Skilled visa options for Victoria
Australia offers a variety of skilled visa pathways to support migrants seeking to advance their careers in Victoria. These include Victorian Government-nominated visas, employer-sponsored visas, and independent visas administered by the Australian Government.
Each visa type enables skilled migrants to live and work in Victoria, providing pathways to either temporary or permanent residency.
The table below outlines the key skilled visa options, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefits, to help you identify the most suitable pathway for your situation.
Skilled visa options
Processing times
The processing times listed below are indicative only and may vary. For the latest information, please visit the processing times page on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Application assistance
For help with your visa application, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ immigration assistance page.
Victorian Government nominated visa options
| Visa Type (Subclass) | Visa duration & PR pathway | Processing time | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nominated (190) | Permanent residency | Approx up-to 18 months | State-nominated and points-tested. Must meet state criteria and occupation list. Age 18–45. |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | 5 years. Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years via subclass 191. | Approx up-to 18 months | Must live and work in regional Victoria. State nomination required. Age 18–45. |
| Visa Type (Subclass) | Visa duration & PR pathway | Processing time | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nominated (190) | Permanent residency | Approx up-to 18 months | State-nominated and points-tested. Must meet state criteria and occupation list. Age 18–45. |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | 5 years. Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years via subclass 191. | Approx up-to 18 months | Must live and work in regional Victoria. State nomination required. Age 18–45. |
Independent visa
| Visa Type (Subclass) | Visa duration & PR pathway | Processing time | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | Permanent residency | 3–9 months | Points-tested. Requires invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. Age 18–45. No sponsorship required. |
| Visa Type (Subclass) | Visa duration & PR pathway | Processing time | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | Permanent residency | 3–9 months | Points-tested. Requires invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. Age 18–45. No sponsorship required. |
Employer-sponsored visa options
| Visa Type (Subclass) | Visa duration & PR pathway | Processing time | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand – Core Skills (482) | Temporary (up to 4 years, or 5 for Hong Kong passport holders). Pathway to permanent residency via subclass 186. | 2–4 months | Must work for an approved employer. Occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List. No age limit. |
| Skills in Demand – Specialist Skills (482) | Temporary (up to 4 years, or 5 for Hong Kong passport holders). Pathway to permanent residency via subclass 186. | 2–4 months | For high-income roles in limited occupations. Must stay with employer unless exempt. No age limit. |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (494) | 5 years. Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years via subclass 191. | 5–9 months | For regional roles. Must be sponsored by an approved employer. Age under 45 (exemptions apply). |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) | Permanent residency | 6–11 months | Requires employer sponsorship and relevant experience. Age under 45 (exemptions apply). |
| Visa Type (Subclass) | Visa duration & PR pathway | Processing time | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand – Core Skills (482) | Temporary (up to 4 years, or 5 for Hong Kong passport holders). Pathway to permanent residency via subclass 186. | 2–4 months | Must work for an approved employer. Occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List. No age limit. |
| Skills in Demand – Specialist Skills (482) | Temporary (up to 4 years, or 5 for Hong Kong passport holders). Pathway to permanent residency via subclass 186. | 2–4 months | For high-income roles in limited occupations. Must stay with employer unless exempt. No age limit. |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (494) | 5 years. Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years via subclass 191. | 5–9 months | For regional roles. Must be sponsored by an approved employer. Age under 45 (exemptions apply). |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) | Permanent residency | 6–11 months | Requires employer sponsorship and relevant experience. Age under 45 (exemptions apply). |
