Victoria opens Skilled Migration Program for the year 2022-23

The Australian state of Victoria has opened its Skilled Migration Program for the year 2022-23. The state, apparently, has also eased the eligibility criteria to apply for a Registration of Interest(ROI) for State Nomination under Subclass 491 and 190. Both those residing in Victoria and those residing outside the state can register their interest for State Nomination. The program aims to help businesses find employees and broaden the state’s economic growth.

Most notably, the state of Victoria has revoked the obligation that applicants seeking permanent residency through skilled migration must work in their nominated occupation. All those who have experience in any occupation under skills level 1 to 3 and a minimum of 65 points can apply for ROI.

The opening of the Program has offered a great opportunity for applicants who have been waiting for more than two years to get an invitation to apply for a visa under subclass 491 or subclass 190. At the same time, it will also be a great relief for businesses which have been reeling under severe labour shortage.

Applying under Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program for offshore applicants

Under the Program, the state will be selecting offshore applicants for Skilled Nominated Visa(Subclass 190) in all eligible occupations. In the case of Subclass 491 visa for offshore applicants, priority will be given to healthcare workers.

Australian visa changes in 2022

As Australia immigration is bouncing back from the impact of the pandemic, the government has introduced several notable changes.

These include:

1. TSS visa holders in short-term occupation list will be able to access permanent residence visa SC 186, provided they meet requirements under Temporary Residence Stream. This will be in effective from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2024.
2. Graduate Visa Holders under Subclass 485 can apply for another visa 485 under replacement stream in case their stay was affected by COVID 19
3. Those who apply under SC 485-Graduate Work Stream need not nominate an occupation and obtain a skills assessment. This will be in effective from 01 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

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