Victoria’s Skilled Migration program is one potential option to consider when seeking visas for your employees.
Victoria provides visa nomination (similar to sponsorship) for skilled migrants for the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. These are independent skilled visas with no obligations to work for a particular employer.
Employer sponsored visas have been designed for employers who need skilled migrants. These visas are administered by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs and Victoria has no role in the assessment or granting of these visas.
Key facts about Victorian visa nomination
- Victorian visa nomination is provided at no cost to the individual, however fees are charged by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
- Victorian visa nomination is highly competitive and not everyone that submits a Registration of Interest will be nominated.
- A migration agent is not required but may be used.
- The subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas are considered independent – the holder has no obligation to work for a particular employer.
- Processing times with the DHA can be considerably longer than for employer sponsored visas. Information on processing times is available on the DHA website.
| Subclass 190 visa | Subclass 491 visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay/entitlement | Permanent residency | 5 years with a pathway to permanent residency via subclass 191 visa |
| Obligation to live and work | Anywhere in Victoria | Must live and work in a designated regional area |
| Obligation to work for a particular employer | No | No |
| Further information including how to apply | Live in Melbourne – subclass 190 Department of Home Affairs – subclass 190 | Live in Melbourne – subclass 491 Department of Home Affairs – subclass 491 |
Employer sponsored visas
Victorian visa nomination is not the only option for employers seeking a visa with work rights for employees. The visas below require employer sponsorship, with applications made directly to the Department of Home Affairs. Victoria plays no role in the assessment or granting of these visas.
| Subclass 482 - Temporary Skill Shortage visa | Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa | Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length of stay/entitlement | 1-4 years | 5 years with a pathway to permanent residency | Permanent residency |
| Obligation to live and work | Anywhere in Australia | Must live and work in a designated regional area | Anywhere in Australia |
| Obligation to work for sponsoring employer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Further information including how to apply | Department of Home Affairs – Temporary Skill Shortage visa | Department of Home Affairs – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa – Employer Sponsored stream | Department of Home Affairs – Employer Nomination Scheme visa |
This is just a summary of the main visa types for sponsoring skilled migrants. There are many other options available. See the Department of Home Affairs website for more information
Many employers use the services of a migration agent or lawyer to assist them with visa applications. See Using a migration agent or lawyer for further information.