How Has Skilled Migration Paved The Path To New Horizons In Victoria?

Are you an aspiring migrant eyeing the vibrant state of Victoria for your future? The Australian state of Victoria has unveiled its migration program for 2023-24, offering new opportunities to skilled workers seeking to make this land their home. The program opens doors to the Subclass 190 skilled nominated visa stream and the Subclass 491 skilled work regional (provisional) visa. But what do these changes mean for prospective immigrants?

A Personal Journey to Permanent Residency

Meet Muskan Dhingra, a 23-year-old professional, who’s ventured on a journey towards permanent residency in Victoria. Muskan arrived in Australia in 2019 as an international student, dreaming of a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. Today, she works in her desired field in Victoria but faces the challenge of securing a sponsor for her visa.

Undeterred by the reduced visa quota, Muskan remains optimistic about her prospects. She aligns her occupation with a critical sector, making her eligible for state nomination—a crucial step towards achieving permanent residency.

Dealing New Quotas and Opportunities

The allocation of visa spots for Victoria under Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 was substantially reduced this year, from over 14,000 to 3,300. However, this change hasn’t deterred Muskan and others who have sought better job prospects in Victoria.

The 2023-24 Skilled Migration Program for Victoria introduces minor changes. To be eligible for a Subclass 491 nomination, onshore applicants must be living and working in regional Victoria at the time of nomination. If you submitted a Subclass 491 ROI in the previous year but weren’t selected, you’ll need to submit a new Registration of Interest (ROI) if you remain eligible.

For the 2023-24 program, Victoria has been granted 3,300 skilled visa nomination spots, with the majority allocated to the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190). The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) offers limited opportunities this year, with only 600 places available.

Regrettably, the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) Subclass 188 hasn’t received an allocation for this year’s program.

The Victorian government acknowledges that the migration program has become fiercely competitive, making it challenging to predict when an applicant might be selected. Your ROI will stay in the system until it’s withdrawn or chosen, with the program set to close in early 2024.

Hear From The Expert’s Mind!

Migration agent Suman Dua highlights the increased competition due to the reduced visa quota in this year’s state migration program. She advises that candidates currently employed onshore will be prioritised. However, specific sectors, like healthcare, social services, and teaching, present opportunities for offshore candidates to receive nominations for regional areas.

For those working in the hospitality sector, applying for Subclass 491 may be a viable option, given the residency requirement in regional areas. The selection process now leans towards individuals with the highest points, making a strong case for those who meet all the criteria defined by the Department of Home Affairs.

CONCLUSION:

Aspiring migrants face a highly competitive landscape in the pursuit of permanent residency in Victoria. However, with the right qualifications, a fitting occupation, and a competitive edge, the dream of calling Victoria home can become a reality. The journey may be challenging, but the destination is worth the effort.