State Requirement for 491 Visa

Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program for 2021-22 will open to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 7 July 2021. The Department of Home Affairs has provided Victoria with 3,500 subclass 190 places, and 500 subclass 491 places.

Previously the requirements were:

• Already be living in regional Victoria
• Already be working in regional Victoria (minimum 3 months employment)
• Work in a highly skilled occupation in health, medical research, life sciences, agri-food or digital sectors which supports Victoria’s economic recovery and/or health response.
• See Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) for further information.

The Australian government has directed ACT to nominate those who can support the economic recovery post-COVID. As such, you must meet the following criteria before you apply for the nomination:

• Resided in Canberra for at least 3 months
• One of the following:
  • Nominated occupation is on the ACT Critical Skills List (July 2021), OR
  • A primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer:
    • You have worked in Canberra for the sponsor for at least 3 months
    • The visa must have a minimum of 12 months validity at time of nomination application.
  • Must be working for an ACT employer in Canberra for at least 3 months (must be paid employment, and for a minimum of 20 hours per week).

Onshore applications for Northern Territory nomination under the General Skilled Migration program can now be lodged through the online application system. Offshore applications remain closed while the national border restrictions stay in place.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is CLOSED.

EOI’s for the 491 from 1–7 February 2021 and 19 – 25 April 2021, are currently being processed.

Queensland 491-SBO (Small Business Owners) Pathway is OPEN.  QLD Subclass 491 SBO Pathway, this stream is basically for migrants who are willing to invest a minimum of $100,000 in a business located in QLD regional area.

BSMQ will also prioritise businesses which create jobs, OR support COVID recovery industries, OR are located in a regional area.

QLD are unable to process applicants who are s48 barred.

Stream 1 — I am living and working in Regional NSW

• hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation that appears on the Stream 1 Combined Occupation List.
• have been living in a designated regional area of NSW for at least the previous twelve months; and
• have been working in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, in a designated regional area of NSW, for at least the previous twelve months

Stream 2 — I have recently completed study in Regional NSW

• hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation that appears on your nominated region’s occupation list
• have completed study or education with an education provider, where:
  • the study was completed within the previous 24 months
  • the education provider is in a designated regional area in NSW
  • the study meets the Australian study requirement (as determined by Home Affairs); and
  • the qualification obtained from this study was assessed as closely related to your nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority; and
• have lived in a designated regional area of NSW while completing your study

Stream 3 — I am skilled in an occupation required in Regional NSW

• hold a valid skills assessment for an occupation that appears on your nominated region’s occupation list
• Be currently residing in an Australian state or territory
• Offshore candidates are now eligible to submit an ROI under Stream 3. Note: the likelihood of being invited to apply is very low. We strongly recommend all prospective offshore candidates explore all other migration pathways available. Please book an appointment to discuss your options and pathways.

South Australia will open its skilled migration program on 20 July 2021 for this financial year. With a total of 5,200 places allocated for both 190 and 491 nominations, South Australia has announce its changes to the migration program with the following key points:

• Applicants residing in Australia but not in South Australia now are eligible for the South Australia under Talent and Innovator Employment Stream
• Offshore applicants are eligible for South Australia state nomination, depending on their nominated occupations.
• There are 3 main streams: Talent and Innovators Program, Currently living and working in South Australia, and International Graduates stream.
• For some instances, applicants do not need to work in their nominated occupation to apply for the state nomination.

The South Australian program is focused on:

1. Talent and Innovators Program

This program is intended for skilled migrants who can contribute to South Australia’s priority sectors. It is divided into four streams:

• Employment stream
• Start-up and small business stream
• Independent talent stream

1. Currently working in South Australia

This program is accessible for applicants who are:

• Currently living and working in South Australia
• Living and working in regional South Australia
• Living and working in South Australia as a long-term resident

1. International Graduate of South Australia

Students who complete their studies in South Australia can access additional waivers and concessions. There are various requirements to meet before the applicant can apply for this stream. Some of the requirements include:

• The course must be CRICOS registered with a minimum of 46 weeks.
• A minimum of 50 % of the qualification must be completed in South Australia.
• The applicant must reside in South Australia for at least one year during his/her studies.
• The applicant must continue to reside in South Australia post-study.
• For subclass 190 or 491 nominations, the applicant must be working in South Australia in his/her nominated occupation.