Are you a skilled professional seeking a vibrant career and a high quality of life? Look no further! Victoria, one of Australia's most dynamic and opportunity-rich states, is actively inviting talented individuals from around the globe to apply for its 2024–25 Skilled Visa Nomination Program,paving the way for a bright future and potential permanent residency in 2026.

This initiative presents a golden opportunity for experts in priority occupations such as teachers, nurses, engineers, and digital specialiststo establish themselves in a thriving economy. Don't let this chance slip away!This comprehensive guide provides you with all the essential information you need to understand the program and take the first steps towards your Australian adventure before the application deadline.

Unlocking Your Pathway to Australia: Understanding Victoria’s Skilled Visa Nomination Program

The Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program is a strategic initiative by the Victorian government designed to attract and retain skilled workers in sectors crucial for the state's economic growth and future prosperity. By offering state nomination, Victoria enhances the visa application of eligible candidates, significantly increasing their chances of success.

The program focuses on two key visa sub classes:

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190):     This is a permanent     visa, granting you the right to live, work, and study     anywhere in Victoria indefinitely. It offers long-term stability and the     opportunity to truly build your life in Australia.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa     (subclass 491): This is a five-year provisional visa specifically     designed to encourage skilled migration to regional Victoria. It provides     a pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191) after you have lived and worked     in a designated regional area for a specified period. This visa often has     broader occupation eligibility and can be an excellent option for those     open to exploring the unique charm and opportunities of regional Victoria.

The core objective of this program is to strategically address skill shortages within Victoria, ensuring that key industries have access tothe talent they need to thrive. This means your skills and expertise could be highly valued and in demand in this beautiful state.

Are You Eligible? Key Requirements for the Victoria Skilled Visa NominationProgram

To be considered for the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements are designed to ensurethat nominated individuals have the skills, qualifications, and commitment to contribute to Victoria's economy and society.

Here's a breakdown of the essential prerequisites:

• Age: You must be under 45 years of age at     the time of nomination. This criterion ensures that Australia attracts     individuals who have a significant period of their working lives ahead of     them.
• English Proficiency:     Demonstrating adequate English language skills is crucial for successful     integration into the Australian workforce and community. You will need to     achieve a minimum     IELTS score of 6.0 in each of the four bands (Listening, Reading, Writing,     and Speaking) or an equivalent score in another accepted     English language test (e.g., PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English:     Advanced).
• Skills Assessment: Your     nominated occupation must be on the Skilled     Occupation List of the Australian Government, and you must     possess a valid     and positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing     authority for that occupation. This assessment verifies that your     qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. You can find the     relevant assessing authority for your occupation on the Department of Home     Affairs website ([Insert Link to Department of Home Affairs Website]).
• Points Test: The     Australian Government employs a points-based     system to assess the overall suitability of skilled     migrants. You must achieve a minimum     of 65 points, including any points awarded for state     nomination. Points are awarded for factors such as age, English language     proficiency, qualifications, work experience, and other relevant     attributes. You can use the points calculator on the Department of Home     Affairs website to estimate your score ([Insert Link to Points     Calculator]).
• Genuine Intention: You     must demonstrate a genuine     commitment to live and work in Victoria. This means     showing that you have researched the state, understand the opportunities     available in your field, and have a genuine desire to settle and     contribute to the Victorian community.

Important Considerations:

• Onshore Applicants: If you     are currently residing in Australia, you must be a resident of Victoria at the time of     application. This emphasizes Victoria's focus on retaining skilled     individuals already contributing to the state.
• Offshore Applicants:     Applications from overseas candidates are strongly encouraged,     particularly in priority     sectors such as education, social services, and     healthcare. This highlights Victoria's proactive approach to attracting     global talent to address critical skill gaps.

High-Demand Occupations: Your Ticket to Victoria's Skill Shortage Program

While all occupations on the Australian Government's Skilled Occupation Listare technically eligible, Victoria prioritizes certain industries that areexperiencing significant skill shortages and are vital to the state's economic growth. Focusing your application on these in-demand areas can significantlyincrease your chances of receiving a state nomination.

Victoria's current priority sectors include:

• Healthcare: With an aging     population and increasing demand for medical services, healthcare     professionals are highly sought after. This includes Registered Nurses, various     medical specialists, allied health professionals, and aged care workers.     For instance, the Victorian healthcare sector is projected to create over     80,000 new jobs in the next five years (Source: Victorian Department of     Health).
• Social Services:     Professionals in social work, community services, and disability support     play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of the Victorian     community. The demand for qualified social workers is expected to grow by     15% over the next five years (Source: National Skills Commission).
• Education (Early Childhood, Primary,     Secondary): Educators at all levels are in high demand to     nurture the next generation of Victorians. The Victorian government is     investing heavily in education, creating numerous opportunities for     qualified teachers. For example, Victoria needs an estimated 4,000 new     teachers by 2027 (Source: Victorian Department of Education).
• Construction: The construction     industry is booming in Victoria, driving the need for skilled tradespeople     and construction managers. This includes Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Bricklayers, and     Project Managers. The infrastructure pipeline in Victoria is valued at     over $100 billion, indicating sustained demand for construction workers     (Source: Infrastructure Victoria).
• New Energy: As the world     transitions towards sustainable energy sources, Victoria is actively     investing in the new energy sector, creating opportunities for engineers,     technicians, and specialists in renewable energy technologies. The     Victorian Renewable Energy Target aims for 50% renewable energy generation     by 2030, driving demand for skilled professionals in this sector (Source:     Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action).
• Digital Economy (491 visa focus):     Victoria recognizes the critical role of the digital economy and is     seeking skilled professionals in areas like software development, data     science, cybersecurity, and ICT business analysis, particularly for the     Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Melbourne is a     growing tech hub, with the digital technology sector contributing over $38     billion to the Victorian economy annually (Source: Invest Victoria).
• Advanced Manufacturing (491 visa focus):     Professionals with expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies,     automation, and precision engineering are in demand, especially in     regional Victoria under the subclass 491 visa. Victoria has a strong     manufacturing base, contributing significantly to the national economy.
• Hospitality and Tourism (491 visa focus):     As Victoria's vibrant tourism sector recovers and grows, skilled workers     in hospitality and tourism management, as well as qualified chefs and     cooks, are needed, particularly in regional areas under the subclass 491     visa. Victoria's tourism industry contributes over $28 billion to the     state's economy annually (Source: Tourism Victoria).

A Closer Look at In-Demand Roles:

To give you a clearer picture, here are some examples of in-demand occupations, their corresponding ANZSCO codes, eligible visa subclasses underthe Victorian program, and estimated salary ranges (in Australian Dollars per year)

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Victoria Skilled VisaNomination Program

Navigating the visa application process can seem daunting, but by following a structured approach, you can significantly increase your chances of success.Here's a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in applying for Victoria's Skilled Visa Nomination Program:

1. Verify Your Eligibility:     The first and most crucial step is to thoroughly assess whether you meet     all the minimum eligibility requirements outlined earlier. Carefully     review your age, English proficiency, nominated occupation, skills     assessment, points test score, and genuine intention to live and work in     Victoria. Don't underestimate the importance of a positive skills     assessment for your nominated occupation. Research the relevant assessing     authority and understand their specific requirements.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):     Once you are confident that you meet the basic criteria, you need to lodge     an Expression of Interest (EOI)     through the Australian Government's SkillSelect     system ([Insert Link to SkillSelect Website]). The EOI is an online form     where you provide information about your skills, qualifications, work     experience, and visa preferences. Ensure all the information you provide     is accurate and up-to-date, as this will be used to assess your     suitability for skilled migration.
3. Register Your Interest (ROI) with Victoria:     After submitting your EOI, you need to specifically register your interest     with the Victorian government. This is done through the Live in Melbourne portal     ([Insert Link to Live in Melbourne Portal]). You will need to create an     account and submit a Registration     of Interest (ROI), using the EOI number you received from     SkillSelect. The ROI allows Victoria to identify potential candidates who     align with the state's skill needs and priorities. In your ROI, you may be     asked to provide additional information relevant to Victoria's specific     requirements and priority sectors.
4. Await Invitation: The     Victorian government regularly assesses the ROIs submitted and invites the     most competitive candidates to apply for state nomination. There is no     guarantee of receiving an invitation, and the selection process is based     on various factors, including your points score, occupation, and how well     your skills align with Victoria's current needs. Be patient during this     stage, and ensure your contact details in both SkillSelect and the Live in     Melbourne portal are accurate.
5. Submit Your Nomination Application:     If you receive an invitation, you will need to log back into the Live in     Melbourne portal and complete the nomination     application. This involves providing detailed information     and uploading supporting documents to substantiate the claims made in your     EOI and ROI. Ensure you carefully review all the requirements for     supporting documentation, which may include identity documents, skills     assessment, English language test results, employment references, and     proof of funds. Pay close attention to deadlines and ensure all documents     are certified and translated if necessary.
6. Apply for Your Visa: Once     your nomination application is approved by the Victorian government, you     will receive a notification. With the state nomination secured, you can     then proceed to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs     ([Insert Link to Department of Home Affairs Website]). You will need to     complete the relevant visa application forms and provide all the required     documentation, including your Victorian state nomination approval. There     will be a visa application fee payable to the Department of Home Affairs.

Key Dates to Remember: Don't Miss the Application Deadline!

Mark your calendars! The deadline for submitting your Registration of Interest (ROI) for the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program 2025 cycleis Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

It is crucial to submit your ROI well before this deadline to ensure your application is considered for the current program year. Don't wait until thelast minute, as technical issues or incomplete applications could lead to missing this valuable opportunity.

Seize Your Opportunity: Embark on Your Australian Journey

The Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program offers a fantastic pathway for skilled professionals to achieve their dreams of living, working, and buildinga successful future in Australia. With its thriving economy, vibrant cities,stunning natural landscapes, and high quality of life, Victoria presents acompelling destination for those seeking new horizons.

By understanding the program requirements, focusing on in-demand occupations, and meticulously following the application process, you can take asignificant step towards making your Australian dream a reality. Don't let this opportunity pass you by – start your journey today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the nomination for Victoria 2024–25?

The Victoria State Nomination for 2024–25 is a key part of Australia's skilled migration program. It allows skilledworkers and graduates to be nominated by the Victorian Government for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)or a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa(subclass 491). The nomination supports your application to the Department of Home Affairs by confirming that your skills are in demand in Victoria.

How do I get nominated for as killed visa in Australia?

To be nominated for a skilled visa in Australia by a state or territory government(such as Victoria), you need to follow these general steps:

1. Check Your Eligibility
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
3. Meet State Requirements
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply
5. Submit the Nomination Application
6. Get Nominated and Apply for Visa

How much is the nomination fee in Victoria?

The nomination application fee for Victoria depends on the visa subclass:

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190):     AUD $0 (no fee)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa     (subclass 491): AUD $0 (no fee)

Yes,you read that right—Victoria does not charge a fee for state nomination applications under the 190 and 491 visa programs. However,you’ll still need to pay the relevant visa application fee to the Department of Home Affairs once you receive an invitation to apply.

How long does it take for Victoria state nomination to be approved?

The processing time for Victoria state nomination can vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of eachcase. However, as a general guideline:

• Most complete     applications are processed     within 12 weeks from the date of submission.
• Highly     competitive occupations or incomplete applications may take longer.

How long does it take for anomination to be approved (general skilled visa)?

In general, nomination approvals by Australian states and territories for skilled visas can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on:

• The state     or territory processing your application (e.g., Victoria, NSW, QLD)
• The visa     subclass (subclass 190 or 491)
• Demand for     your occupation and sector
• Whether     your application is complete and meets the latest nomination criteria

After you receive your state nomination,the Department of Home Affairs may take an additional few months to finalize your skilled visa application.

Ready to Take the Next Step Towards Your Australian Dream?Navigating the complexities of the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program canbe overwhelming. At Go Ahead Migration, our experienced and registered migration agents are dedicated to providing you with expert guidance and personalized support throughout your entire visa journey. From initial eligibility assessments to meticulous application preparation and submission,we're here to simplify the process and maximize your chances of success. Don't leave your future to chance – contact Go Ahead Migration today for a consultation and let us help you make Australia your new home.

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