The Victorian Government is taking significant steps to attract and retain international student graduates through new opportunities for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). In a competitive global economy, attracting talented graduates is critical to driving innovation, addressing skills shortages, and supporting regional development. This new initiative is designed to empower international student graduates, particularly those from Victorian educational institutions, by offering them a clear pathway to living and working in regional areas of the state.
Let’s explore the key features of this initiative, its benefits for graduates and regional communities, and how it positions Victoria as a destination for global talent.
What is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. This visa is a stepping stone towards permanent residency, provided the visa holder meets the eligibility criteria, including living and working in a regional area for a specified period.
New Pathways for International Student Graduates
The Victorian Government has introduced a series of measures for the 2024-25 program year, aimed at expanding access to the subclass 491 visa for international student graduates. These include:
1. At Least 500 Reserved Visa Nomination Places for International Graduates
In 2024-25, the Victorian Government will reserve a minimum of 500 nomination places for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) specifically for international student graduates from Victorian educational institutions. This represents at least 25% of the state’s overall allocation for this visa, ensuring a significant portion is dedicated to supporting graduates who have invested in Victorian education and are eager to contribute to the region.
2. Opportunities for Melbourne-based Graduates to Relocate to Regional Victoria
Traditionally, the subclass 491 visa focused on attracting graduates and skilled workers who were already living in regional Victoria. Under the new policy, graduates who are currently living and working in Melbourne will now have the opportunity to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for the subclass 491 visa nomination.
3. Strengthening Regional Communities
These new pathways provide graduates with the opportunity to build their careers in vibrant regional centers, contributing to local industries and communities. By encouraging highly skilled international graduates to settle in regional Victoria, the government aims to address skills shortages and foster growth in industries like healthcare, education, engineering, and IT in regional areas.
The Benefits for Graduates and Regional Victoria
This initiative offers several key benefits for both international student graduates and regional Victoria:
- Career Opportunities
- Access to Permanent Residency
- Boost to Regional Economies
- Support for Regional Development
If you’re an international student graduate from a Victorian educational institution, now is the time to explore this incredible opportunity. Take the next step in your career and consider the benefits of living and working in regional Victoria. With the reserved subclass 491 visa nomination places, this could be your pathway to permanent residency in Australia.
At AMVPS, we are ready to assist you in navigating this process. Whether you need help submitting your Registration of Interest or guidance through the visa application, we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey towards building a successful future in regional Victoria!