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.
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.
To be eligible for Victorian nomination, you must meet the following criteria:
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.
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.
Ensure you meet both Department of Home Affairs requirements and Victoria’s state nomination criteria for the 491 visa.
Submit or update your EOI with the Department of Home Affairs through SkillSelect.
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.
If invited, you must submit a complete nomination application, including evidence supporting residence, employment, skills, English test results and other claims.
Once nominated, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
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.
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.
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
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