In a ground-breaking step, Australia has established new visa pathways to permanent residency, allowing immigrants to live in the nation without the need for a job offer. This project seeks to attract skilled professionals and their families, encouraging variety and growth in the country. Two important visa possibilities have been announced: Routes 190 and 491 of Visa
Visa 190 – Skilled Nominee Visa
The talented Nominated Visa, often known as the Visa 190, is a state-sponsored program that targets talented workers, particularly those with experience in high-demand fields. This approach provides a straight road to permanent residency without the requirement of a work offer. Applicants must, however, be nominated by a state or territory government in Australia, which will evaluate their abilities, qualifications, and experience before issuing the nomination.
The establishment of this visa route is a reflection of Australia’s recognition of the value of drawing skilled workers who can significantly boost the country’s economy, even if they haven’t received a job offer before traveling.
Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, also known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa, is intended to stimulate immigration to Australia’s regional districts. This path, like the Visa 190, does not require a work offer for permanent residency. The applicant must, however, be nominated by a state or territory government.
This program intends to solve skill shortages in regional Australia while also allowing immigrants to reside in less densely populated but economically viable areas. Australia’s choice to establish these immigration options illustrates its commitment to attracting global talent and cultivating a more open, diverse, and competent workforce. It allows individuals and their families to start a new life in Australia without having to first get a work offer, making the immigration process more accessible and simpler.
According to the Australian Home Affairs office, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa provides skilled professionals with the option to establish themselves in regional Australia. Individuals with this provisional visa may remain and work in selected regional areas for up to five years. Notably, holders of this visa are allowed to travel to and from Australia as many times as they choose throughout the validity period. Applicants are entitled to apply for permanent residency three years after the date of visa issuance, providing a clear path to long-term settlement.
In addition, Australia has created the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, which is intended for family members of those who currently possess a subclass 491 visa. Applicants must be acknowledged as members of the family of a subclass 491 visa holder in order to be eligible for this visa. For the period of the family member’s visa, family members are permitted to remain in Australia.
The cost of this visa (491 and 109) is AUD4,640.00, and for those interested in knowing the expected processing times, the visa processing time guide tool can provide a general estimate based on recently decided applications, though it’s important to note that these times are not specific to individual applications.
Application Processes
An Expression of Interest (EOI) application procedure has been opened. This indicates that the Government is prepared to receive applications and EOIs from anyone who would like to immigrate to Victoria.
In order to qualify for these visa options, applicants must fulfill specific requirements. A valid Skills Assessment, a willingness to reside in Victoria, having your Registration of Interest (ROI) selected, being under 45, having some level of English proficiency, having experience in a field listed as eligible for this visa, and receiving at least 65 points on the Australian Government’s points test for your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect are all prerequisites for eligibility.
There are four main steps in the application process for these visas:
- Start by using SkillSelect to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs of the Australian Government.
- Fill out a Registration of Interest (ROI) on the Live in Melbourne portal to apply for a Victorian nomination when you obtain your EOI number from SkillSelect.
- After submitting your ROI, if you are invited, fill out a nomination application on the Live in Melbourne website.
- You can then submit a visa application to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs once your nomination application has been approved.