Victoria has recently announced the opening of its state sponsorship program for this financial year, with an allocation of 5,000 places. This is a positive development for potential migrants looking to settle in Victoria, as it demonstrates the state’s commitment to attracting skilled individuals to support its economic and social development.
Breakdown of Sponsorship Places
The allocation of sponsorship places in Victoria is divided between two visa categories:
- Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated Visa): 3,000 places
- Subclass 491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): 2,000 places
This distribution reflects the state’s strategic approach to addressing skill shortages both in metropolitan and regional areas. The Subclass 190 visa is aimed at skilled workers who can contribute to the state’s economy and are willing to live and work in Victoria permanently. In contrast, the Subclass 491 visa is designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas, promoting regional development and addressing regional skill shortages.
Continuation of Previous Requirements
Applicants who registered their interest in the Victorian state sponsorship program in the previous financial year do not need to reapply. Existing registrations will remain valid for the current financial year. This continuity provides stability for applicants and ensures that their previous efforts in the application process are not wasted.
Implications and Expectations
The announcement of the state sponsorship allocation for Victoria has been met with positive responses from potential migrants and migration agents. The clear allocation of places and continuation of existing requirements provide a straightforward path for applicants. However, with the significant number of places available, it is expected that the competition will be strong, and applicants will need to ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria to maximize their chances of receiving an invitation.
For those interested in applying, it is advisable to stay informed about the specific requirements and ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared accurately. Our clients who have already applied for other States will be assessed automatically by our migration team to see whether they can apply under Victoria.