victoria’s nomination.
- Register with Victoria: After submitting your EOI, register your interest with Live in Melbourne, the Victorian Government’s migration portal.
- Wait for Nomination Invitation: If your EOI meets Victoria’s needs, you’ll be invited to apply for a nomination.
- Submit Nomination Application: You have 14 days to submit a full application for nomination. Supporting documents include:
- Passport and identity documents
- English test results
- Skills assessment outcome
- Proof of work experience
- Employment offer or history in Victoria (if applicable)
- Receive State Nomination: If successful, you’ll receive a nomination letter from Victoria, significantly improving your chances of receiving a visa invitation from the government.
- Apply for the Visa: After receiving the nomination, you’ll have 60 days to apply for the relevant visa through the Department of Home Affairs.
Benefits:
- Priority Processing:
Nominated applications are processed faster than independent applications. - Permanent Residency (Subclass 190):
Immediate pathway to permanent residency for nominated skilled workers. - Pathway to PR (Subclass 491):
A clear route to permanent residency after meeting regional work and residency conditions. - Access to Victoria’s Growing Job Market:
Victoria is actively seeking skilled professionals in high-demand industries. - Family Inclusion:
You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.
Industries in High Demand in Victoria:
The Victorian Government has published a list of high-demand occupations for 2025. The key sectors recruiting include:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, aged care workers, midwives, psychologists, general practitioners.
- Construction and Engineering: Civil engineers, structural engineers, project managers in construction.
- Education: Early childhood educators, secondary school teachers (especially STEM subjects).
- IT and Tech: Software engineers, cybersecurity professionals, data analysts.
- Science and Research: Biotechnologists, chemists, food scientists.
- Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics.
Candidates with experience and qualifications in these fields will have a competitive advantage in securing an invitation.
Conclusion:
The Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program is a valuable opportunity for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia. With its strong job market and high demand for workers in key sectors, Victoria offers an excellent pathway to a secure and rewarding future. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a new life in Australia, now is the time to prepare your documents, assess your eligibility, and start your application.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes, applications are open to both onshore and offshore applicants.
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What happens if I miss the deadline?
You may have to wait for the next program cycle or admissions period, depending on the availability of nomination spots.
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Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, while a job offer strengthens your application, it’s not mandatory for the Subclass 190 or 491 nomination.