Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program is now open
Onshore and offshore applicants can apply
In addition to applicants living in Victoria, Victoria will also be selecting applicants living outside Australia for the subclass 190 visa in all eligible occupations.
For the subclass 491 visa in addition to applicants living in Victoria, applicants living offshore can apply, noting Victoria are currently prioritising health occupations for subclass 491 visa nomination.
More eligible occupations
All occupations on the relevant Department of Home Affairs occupation list are now eligible, and applicants are no longer required to be using STEMM skills and working in a target sector to apply. For further information on the new eligibility requirements, see:
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Last year’s invitations
These invitations were sent to the best candidates working in six different sectors. Whilst the Health sector did feature strongly, 62 per cent of invitations were sent to candidates working in other sectors.
| Sector | Lowest points to date* | Top occupations |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Manufacturing | 95 |
|
| Agri-food | 90 |
|
| Health | 90 |
|
| Life Sciences | 95 |
|
| Medical Research | 90 |
|
| New Energy, Emissions Reduction and Circular Economy | 95 |
|
* Please note that candidates considered to be Outstanding Talent may have less than the lowest points stated
If you were not selected to apply for Victorian visa nomination, you do not need to submit another Registration of Interest (ROI). Victoria will continue selecting the best ROIs submitted for each sector from July 2021 onwards over the remaining program year.
Subclass 491 ROIs are currently being assessed with the first group of invitations expected in the coming weeks.
From 07 July 2021, Victoria had opened its skilled migration program for the financial year 2021 – 2022 and started allowing applications for nominations. In this financial year, Victoria was allocated 3,500 places for 190 nomination, and 500 for 491 nominations. We can see from these number that the Victoria government will mainly focus on 190 nominations, and competitiveness remains high in this state.
Along with the new allocation, Victoria has announced some important changes in their skilled migration program in 2021-2022. However, the program will focus on helping the state to respond to Covid19 situation and recover post-pandemic.
There are several changes in their requirement, however, it is generally still limited to those who are working in the target sectors.
The major changes to the 2021-22 program are:
- The removal of the minimum experience and hours worked requirement.
- An increase in the number of target sectors.
- Applicants must have STEMM skills and have a Skill Level 1 or 2 occupation. Applicants for subclass 491 nomination may also have a Skill Level 3 occupation using their STEMM skills.
If you are not working in the above sectors, your chance of getting an invitation from Victoria is slim.
Common Criteria to be selected by Victoria
To be considered for selection to apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination you must be:
- living in Victoria (subclass 491 applicants must live and work in regional Victoria)
- working in Victoria using STEMM skills (which will be explained later in this article, and
- working in a target sector.
Target Sectors
To be nominated by the Victoria government, you must work in a following target sectors.
Health
The health sector in Victoria consists of professionals providing medical services to Victorians as well as those involved in related education and research and development.
You do not necessarily need to be working in a health occupation (e.g. Nurse) to be considered working in the health sector. For example, a software developer working on software for hospitals is considered to be working in the health sector.
Nursing applicants: please note that we only nominate applicants with specific specialisations, such as:
- Midwife – 254111
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care) – 254412
- Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) – 254415
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health) – 254422
- Registered Nurse (Perioperative) – 254423
- Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) – 254425
Medical research
In addition to medical research conducted in universities and research institutes, Victoria’s medical research includes activities such as drug development, clinical trials, health product manufacturing, medical devices and digital health.
If you are using your STEMM skills to support medical research in Victoria, you are considered to be working in the medical research sector.
Life sciences
Victoria’s life sciences sector is composed of many industries such as the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Companies involved in food processing, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals may also be considered to form part of the life sciences sector.
If you are using your STEMM skills to support Victoria’s life sciences sector, you are considered to be working in the life sciences sector. For example, a lecturer in biotechnology working in a university is considered to be working in life sciences.
Digital
The digital sector makes use of technology and innovation to drive economic growth, productivity and competitiveness in Victoria.
Currently they are only selecting applicants with cyber security skills to apply for subclass 190 visa nomination. Applicants without cyber security skills who are seeking subclass 190 visa nomination may still be selected if they are using their digital skills in another target sector. For example, a software engineer working in medical research. Victoria are selecting digital games engineers for Victorian skilled nomination (subclass 190). This is an addition to cyber security skills in the Digital target sector.
Digital games engineers must have specialisation in coding, art direction, AI or physics programming.
Applicants working in any segment of the digital sector will be considered for selection for subclass 491 visa nomination.
Agri-food
The agri-food sector in Victoria includes highly skilled people working to develop food growth and production as well as the modernisation of Victoria’s agri-food sector. To be considered for selection to apply for nomination, applicants must be using their STEMM skills to innovate within the sector, which could include research and development or advanced manufacturing.
Advanced manufacturing
Victoria’s advanced manufacturing sector includes industries such as defence and aerospace. To be considered to be working in advanced manufacturing, you must be using your STEMM skills to enhance innovation. This could include activities such as research and development, design, supply chain management increasing global competitiveness through the use of technology.
New energy, emissions reduction and circular economy
This sector includes industries such as clean energy, renewables, bioenergy, carbon capture and energy storage. Applicants could be using their STEMM skills to support efforts to reduce waste, cut pollution and protect the environment.
Creative industries
The creative industries play an important role in Victoria’s cultural life, economic prosperity and social well-being. The Victorian Government’s Creative State 2025 strategy is designed to secure Victoria’s reputation as a global cultural destination.
To further support this strategy, Victoria is seeking applicants working in the screen industry using their STEMM skills in visual effects or digital animation.
What is STEMM?
Only working in the target sector is not enough for you to get a nomination from the Victoria government, you must also work in a STEMM occupation. To understand whether your occupation is qualified as STEMM, we will explain what STEMM is and what occupations can be considered in STEMM.
The below is a list of 108 occupations that is used by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment as STEMM occupations. Please note having an occupation on the below list does not mean you will be invited by the Victorian government to apply for a 491/190 visa.
| ANZSCO Code | ANZSCO Title |
| 1325 | Research and Development Managers |
| 1332 | Engineering Managers |
| 1342 | Health and Welfare Services Managers |
| 1351 | ICT Managers |
| 2210 | Accountants, Auditors and Company Secretaries nfd |
| 2211 | Accountants |
| 2212 | Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers |
| 2240 | Information and Organisation Professionals nfd |
| 2241 | Actuaries, Mathematicians and Statisticians |
| 2242 | Archivists, Curators and Records Managers |
| 2243 | Economists |
| 2244 | Intelligence and Policy Analysts |
| 2245 | Land Economists and Valuers |
| 2246 | Librarians |
| 2247 | Management and Organisation Analysts |
| 2249 | Other Information and Organisation Professionals |
| 2252 | ICT Sales Professionals |
| 2254 | Technical Sales Representatives |
| 2311 | Air Transport Professionals |
| 2321 | Architects and Landscape Architects |
| 2322 | Cartographers and Surveyors |
| 2326 | Urban and Regional Planners |
| 2330 | Engineering Professionals nfd |
| 2331 | Chemical and Materials Engineers |
| 2332 | Civil Engineering Professionals |
| 2333 | Electrical Engineers |
| 2334 | Electronics Engineers |
| 2335 | Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers |
| 2336 | Mining Engineers |
| 2339 | Other Engineering Professionals |
| 2341 | Agricultural and Forestry Scientists |
| 2342 | Chemists, and Food and Wine Scientists |
| 2343 | Environmental Scientists |
| 2344 | Geologists and Geophysicists |
| 2345 | Life Scientists |
| 2346 | Medical Laboratory Scientists |
| 2347 | Veterinarians |
| 2349 | Other Natural and Physical Science Professionals |
| 2500 | Health Professionals nfd |
| 2510 | Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nfd |
| 2511 | Dietitians |
| 2512 | Medical Imaging Professionals |
| 2513 | Occupational & Environmental Health Professionals |
| 2514 | Optometrists and Orthoptists |
| 2515 | Pharmacists |
| 2519 | Other Health Diagnostic & Promotion Professionals |
| 2520 | Health Therapy Professionals nfd |
| 2521 | Chiropractors and Osteopaths |
| 2523 | Dental Practitioners |
| 2524 | Occupational Therapists |
| 2525 | Physiotherapists |
| 2526 | Podiatrists |
| 2527 | Speech Professionals and Audiologists |
| 2530 | Medical Practitioners nfd |
| 2531 | Generalist Medical Practitioners |
| 2532 | Anaesthetists |
| 2533 | Internal Medicine Specialists |
| 2534 | Psychiatrists |
| 2535 | Surgeons |
| 2539 | Other Medical Practitioners |
| 2540 | Midwifery and Nursing Professionals nfd |
| 2541 | Midwives |
| 2542 | Nurse Educators and Researchers |
| 2543 | Nurse Managers |
| 2544 | Registered Nurses |
| 2600 | ICT Professionals nfd |
| 2610 | Business and Systems Analysts, and Programmers nfd |
| 2611 | ICT Business and Systems Analysts |
| 2612 | Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers |
| 2613 | Software and Applications Programmers |
| 2621 | Database & Systems Administrators & ICT Security |
| 2630 | ICT Network and Support Professionals nfd |
| 2631 | Computer Network Professionals |
| 2632 | ICT Support and Test Engineers |
| 2633 | Telecommunications Engineering Professionals |
| 2721 | Counsellors |
| 2723 | Psychologists |
| 2724 | Social Professionals |
| 3110 | Agricultural, Medical and Science Technicians nfd |
| 3111 | Agricultural Technicians |
| 3112 | Medical Technicians |
| 3114 | Science Technicians |
| 3122 | Civil Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians |
| 3123 | Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians |
| 3124 | Electronic Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians |
| 3125 | Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians |
| 3126 | Safety Inspectors |
| 3129 | Other Building and Engineering Technicians |
| 3130 | ICT and Telecommunications Technicians nfd |
| 3131 | ICT Support Technicians |
| 3132 | Telecommunications Technical Specialists |
| 3210 | Automotive Electricians and Mechanics nfd |
| 3211 | Automotive Electricians |
| 3212 | Motor Mechanics |
| 3230 | Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers nfd |
| 3231 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineers |
| 3232 | Metal Fitters and Machinists |
| 3234 | Toolmakers and Engineering Patternmakers |
| 3400 | Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers nfd |
| 3411 | Electricians |
| 3421 | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics |
| 3613 | Veterinary Nurses |
| 3991 | Boat Builders and Shipwrights |
| 3992 | Chemical, Gas, Petroleum & Power Plant Operators |
| 3999 | Other Technicians and Trades Workers |
| 4111 | Ambulance Officers and Paramedics |
| 4112 | Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists |
| 4114 | Enrolled and Mothercraft Nurses |
Employment requirements for the 190 visa
- You must be currently working in Victoria in a target sector.
- Victoria will accept casual employment.
- Victoria will accept employment in a role that is closely related to your nominated occupation.
- Victoria will NOT accept employment that is NOT related to your nominated occupation.
- For example, Victoria will not accept situations where you are working as a Personal Care Assistant and your nominated occupation is Software Developer.
- You must support all your claims of employment with documents in your application.
- You will be required to provide a current contract, most recent payslip and an extract from your superannuation account showing the most recent payments from your employer.
- In some instances, Victoria may also require additional payslips or reference letter from your employer. If so, Victoria will ask for this during assessment.
Victorian target sectors- 190 visa
You must be working in one of the following target sectors:
- Health
- Medical research
- Life sciences
- Agri-food
- Advanced manufacturing
- New energy, emissions reduction and circular economy
- Digital
- Cyber Security skills and digital games engineers- must have specialisation in coding, art direction, AI or physics programming (subclass 190)
- All digital skills (subclass 491)
Occupation – 190 visa
Any occupation on the skilled occupation lists is eligible to submit a Registration of Interest, provided you are using your STEMM skills in one of the target sectors listed above.
Victoria are currently selecting the following occupations with advanced skills:
- ANZSCO skill levels 1 and 2, and
- STEMM skills or qualifications.
Skills assessment- 190 visa
- Your nominated occupation in your skills assessment must match the ROI, nomination application and EOI.
- When you submit your nomination application your Skills Assessment must have at least 12 weeks validity remaining.
PhD candidates and graduates from Australian universities- 190 visa
You must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for selection. This includes living and working in Victoria.
Victoria will not consider you as employed if you are receiving a scholarship or undertaking a professional placement as part of completing your qualification.
Employment requirements for the 491 visa
- You must be currently working in regional Victoria in a target sector.
- Victoria will accept casual employment.
- Victoria will accept employment in a role that is closely related to your nominated occupation.
- Victoria will NOT accept employment that is NOT related to your nominated occupation.
- For example, Victoria will not accept situations where you are working as a Personal Care Assistant and your nominated occupation is Software Developer.
- You must support all your claims of employment with documents in your application.
- You will be required to provide a current contract, most recent payslip and an extract from your superannuation account showing the most recent payments from your employer.
- In some instances, Victoria may also require additional payslips or reference letter from your employer. If so, Victoria will ask for this during assessment.
Victorian target sectors- 491 visa
You must be working in one of the following target sectors:
- Health
- Medical research
- Life sciences
- Agri-food
- Advanced manufacturing
- New energy, emissions reduction and circular economy
- Digital
- All digital skills including cyber security
Occupation- 491 visa
Any occupation on the skilled occupation lists is eligible to submit a Registration of Interest, provided you are using your STEMM skills in one of the target sectors listed above.
Victoria are currently selecting the following occupations with advanced skills:
- ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2 and 3 and
- STEMM skills or qualifications.
Skills assessment- 491 visa
- Your nominated occupation in your skills assessment must match the ROI, nomination application and EOI.
- When you submit your nomination application your Skills Assessment must have at least 12 weeks validity remaining.
PhD candidates and graduates from Australian universities – 491 visa
You must meet the eligibility requirements to be considered for selection. This includes living and working in Victoria.
Victoria will not consider you as employed if you are receiving a scholarship or undertaking a professional placement as part of completing your qualification.
Living in Victoria- 491 visa
- You must be currently living in regional Victoria.
- You may be required to show evidence of a lease, bond receipt, utilities or other documents that prove you are currently living in Victoria.
- If this is required, we will ask for it during assessment.
- If you live in a border community, you may be eligible if you can clearly demonstrate that you either live or work in Victoria. You must also be able to demonstrate how your skills benefit Victoria.
Nurses- 491 and 190 visa
In the 2020-21 program, Victoria selected over 1,000 nurses to apply for Victorian visa nomination.
This year, Victoria will continue to select nurses to apply for Victorian visa nomination. Based on consultation with industry and the Department of Health, our focus will be on the specialisations below:
- Midwife – 254111
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care) – 254412
- Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) – 254415
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health) – 254422
- Registered Nurse (Perioperative) – 254423
- Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) – 254425
Victoria also select nurses on advice from the Department of Health.
Nurses employed directly by a health provider (e.g. nursing home or hospital) will be prioritised over those working for an agency.
Note:
- If your ROI is not pre-invited you can withdraw and resubmit anytime.
- Once your ROI is pre-invited, and you apply, and you are refused – there is a six months ban before you can apply again.
Related:
Benefits of Australian Permanent Residency
Medical examinations waived for certain visas in Australia
Regional NSW-based direct pathway
Reasons for Australian Student Visa Refusal
191 visa income requirements