Skilled Migration to Victoria 2023-24: Pathways and (491) Visa Insights for Construction and Engineering Professionals
- Visas and immigration information 2023
- Published on September 13, 2023
The 2023-24 program is now open to applicants living in Victoria and overseas. This program provides skilled migrants with a pathway to permanent residency in Victoria. To be considered for a state nomination you must submit a Registration of Interest (ROI).
Did you miss-out in 2022-23?
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) changes
To be eligible to apply for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) nomination in the 2023-24 program, onshore applicants must be living and working in regional Victoria at the time of nomination. Some outer suburbs of Melbourne are included in the regional zones by the Department of Home Affairs.
As a result of this change, if you submitted a subclass 491 ROI in 2022-23 and were not selected, you will need to submit a new ROI if you are still eligible.
With this visa, you can
- stay in Australia for 5 years
- live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
- apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted
You must be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you, as well as:
have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
satisfy the points test
Here's a list of some of the different trade related occupations that can apply:
- Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
- Architect
- Automotive Electrician
- Boat Builder and Repairer
- Bricklayer
- Building and Engineering Technicians
- Building Inspector
- Cabinetmaker
- Cabler (Data and Telecommunications)
- Carpenter
- Carpenter and Joiner
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Estimator
- Construction Project Manager
- Contract Administrator
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Electrical Engineer
- Electrician (General)
- Electrician (Special Class)
- Environmental Consultant
- Fibrous Plasterer
- Fitter-Welder
- Gardener (General)
The list continues... check out all different occupations which qualify to apply here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list#
Is your trade on the list?
browse our listings of >Construction Jobs in Victoria here<
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
There are no changes to the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) nomination program. If you submitted a subclass 190 Registration of Interest in 2022-23 and were not selected, you do not need to submit a new ROI unless the information provided has changed.
In addition to your EOI, please check your partner points and annual salary responses in your existing ROI and confirm they are correct. If they are not correct, please withdraw the existing ROI and submit a new one.
A Registration of Interest is not an application for Victorian visa nomination. The program is very competitive and there is no set timeframe for when you may be selected.
Your ROI will remain in our system for selection until it is withdrawn or selected. The program will close in early 2024 at a date to be confirmed.
Conclusion:
As the 2023-24 program unfolds, Victoria continues to present a robust opportunity for skilled migrants seeking a pathway to permanent residency. The conditions and prerequisites, while competitive, remain transparent and straightforward.
Comparatively, as highlighted in our recent blog about Western Australia, the Australian government's initiative to grant up to $10,000 for skilled construction workers migrating to Perth underscores a distinct urgency in addressing labor shortages in that region.
Victoria, on the other hand, seems to be focusing more on regional dispersion of skilled workers, encouraging migrants to live and work in regional Victoria, inclusive of some outer suburbs of Melbourne.
This variation in emphasis underscores the diverse needs and strategies adopted by different Australian states to attract and retain skilled talent. Whichever path potential migrants choose, both regions offer promising opportunities for growth, stability, and a high quality of life. It's essential for applicants to stay informed, reassess their eligibility as per new guidelines, and utilize the given resources to ensure a successful migration journey.
Work Smart, Work Safe.