How to Relocate to Australia Without the Requirement of a Job Offer

How to Relocate to Australia Without the Requirement of a Job Offer

Ever contemplated about moving to Australia, the State of Victoria has introduced appealing visa opportunities that might turn your aspirations into actuality. Victoria is presenting two main visas, namely Visa 190 and Visa 491, both granting you the ability to work, study, and settle permanently in Australia.

Visa 190

The Visa 190, known as the Skilled Nominated visa, is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in Australia. You don’t need a job offer to apply for this visa, and it allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely and it paves the way for potential Australian citizenship. Here’s all you need to know about the Visa 190:

To be eligible for the Visa 190, you must:

• Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency.
• Have an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Meet the minimum points requirement on the points test (currently set at 65 points).
• Be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation.
• Have competent English language skills.

To apply for the Visa 190, you must first receive a nomination from a state or territory government agency in Australia. Each state or territory government has its own criteria for selecting applicants, so it’s essential to check their specific requirements.

The Visa 190 is part of the SkillSelect program, which is an online system used by the Australian government to manage applications for skilled migration visas. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and be invited to apply for the Visa 190 by a state or territory government.

Applicants for the Visa 190 are assessed based on various factors, including age, English language proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. You must score at least 65 points on the points test to be eligible for the visa.

The Visa 190 is a permanent residency visa, which means that once granted, you and your eligible family members can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You can also access certain social security benefits and apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.

As a holder of the Visa 190, you are required to live and work in the nominating state or territory for a specified period. You must also comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

Visa 491

The Visa 491, known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, is a temporary visa designed to address regional skill shortages and promote economic development in regional areas of Australia. Here’s all you need to know about the Visa 491:

The Visa 491 allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Visa 491 is restricted to designated regional areas of Australia, which include all areas except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area.

To be eligible for the Visa 491, applicants must:

• Be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative.
• Have an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Meet the minimum points requirement on the points test (currently set at 65 points).
• Be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation.
• Have competent English language skills.

Applicants for the Visa 491 are assessed based on various factors, including age, English language proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors. You must score at least 65 points on the points test to be eligible for the visa.

Applicants for the Visa 491 must be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area. Each state or territory government has its own criteria for selecting applicants, so it’s essential to check their specific requirements.

The Visa 491 is a temporary visa, initially granted for up to five years. During this period, visa holders and their eligible family members can live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

Visa 491 holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191) pathway after meeting specific residency and employment requirements.

For more information on Skilled Work Regional Visa (491), click here.

Application Process for Visa 190 and Visa 491

It’s essential to carefully follow the instructions provided by the Victorian government and the Department of Home Affairs throughout the nomination and visa application process to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

Here’s the process for applying for Victorian nomination for the Australia Visa 190 or Visa 491:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs via SkillSelect. In your EOI, you will provide details about your skills, qualifications, and other relevant information.
2. Apply for Victorian Nomination: Once you have submitted your EOI, apply for Victorian nomination using the EOI number through the Live in Melbourne portal. You will need to create an account on the portal and follow the instructions to complete your application for nomination.
3. Complete Nomination Application: Upon receiving an invitation from the Victorian government, log in to the Live in Melbourne portal and complete a nomination application. Provide all required documents and information accurately and thoroughly.
4. Submit Visa Application: If your nomination is approved by the Victorian government, proceed to submit a visa application to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide additional documentation and information as required for the visa application process.
5. Visa Processing: Once your visa application is submitted, it will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs. You may be required to undergo medical examinations, provide biometric information, and fulfill other requirements as part of the visa processing.
6. Visa Grant: If your visa application is approved, you will be granted either the Visa 190 or Visa 491, depending on your nominated visa subclass. You will receive a visa grant notification, which will outline the conditions and validity period of your visa.
7. Travel to Australia: Once you have been granted the visa, you can make arrangements to travel to Australia. Ensure that you comply with all visa conditions and requirements during your stay in Australia.

Difference Between Visa 190 and Visa 491

The Australia Visa 190 and Visa 491 are both skilled migration visas that allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia. However, there are key differences between the two visas:

Nomination or Sponsorship

• Visa 190 (Skilled Nominated visa): Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government agency.
• Visa 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa): Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a designated regional area.

Regional Requirement

• Visa 190: There is no specific regional requirement for the Visa 190.
• Visa 491: Applicants must agree to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. These areas exclude major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Duration

• Visa 190: This is a permanent residency visa, allowing holders and their families to live in Australia indefinitely.
• Visa 491: This is a temporary visa, initially granted for up to five years. However, it provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191).

Points Test

• Both visas require applicants to meet the minimum points requirement on the points test (currently set at 65 points).

Availability

• Visa 190: The number of Visa 190 places available each year is limited and subject to state and territory government quotas.
• Visa 491: The Visa 491 is part of the Australian government’s initiative to address skill shortages in regional areas, and there may be more places available compared to the Visa 190.

Nomination Criteria

• Each state or territory government has its own criteria for nominating applicants for the Visa 190.
• Similarly, each state or territory government has its own criteria for selecting applicants for nomination or sponsorship for the Visa 491.

Skills Assessment

Skills assessments are issued by pertinent skills assessment bodies. These bodies verify that your skills meet the benchmarks mandated for your designated occupation in Australia. It’s vital to reach out to the relevant authority for your profession, compile the required paperwork, and undergo the assessment process.

Getting a Skills Assessment

Step 1: Contact the Assessing Authority

Get in touch with the appropriate assessing organization for your profession. Determine the specific skills assessment body applicable to your nominated occupation and arrange for your skills assessment ahead of your visa application.

Each assessing body operates with its own protocols, timelines, and fees. The assessment of your qualifications and experience by the assessing body may require some time and can differ among various authorities.

Step 2: Receive your Assessment

Include a certified copy of the relevant skills assessment with your visa application. Without a favorable assessment result, you are ineligible to apply for a skilled migration visa.

Other Ways to Migrating to Australia

If you are ineligible for the Visa 190 or Visa 491, you may consider applying for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) as an alternative option.

Read all about it here.

The information provided is sourced from official government channels and is intended to offer guidance on the topic. However, it’s recommended to conduct additional research to ensure you have the most current and accurate details, as policies and procedures may change over time.