Are you a recent graduate from a Victorian education institution and thinking about your next steps for residency in Australia? Great news! The Victorian government has made changes that make it easier for recent graduates to be nominated for the Skilled Work Regional (491) visa. Whether you’re living in Melbourne or already in regional Victoria, there are exciting new pathways to explore. You can read about these changes here
Eligibility for Onshore Victorian Graduates
If you hold a Student (subclass 500) or Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, you are eligible to apply for Victorian nomination under the subclass 491 visa. This visa opens the door for you to live and work in regional areas of Victoria.
Key Points:
- Ensure your Registration of Interest (ROI) is up to date with your current visa status.
- Victorian graduates are exempt from the regional employment requirement, meaning you can apply even if you are not currently working in regional Victoria.
Living in Melbourne? Here’s What You Need to Know
The biggest change for graduates living in Melbourne is that you no longer have to reside in regional Victoria when you apply for the nomination. However, once your 491 visa is granted, you must move to a designated regional area of Victoria. Both you and any dependents will be required to live, work, and study in these areas.
If you’re not working or in non-skilled employment at the time of your ROI submission, you can enter “0” for your estimated annual earnings. This is a significant advantage for students who may still be job hunting or who are currently working in a field outside of their career path.
For Graduates Already Living in Regional Victoria
If you’re already living in regional Victoria, you can also benefit from these new rules. Once your subclass 491 visa is granted, you are required to continue living and working in regional Victoria. Graduates living in regional areas are similarly exempt from the regional employment requirement. However, if you are working in a skilled role in regional Victoria, you can claim your annual earnings when submitting your ROI.
What’s Next?
The subclass 491 visa offers a valuable opportunity for graduates to build a future in Australia’s regional areas. With the exemption from the employment requirement, it’s an ideal option for graduates still on the lookout for work.
At Aurelia Legal, we are here to help you navigate through the visa process, ensuring your application meets the requirements. If you have any questions or need assistance with your 491 visa application, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at +61 3 9125 8820 or info@aurelialegal.com.au