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Pathway to PR in Victoria

Australia is calling—and Victoria might just be the place you call home. The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a highly sought-after permanent residency visa for skilled professionals who want to live, work, and settle in Victoria. With state nomination and a clear pathway to permanent residency, this visa opens the door to long-term opportunities and stability in Australia.

Let’s break it down in a clear, engaging way so you know exactly what to expect!

Guide to the Skilled 190 Visa

The Subclass 190 visa allows skilled migrants to become permanent Australian residents with the support of a Victorian Government nomination. Once granted, you can live and work anywhere in Victoria and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency.

⚠️ Important: You must receive nomination from Victoria before applying for the visa with the Australian Government.

Basic 190 Eligibility at a Glance

To be considered for Victorian nomination, you must meet both:

• Australian Government Department of Home Affairs requirements for the subclass 190 visa, and
• Victorian Government nomination criteria.

Eligibility for Victorian Nomination

You may be eligible if you:

• Are living in Victoria or overseas
• Are genuinely committed to living and working in Victoria
• Have had your Registration of Interest (ROI) selected
• Are under 45 years of age
• Have at least Competent English
• Hold a valid Skills Assessment in an occupation on the Eligible Skilled Occupation List
• Have at least 65 points on the SkillSelect points test (including state nomination points)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

1. Check Your Eligibility

Confirm you meet all requirements for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).

2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

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

3. Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI)

Using your EOI number, create an account on the Live in Melbourne portal and submit your ROI for Victorian nomination.

4. Apply for Nomination

If your ROI is selected, you’ll receive an invitation to submit your nomination application via the Live in Melbourne portal.

5. Apply for Your Visa

Once nominated, submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.

Living in Victoria or Overseas?

If You’re Living in Victoria (Onshore)

• You must be residing in Victoria (with limited border-community exceptions).
• You do not need to be employed to apply.
• If you work in skilled employment for a Victorian-based employer, you may claim earnings in your ROI.
• Employment does not need to match your nominated occupation.

If You’re Living Overseas (Offshore)

• You are still eligible to apply.
• You are not required to claim earnings.

You must demonstrate a strong commitment to settling in Victoria.

Key Victorian Eligibility Requirements

🧭 Commitment to Victoria

• You must genuinely intend to live and work in Victoria.
• State nomination cannot be transferred to another state.

📝 Registration of Interest (ROI)

• An ROI is mandatory to be considered.
• Submitting an ROI is not a guarantee of selection.

🎂 Age

• You must be under 45 at the time of nomination.

🗣️ English Language

• At least Competent English is required.
• Your English test must have at least 12 weeks validity remaining at the time of nomination application.

🧠 Skills Assessment

• Must be valid and for an occupation on the eligible list.
• Your nominated occupation must match your SkillSelect EOI.
• At least 12 weeks validity remaining is required.
• Health professionals must align with AHPRA registration.

📊 Points Test

• Minimum 65 points, including 5 points for state nomination.

Documents You'll Need

If invited to apply, you must submit a complete application with supporting evidence, such as:

• Passport
• Evidence of Victorian residence

Proof of Living in Victoria (if onshore)

You may be asked to provide:

• Bank statements (minimum 6 months)
• Rental or lease agreements
• Utility bills
• Driver’s licence or proof of age card

If You Claimed Earnings in Your ROI

You’ll also need:

• Employment contract or letter of offer
• Position description
• Recent payslips
• Superannuation statements

Additional documents may be requested during assessment.

After Nomination: What Happenns Next?

Once nominated, you must:

1. 1. Apply for your visa within 60 days
2. 2. Keep your contact details up to date
3. 3. Complete settlement and feedback surveys
4. 4. Commit to living and working in Victoria for at least two years

Common Reasons for Nomination Refusal

Applications may be refused if:

• Minimum eligibility criteria are not met
• Claims in your ROI or EOI cannot be proven
• Incorrect or misleading information is provided
• Documents expire before assessment
• Requests for information are ignored

⚠️ Frequent issues include:

• Overstated earnings
• Working for non-Victorian employers
• Living outside Victoria (onshore)
• Incorrect partner points
• Changes to SkillSelect EOI after invitation

A refusal means you cannot reapply for 6 months.

False or Misleading Information: Zero Tolerance

Providing false or altered documents will result in refusal and may be reported to the Department of Home Affairs. Verification checks are routinely conducted, including contacting employers and institutions directly.

Always submit unaltered, original documents.

Reviews, Renominations and Limits

• No review is available if you clearly did not meet eligibility.
• Reviews are only possible if you believe an assessment error occurred.
• Renomination is not available if: a. You fail to apply for the 190 Visa within 60 days or b. Your SkillSelect EOI was incorrect.
• You cannot be nominated more than once in the same program year.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Contact VisaConnect!

Navigating the subclass 190 visa can be complex—but you don’t have to do it alone.

VisaConnect’s Registered Migration Agents and Australian-qualified Immigration Lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.

📩 Send us a message via our website Contact Form

📞 Call us today:

• Australia - Phone: +61 2 9151 7350
• Hong Kong - Phone:: +852 3840 9107
• Singapore - Phone:: +65 3105 1536
• London, UK - Phone:: +44 20 3807 8879

✨ Start your Victorian Permanent Residency journey with confidence—talk to VisaConnect today!