The VIC state sponsorship program opened for this financial year on the 11th of August 2022. More people will be eligible for this program as compared to the last financial year because the VIC states’ occupation list has expanded to include all the occupations on the Department of Home Affairs’ occupation skills list and applicants from outside of Australia may also apply.
Last year, the VIC state nomination was only available for onshore applicants who have Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) skills and who have been working in VIC state’s target sectors.
This article intends to provide answers to some basic questions that potential applicants may have regarding the VIC state sponsorship program.
- I am applying for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) steam, do I need to apply for state sponsorship?
The PR visa options under the GSM stream include the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), State Nominated visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Getting an approved state sponsorship is required when applying for the 190 and 491 visas. Visa applicants who have been sponsored by a state for the 190 visa are awarded additional 5 points and additional 15 points are awarded for the 491 visa.
- Am I eligible to apply?
Applicants should first satisfy all the criteria for the visa that they are applying for (for example, minimum points, age, English capability and skills assessment requirements). Their nominated occupation should be on the Department of Home Affairs’ occupation skills list and applicants can apply while in Victoria or while outside of Australia. For onshore applicants who are working in Victoria, evidence of paid employment is required when lodging a state sponsorship application.
- Do I still stand I chance to get invited even if my occupation is not on the prioritised occupations list?
Although anyone whose occupation is on the Department of Home Affairs’ occupation skills list can apply, the VIC state published a list of their priority sectors/occupations as shown below:
- Healthcare and social services
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Advanced manufacturing, digital and innovation economy
- Chef, cook, accommodation and hospitality managers – for the 491 visa
- Early childhood, secondary and special education teachers.
This means that applicants whose are covered within these industry sectors or occupations will have a higher chance of getting invited to apply. Applicants whose nominated occupation are not on the priority list will still have a chance to get invited but might take longer to get invited or might be required to have higher points as compared to those who are on the priority list.
- I am working in Melbourne but my work is not related to my nominated occupation as per my skills assessment, will I still be eligible to apply?
Assuming that your nominated occupation is on the Department of Home Affairs’ occupation skills list and you satisfy all the criteria for the visa that you are applying for, you can still eligible to apply even if your current job in Victoria is not in your nominated occupation. However, you will be required to provide an estimate of your annual earnings if your job role is under skill level 1, 2 or 3 as per the Australian Bureau of Statistics. You can search for the skill level of your current role on the link below:
- I am currently living in Adelaide, can I apply for VIC state sponsorship?
This program is only open for applicants who are in Victoria or who are outside of Australia.
In summary, this financial year’s VIC state sponsorship brings more opportunities for potential applicants who are currently in Victoria or who are still offshore to be invited to apply. Should you require advice or assistance specific to your circumstance, it is suggested that you speak with a Registered Migration Agent or an Immigration Lawyer.
Johanna Bertumen Nonato is a Lawyer, a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1386856) and the CEO of BridgeAus Migration Consultancy. For enquiries, email info@bridgeaus.com.au or call 0416-455453.