Victoria's Skilled Work Regional Visa 491: Your 2025–26 Guide

The Victorian Government has officially opened applications for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) nomination for the 2025–26 program year. For skilled professionals who are ready to relocate, contribute and build a long-term future in regional Victoria, this pathway offers a significant opportunity. At Professional Visa & Education Services (ProVisa), we help applicants understand the process clearly and support them at every step.

What Is the Subclass 491 Visa?

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled migrants to live, work, and study in a designated regional area for up to five years. It offers a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa once residency, work and income requirements are met.

Victoria offers state nomination for this visa to support its regional communities by attracting skilled talent across various occupations.

Who Can Apply for Victoria’s 491 Nomination?

To be eligible for Victorian nomination, you must meet the following criteria:

Location Requirements

You must be either:

• Living offshore, or

• Living and working in regional Victoria

Applicants living overseas do not need to claim earnings. Onshore applicants must already be working in skilled employment for an employer physically located in a designated regional area. Virtual or proxy offices do not qualify.

Some outer suburbs of Melbourne—such as Pakenham, Geelong, and the Mornington Peninsula—are considered regional for migration purposes.

General Eligibility

To be considered, you must also:

• Be under 45 years old at the time of nomination

• Have at least Competent English

• Hold a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the eligible list

• Be able to claim at least 65 points in SkillSelect (including the 15 points from state nomination)

• Have your Registration of Interest (ROI) selected

• Commit to living and working in regional Victoria

Your English test and skills assessment must have at least 12 weeks of validity remaining at the time of application.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Victorian Nomination

1. Check your eligibility

Ensure you meet both Department of Home Affairs requirements and Victoria’s state nomination criteria for the 491 visa.

2. Lodge/Update your Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submit or update your EOI with the Department of Home Affairs through SkillSelect.

3. Submit your Registration of Interest (ROI)

Using your EOI number, lodge your ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal. Only applicants with selected ROIs will receive an invitation to apply for nomination.

4. Apply for State Nomination

If invited, you must submit a complete nomination application, including evidence supporting residence, employment, skills, English test results and other claims.

5. Lodge your 491 Visa Application

Once nominated, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.

Supporting Documents You May Need

During the nomination assessment, you may be required to provide:

• Passport copies

• Proof of Victorian residence (rental agreements, utility bills, bank statements)

• Employment documents (contract, payslips, super statements, position description)

• Skills assessment documents

• English test results

All documents must be genuine and unaltered. Providing misleading information can lead to refusal and may be reported to the Department of Home Affairs.

Why Applications Get Refused

Common reasons for nomination refusal include:

• Overstating earnings (onshore applicants)

• Working in non-skilled employment

• Working for an employer not physically located in regional Victoria

• Living outside regional Victoria

• Incorrect partner points

• Expired English test or skills assessment

• Inaccurate information in the EOI or ROI

• Inability to provide evidence for claims

If refused, applicants must wait six months before reapplying.

After You Are Nominated

Once nominated for the 491 visa:

• You must lodge your visa application within 60 days

• You must update your contact details with the Victorian Government

• You’ll receive periodic settlement surveys

• You must commit to living and working in regional Victoria for at least two years

How ProVisa Can Help

At Professional Visa & Education Services, we specialise in skilled migration pathways and understand the complexities of the Victorian 491 nomination process. Our services include:

• Detailed eligibility assessments

• SkillSelect EOI and ROI preparation

• Comprehensive documentation support

• Ensuring all evidence is accurate, complete, and compliant

• End-to-end case management to avoid common pitfalls

Our team ensures your application is presented clearly, correctly, and with the strongest chance of success.

If you are considering applying for Victoria’s Subclass 491 nomination, now is the time to take action. Book a consultation with our registered migration experts to explore your eligibility, understand your options, and plan your visa pathway with professional support.

Book an appointment: provisa.setmore.com