State Sponsorship - Victoria-FAQ

Updated on 17 August 2022

General skilled visa nomination questions

How much does it cost to apply for Victorian visa nomination?
There’s no charge to apply for Victorian visa nomination. But the Department of Home Affairs will charge a fee when you lodge your visa. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website external link for more information about visa charges.

I have to submit my visa application from overseas but am unable to leave Australia. Can you re-nominate me?

The Victorian Government will not re-nominate applicants who are subject to a section 48 bar where their nomination has expired and they are unable to leave Australia.

The section 48 bar applies to applicants who have had a visa refused or cancelled since their last entry into Australia. If you are subject to a section 48 bar you need to leave Australia before you can reapply for a visa.

Once offshore, you may consider all visa options, including Victorian nominated visas.

Should you wish to return to Australia while travel restrictions remain in place – you may request an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.

You will need to contact the Department of Home Affairs directly for enquiries relating to entry conditions and visa obligations:

• Telephone: 131 881
• Website: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au

What is a State Migration Agreement?
The Victorian Government has a formal agreement with the Australian Department of Home Affairs to provide visa nomination to global talent, business and investor migrants. This is called the State Migration Agreement.

What are the conditions of  Victorian visa nomination?
The conditions of Victorian visa nomination are set out on the Skilled Nominated subclass 190 and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) subclass 491 visa pages.

When does the two-year visa nomination commitment to live and work in Victoria begin?
The commitment begins on the date you arrive in Victoria. If you already live within Australia, the commitment begins at the time your visa is granted.

Where in Victoria does a nominated visa allow me to live?

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa allowing you to live and work anywhere in the state of Victoria, including Melbourne.

The Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) is a provisional four-year visa where you must live and work in regional Victoria (this does not include Melbourne). This requirement supports the criteria to meet the second stage permanent residency visa.

There is a list of eligible postcodes for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

How long is visa nomination valid for?

If you are nominated by the Victorian Government, you will automatically receive an invitation to apply for your visa from the Department of Home Affairs. You will have 60 days to lodge your visa application.

You should inform the Victorian Government via email to [e-mail] when you make your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.

What are Victoria’s visa nomination processing times?
The current processing time is approximately 12 weeks after a completed application is received. If information is missing from your application, it could take longer. Processing times vary between occupations and depend on assessment procedures.

How much money do I need to migrate to Melbourne?
If you are onshore, you are not required to provide evidence of financial resources when you apply for visa nomination.

What is the English language requirement?

At minimum, applicants are required to evidence a Competent level of English for their nomination application for both the Skilled Nominated subclass 190 and Skilled Work Regional subclass 491.

Passport holders and citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the United States of America, or the Republic of Ireland don’t need to provide English language test results. If this exemption applies to you, you must provide a copy of the bio page of your passport.

Please note: the Victorian Government does not participate in the English language concession.

Is an English language test required as part of the visa nomination application?

Yes, you must provide a copy of your English language test when you apply.

We accept all English language tests which are deemed eligible by the Department of Home Affairs

Passport holders and citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the United States of America, or the Republic of Ireland don’t need to provide English language test results. If this exemption applies to you, you must provide a copy of the bio page of your passport.

Please note: the Victorian Government does not participate in the English language concession.

Does the Victorian Government accept English language tests other than IELTS?

Yes, we accept all English language tests which are deemed eligible by the Department of Home Affairs

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Occupational English Test (OET)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English).

I am a health practitioner, can I provide an Occupational English Test (OET) assessment?

Yes, health practitioners can provide an OET assessment.

You can provide results from multiple OETs, recognising that an OET is a module-based test that allows you to sit components separately.

The OET assessment certificate must be attached to your visa nomination application form.

What documents are required as part of a visa nomination application?

Information about documents required can be found on the specific visa page:

• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

What skills assessment is required?
You can find information about the skills assessment required for each occupation on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Is a full skills assessment required?
Yes, everyone who applies must provide a full skills assessment. Please note: a skills assessment relevant for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) will not be sufficient.

Can an application for visa nomination be lodged without a skill assessment?
No, a matching skills assessment for your occupation is a required document at the time of lodging an application for visa nomination under the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).

Does a skill assessment mean I will be granted visa nomination?
No, a complete skills assessment is only one of the criteria assessed for visa nomination.

Is a job offer required for visa nomination?
The requirement of a job offer depends on the occupation for which you are seeking visa nomination. Refer to the Visa Nomination Occupation Lists page to find out if a job offer is required with your nominated occupation.
If you are currently living in another Australian state or applying for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489), you must provide a current Victorian job offer to support your application for visa nomination.

What information must be provided as evidence of job offer?
A job offer means permanent employment in your nominated occupation (not casual work) for at least 20 hours per week and for at least six continuous months.
Required evidence of a job offer includes:
A copy of the offer letter or contract displaying the company details, including the Australian Business Number (ABN); and
A Confirmation of Employment Statement – available from the Supporting documents for skilled visas page.

Do I have to use a migration agent?
No, you do not have to use a migration agent to apply for visa nomination. You can find out more about using an agent on the Using a Migration Agent page.

Does the Victorian Government assist with finding an employer to provide sponsorship?
No, the Victorian Government does not provide a recruitment service and cannot help you find employment. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for information on employer-sponsored visas.

Where can I find information on de-facto visas?
Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs for information on relevant visa pathways.

Where can I find information on sponsoring a family member to come and live in Australia?
Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs for information on relevant visa pathways.

Where can I find information on visiting Australia on a working holiday visa?
Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs for information on relevant visa pathways.

Why do I need to complete a Registration of Interest for Victorian State Visa Nomination?

You need to be selected by Victoria to apply for skilled visa nomination (subclasses 190 and 491). We are seeking applicants working in our target sectors with STEMM skills.

The information you provide in your Registration of Interest helps us decide who to select to apply for skilled visa nomination.

What’s the difference between an Expression of Interest and a Registration of Interest?

An Expression of Interest is made on the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system and is a requirement for skilled visa nomination.

A Registration of Interest for Victorian State Visa Nomination in submitted on the Live in Melbourne website and helps us decide who will be selected to apply for skilled visa nomination.

What does selected to apply for nomination mean?

As part of the 2020-21 Skilled Migration program, you must be selected to apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination before you can apply.

To be considered for selection, you must first make an EOI on SkillSelect and then submit a Registration of Interest for Victorian State Visa Nomination on Live in Melbourne. This helps us to select candidates who are best contributing to economic recovery and the health response.

Can I apply again if I have been refused?

If your application is refused, you will not be able to submit a new application for 6 months. This ensures our resources are allocated to processing applications that meet the requirements of the visa.

Are you still using an occupation list?

No, we will only be selecting candidates to apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination if they are using their STEMM skills in our target sectors.

The nominated occupation is still required to be listed on the Department of Home Affairs’ eligible lists for nomination applications.

Can I apply again if I have already been nominated?

We do not provide renomination in the following instances:

• You do not submit your visa application within 60 days.
• Your EOI was incorrect when we nominated you, including points claimed by you or your agent.

If you have been nominated for any skilled visa (either subclass 190 or 491), you cannot be nominated again in the same program year.

Can you provide migration advice?

The Victorian Government has no legal authority to provide advice or make recommendations regarding your eligibility or specific circumstances, as migration advice is a regulated industry in Australia. If you require professional advice, we recommend you talk to a registered migration agent or lawyer .

You should direct any questions regarding SkillSelect EOI points or the visa process to the Department of Home Affairs.

How long does my visa take to process?

Please check the visa processing timesexternal link published by the Department of Home Affairs. All SkillSelect and EOI enquiries should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs.

How do I apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination? What are the steps?

To apply for Victorian visa nomination, you must:

1. Check eligibility Make sure you meet the requirements for the visa you are seeking nomination for - Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
2. Submit your EOI Submit or update your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs on SkillSelect.
3. Submit your ROI Using the EOI number received from SkillSelect, create an account on the Live in Melbourne portalexternal link and submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Victorian visa nomination.
4. Submit a nomination application If you are invited, submit a nomination application in the Live in Melbourne portal.
5. Submit your visa application If your nomination application is successful, submit a visa application for your selected visa with the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

What’s the difference between an Expression of Interest (EOI) and a Registration of Interest (ROI)?

An Expression of Interest (EOI)external link is made on the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelectexternal link system and is a requirement for skilled visa nomination.

A Registration of Interest (ROI) is submitted on the Live in Melbourne website and informs the Victorian Government of your interest in receiving Victorian skilled visa nomination.

Why do I need to complete a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Victorian skilled visa nomination?

To be considered for Victorian skilled visa nomination, you must first submit a Registration of Interest (ROI). The information you provide in your SkillSelectexternal link EOI and your ROI enables the Victorian Government to invite applicants for Victorian visa nomination.

A ROI is not an application for Victorian visa nomination.

There is a high level of interest in Victorian nomination and a limited number of nomination places available. Therefore, only the most competitive applicants across the combination of ranking factors are invited to apply.

It is important that the information in your SkillSelect EOI, ROI and nomination application is genuine, accurate and up to date. Please see the Registration of Interest page for more details.

What does invited to apply for nomination mean?

As part of the 2024-25 Victorian skilled migration program, you must be invited to apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination before you can submit a nomination application.

You must first make an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelectexternal link and then submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Victorian state visa nomination on the Live in Melbourne portal.

Successful Registrations of Interest (ROIs) will be invited to submit a nomination application in the Live in Melbourne portalexternal link.

If your nomination application is successful, you will submit a visa application for your selected visa with the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.

When do I need to update my Registration of Interest (ROI)?

Once you have submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI) it will remain in our system until either withdrawn by you, invited by us or the program year ends. Your ROI cannot be updated once it has been submitted.

If the information in your ROI is incorrect or out of date, you must withdraw it and submit a new ROI.

Withdrawing and resubmitting a new ROI will not affect the ranking or position of your ROI in our assessment and does not negatively impact your chances of selection.

Skilled Nominated (190) visa questions

What are the work requirements to apply for visa nomination for the Skilled nominated (subclass 190) visa?

There are no employment or work requirements for Victorian nomination for a subclass 190 visa. If you made annual earnings claims in your Registration of Interest, if selected you will be required to provide evidence of your annual earnings in the nomination application

If I am living in Australia, can I apply for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)?

If you are living in Australia (onshore), you must be living in Victoria. We will not be selecting Registration of Interests (ROIs) from onshore applicants living in Australian states and territories other than Victoria. We do make some case-by-case exceptions for those living in border communities who can clearly demonstrate they are working in Victoria.

If you are living overseas (offshore), you are eligible to apply for a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa nomination. You must be committed to living in Victoria.

Do I need to be working to apply for the visa subclass 190?

You are not required to be working to be eligible for Victorian subclass 190 visa nomination. There are no minimum work experience requirements.

Living in Victoria (onshore):

• If you are living in Victoria and work in skilled employment for an employer physically located in Victoria, you can provide an estimate of your annual earnings in your Registration of Interest (ROI). Virtual offices are not accepted. View our Annual earnings estimation guide for information on what you can and cannot claim.
• If you are living in Victoria and not working, working in non-skilled employment, or working for an employer not physically located in Victoria, you are still eligible to apply for nomination, but you are not eligible to claim earnings in your Registration of Interest (ROI).

Living overseas (offshore):

• If you are living overseas, you are not required to claim earnings in your Registration of Interest (ROI).

What are the differences between the subclass 190 visa and subclass 189 visa?

SUBCLASS 190 VISA	SUBCLASS 189 VISA
Victoria's role	Victoria provides visa nomination	Victoria plays no role
Visa type	Permanent visa	Permanent visa
Work and study entitlements	Allows work and study in Australia	Allows work and study in Australia
Requirements	Must meet state or territory government nomination requirements and visa requirements	Must meet visa requirements
Commitment to Victoria	For Victorian nomination, you must commit to living in Victoria for at least 2 years	N/A
Visa processing time	Department of Home Affairs – subclass 190 processing timesexternal link	Department of Home Affairs – subclass 189 processing times

If I am offshore, can I apply for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)?

Offshore applicants are eligible to apply for Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa nomination.

Can Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) holders live in Melbourne?

Yes, Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) holders can live and work anywhere in Victoria including Melbourne.

I'm a graduate of a Victorian university. Am I eligible for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)?

Graduates can apply for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) if they meet the eligibility requirements.

How many points do I need to be selected to apply for Victorian visa nomination?

You must have 65 points at minimum (including points awarded for state nomination) to be nominated by Victoria for the State Nominated visa (subclass 190).

What occupations are eligible to apply for Victorian visa nomination?

All occupations on the relevant Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list are eligible.

You must have a valid Skills Assessment in your nominated occupation. You can find the Skills Assessment authorities relevant to your occupation on the Occupation List page of the Department of Home Affairs website.

Which occupations are you prioritising for skilled nomination?

If you are offshore, occupations in health, social services and teaching are being prioritised.

If you are onshore, occupations in hospitality and tourism, digital economy, advanced manufacturing, health, social services and teaching are being prioritised.

For all candidates, you can submit a Registration of Interest if you have a Skills Assessment for any eligible occupation on the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list.

Do I need to keep my EOI updated?

It is important that your EOI is accurate and up to date. If you are invited to apply for visa nomination but unable to evidence any claims, your application may be refused. This includes years of experience working in your nominated occupation and where you are currently living.

Please review your EOI in SkillSelect and ensure the information is up to date and is consistent with the ROI information you have provided in your Live in Melbourne account, including visa subclass for which you intend to apply, state of interest and date of birth.

If the information in your SkillSelect EOI or the EOI points have changed, you do not need to withdraw and submit a new ROI.

You only need to withdraw and submit a new ROI, if the information you entered on the ROI form changes.

If you are invited to apply, you cannot modify your EOI. Please Contact Us about the information you wish to update on your EOI if you have been invited to apply.

Can I claim partner points in the Registration of Interest (ROI) if I am earning points in my Expression of Interest (EOI)?

You can claim ROI points for your skilled partner if they will be included in your visa application.

If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you cannot claim partner points in your ROI.

Can I submit two Registrations of Interest?

You can only have one active Registration of Interest (ROI) submitted at any time.

You cannot submit a separate ROI for each visa subclass or for a different occupation. If you wish to change the visa subclass or your occupation, you must withdraw your existing ROI and submit a new one.

When is the next invitation round and when will I be invited?

Invitation rounds occur throughout the financial year. There are no set dates for invitation rounds.

A Registration of Interest (ROI) is not an application for Victorian visa nomination, and there is no processing timeframe.

If you have submitted a Registration of Interest but have not received an email inviting you to apply for Victorian nomination, you cannot apply. There is no guarantee that your ROI will be invited.

If your ROI is assessed as eligible but not yet invited, it will remain under consideration for the following invitation rounds.

We receive a high number of ROIs, and we appreciate your patience during the invitation process.

Skilled Work Regional (491) visa questions

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for visa nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)?

Eligibility requirements can be viewed on the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) page.

Can I apply for the subclass 491 visa if I do not live in Victoria?

For applicants living overseas (offshore), you are eligible to apply for subclass 491 visa nomination.

For applicants living in another state or territory, you cannot apply for Victorian nomination.

For those in border communities, we do make case-by-case exceptions for those living in border communities who can clearly demonstrate they are working in regional Victoria.

Once the subclass 491 visa is granted, visa holders must live and work in regional Victoria.

Do I need to be working to apply for the subclass 491?

If you are offshore, you are not required to be employed to apply for Victorian nomination.

If you are onshore and a recent Victorian graduate you are not required to be employed to apply for Victorian nomination.

If you are onshore and hold another temporary residence visa, you are required to be living and working in a skilled role in regional Victoria.

What sectors and skills are being targeted for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)?

If you are living offshore, you can submit a Registration of Interest if you have a Skills Assessment for any eligible occupation. Health occupations will initially be prioritised and we encourage applicants in all other occupations to submit a Registration of Interest as you may be considered.

Applicants living and working in regional Victoria can have any occupation on the Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation listexternal link. You must be working in skilled employment and have a skills assessment.

Does the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa offer a pathway to permanent residency?

Yes, subclass 491 visa holders may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). For more information, please see the Department of Home Affairs’ website.

What are the work requirements to apply for visa nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa?

If you are living overseas, you must have a Skills Assessment for an eligible occupation.

If you are living in Australia, you must be living and working in skilled employment in regional Victoria at the time of nomination. Skilled employment includes any role that is at skill levels 1, 2 or 3 in the relevant ANZSCO classification.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for visa nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)?

Eligibility requirements can be viewed on the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) page.

If I am living in Australia, can I apply for Victorian Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa nomination?

You must be currently living and working in regional Victoria to be eligible for Victorian visa nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa.

Are graduates and PhD students eligible for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa nomination?

Yes, graduates and PhD students are eligible for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

How many points do I need in order to be selected to apply for Victorian Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa nomination?

You must have a minimum of 65 points (including points awarded for state nomination) to be selected to apply for Victorian Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa nomination. You must also meet the eligibility requirements.

Where can holders for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa live and what qualifies as Regional Victoria??

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa holders must live and work in regional Victoria once the visa has been granted.

Regional Victoria comprises all the areas of the state of Victoria outside Melbourne. It also includes some outer areas of Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsula and Geelong are considered designated regional areas of Victoriaexternal link for migration purposes.

For a complete list of postcodes considered to be in regional Victoria, please see the Department of Home Affairs’ website.

Are graduates and PhD students eligible for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa nomination?

Yes, graduates and PhD students are eligible for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Recent graduates from a Victorian education institution living in metropolitan Melbourne may be eligible for nomination for the subclass 491 visa if they:

• currently hold a valid subclass 500 Student visa or subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa; and
• have obtained a qualification from a Victorian education institution.

Please note, to meet the conditions of the visa you will be required to relocate to regional Victoria once the visa is granted.

Claiming earnings in a Registration of Interest (ROI)

What is the minimum earnings requirement?
There is no minimum earnings requirement to be eligible for Victorian visa nomination. Earnings are just one of many factors used to select Registration of Interests (ROIs) for invitation.

Can I claim earnings from any job?
Your employment does not have to be related to or the same as your nominated occupation. If you claim earnings, they must be from skilled employment from an employer physically located in Victoria for subclass 190 and regional Victoria for subclass 491. Virtual offices are not accepted.

What is skilled employment?
Skilled employment includes any role that is at skill levels 1, 2 or 3 in the relevant ANZSCO classificationexternal link.

Please see the ABS websiteexternal link where you can see a list of all ANZSCO occupations with their corresponding skill levels.

For example, if your nominated occupation is Mechanical Engineer (ANZSCO skill level 1), but you are currently working as a Truck Driver (ANZSCO skill level 4), you cannot claim earnings from this job as it is classified as skill level 4.

However, if you are a Mechanical Engineer (ANZSCO skill level 1), but you are currently working as a Mechanical Engineering Technician (ANZSCO skill level 2), you can claim earnings from this job as it is classified as skill level 2.

How do I calculate my estimated annual earnings?
Please see Annual earnings estimation guide for information on how to calculate this figure.

What information about my employment do you require?
If invited to apply for Victorian visa nomination, and you have claimed annual earnings in your Registration of Interest (ROI), you will be required to provide evidence in the nomination application.

You must support all your claims of earnings with documents in your application. You will be required to provide a current employment contract, your most recent four weeks of pay slips, an extract from your superannuation account showing the most recent contribution from your employer, and a position description that describes your role.

During our assessment of your nomination application, we may require additional supporting information. If so, we will ask for this during our assessment.

You can find more information on annual earnings on the Annual Earnings Estimation Guide page.

Once you have been nominated

How long is visa nomination valid for?
If you are nominated, you will automatically receive an invitation to apply for your visa from the Department of Home Affairs. You will have 60 days to lodge your visa application.

When do I need to tell the Victorian Government about my visa grant?
You must tell the Victorian Government when your visa is granted.

If you were offshore at the time of nomination, you must also tell the Victorian Government once you arrive in Victoria to settle. You do not need to inform us if you arrive in Victoria temporarily to activate your visa.

When does the two-year visa nomination commitment to live and work in Victoria begin?
The commitment begins on the date you arrive in Australia. If you already live within Australia, the commitment begins at the time your visa is granted.

Will the Victorian Government contact me after I am nominated?
As per the nomination declaration you sign, you agree to complete surveys if requested by, or on behalf of, the Victorian Government, including a survey upon arrival and at six monthly intervals after visa grant or arrival in Australia.

These surveys are a condition of nomination. They provide us important feedback.