Australian Regional Visa nominations open for 190 and 491 – Check all States and Territories updates for 2023/ 2024 

At the beginning of each financial year, the Australian Regional Programs for the 190 and 491 visas are updated by the States and Territories as they receive new allocation numbers and revise the criteria for each subclass.

This article will provide information about what is new in each State and Territory program for this financial year 2023/24.

What is the 491 visa, and what are its basic requirements?

Before we look at the summary of opening dates and updated criteria, it is essential to understand how each General Skilled Migration Visa works.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) is a 5-year temporary visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. Each state or territory has its own set of requirements that all applicants must meet, and we will cover these later in this article.

Additionally, there are also minimum requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, which include:

• Being under 45 years of age.
• Nominating an occupation from the State or Territory relevant skilled occupation list.
• Having a suitable skills assessment for the chosen occupation.
• Scoring at least 65 points on a Points Test.
• Meeting the minimum English language requirement of ‘Competent,’ unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority.
• Receiving an invitation to apply.

Once granted, the 491 visa allows you to live and work full-time in a regional area. After 3 years, you may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Visa through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa – Subclass 191.

What is the 190 visa, and what are its basic requirements?

The Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 is a permanent residency visa available to skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. The specific criteria for this visa may vary from one state to another, but the minimum requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs are similar to those mentioned above for the 491 visa. Once granted the States and Territories expect the visa holder to live in the nominating state for a minimum of 2 years.

Australian Regional Visa: State and Territory Visa Allocations for 2023-24

The table below displays the number of visa places allocated by the Department of Home Affairs to each Australian Regional Visa by State and Territory for this financial year:

Regional Visa Criteria Update 2023/2024 – State by State

Victoria’s 2023-24 Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Status: Open to applicants residing in Victoria and overseas

Process for both Subclasses:

• Candidates must submit an EoI with SkillSelect and then Registration of Interest (ROI) with the Live in Melbourne website;
• Multiple ROIs are not allowed;
• VIC will conduct regular invitation rounds.

491 Visa – VIC 2023-24 Program Updates:

• Candidates must be living and working in Regional Victoria – in which case the employer must have a physical presence in Regional Victoria. Geelong, Mornington Peninsula etc. accepted, or
• Be offshore. Offshore candidates in healthcare, social services and education will have priority.

190 Visa – VIC 2023-24 Program Updates:

• Candidates must be living and working in Victoria or be living offshore;
• There are no changes to the subclass 190 visa nomination program.

You can also check the requirements for last year’s program in this article for comparison.

Queensland’s 2023-24 Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Status: Open to applicants living in Queensland and overseas on 5 September

Process for Both Subclasses:

• Migration Queensland will only consider EOIs lodged on or after 5 September 2023; updated EOIs will not be considered.
• Queensland will hold invitation rounds at the end of each month for the remainder of the financial year 2023-24.
• The Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) has been updated for skilled workers living offshore.

There are 4 Streams available for QLD State Nominations

• Skilled workers living in Queensland
• Skilled workers living offshore
• Graduates of a Queensland university
• Small business owners operating in regional Queensland

Graduates of a Queensland university

• Eligibility criteria common to all graduate pathways;
• Have a points test result of 75 or higher for the 190 visa pathway (inclusive of state nomination points);
• Have a points test result of 65 points or higher for the 491 visa pathway (inclusive of state nomination points);
• Have Competent English;
• Living in Queensland, with an occupation on MLTSSL and the STSOL lists for the 190 visa pathway;
• Living in regional Queensland, with an occupation on MLTSSL, STSOL and the ROL lists for the 491 visa pathway;
• Completed 100% of studies in Queensland;
• Graduated in the last two years.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to each graduate pathway

PhD or Doctorate Graduates (190 and 491)

• Have had a positive decision on the thesis;
• A job or job offer is not required;

Masters Graduates in STEM or Agriculture fields (190 and 491)

• Employed full-time (minimum 30 hours per week) in the nominated occupation

Masters Graduates – not in STEM or Agriculture fields (190 and 491)

• GPA 6.0 or above for the 190 visa pathway;
• GPA 5.0 or above for the 491 visa pathway;
• Employed full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) in nominated occupation;

Bachelor Graduates (190 and 491)

• GPA 6.0 or above for the 190 visa pathway;
• GPA 5.0 or above for the 491 visa pathway;
• Employed full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) in the nominated occupation

Skilled workers living in Queensland

For the 190 Visa:

• Have a points test result of 75 or higher (except for Trades occupations* which require 70 or higher);
• Have an occupation on Home Affairs relevant list of eligible skilled occupations; 
• Have Competent English or higher (except for occupations where a higher level of English is required);
• Must provide evidence that you have been living in Queensland and undertaking full-time post-qualification employment (minimum of 30 hours per week), in your nominated or closely related occupation for three months immediately before EOI lodgement. You must still be employed in your nominated or closely related occupation when your EOI is assessed;
• Must provide evidence that you have ongoing full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) employment for a further twelve months at the time of EOI lodgement in your nominated occupation;
• Must commit to living and working in Queensland for two years from the date of visa grant.

For the 491 Visa:

• Have a points test result of 65 or higher;
• Have an occupation on Home Affairs relevant list of eligible skilled occupations;
• Have Competent English or higher (except for occupations where a higher level of English is required)
• Must provide evidence that you are living and working in regional Queensland and have full-time post-qualification employment (minimum of 30 hours per week) in your nominated or closely related occupation at the time of your EOI lodgement. You must still be employed in your nominated or closely related occupation when your EOI is assessed;
• Must provide evidence that you have ongoing full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) employment in regional Queensland for a further six months at the time of EOI lodgement in your nominated occupation;
• Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for three years from the date of visa grant.

Skilled workers living Offshore

For the 190 Visa:

• Have a points test result of 75 or higher (except for Trades occupations*, which require 70 or higher);
• Have an occupation on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) eligible for the 190 visa pathway;
• Have Competent English or higher (except where a higher level of English is required);
• Must provide evidence of the required years of post-study work experience as per the QSOL;
  • Note: You must be employed in your nominated occupation when you are invited
• Must commit to living and working in Queensland for two years from date of arrival

For the 491 Visa:

• Have a points test result of 65 or higher;
• Have an occupation on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) eligible for the 491 visa pathway;
• Have Competent English or higher (except where a higher level of English is required);
• Must provide evidence of the required years of post-study work experience as per the QSOL;
  • Note: You must be employed in your nominated occupation when you are invited
• Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for three years from date of arrival

Small Business Operators – for Subclass 491 only

The Small Business Owner (SBO) stream has two separate pathways available, applicants need to meet the criteria for Pathway 1 OR Pathway 2:

Pathway 1

To be eligible for this pathway, you must purchase an existing registered business for a minimum of $100,000 and employ at least one Australian resident. The business must be a pre-existing business that has been purchased and trading for a minimum of six months prior to lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Pathway 2

To be eligible for this pathway, you must have started a business and have continuously run that business for a minimum of two years. The business must be generating a profit and have a turnover of $200,000 in the twelve months prior to application. 

Requirements for Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 applicants:

• Have an occupation on the relevant occupation list;
• Must provide evidence that you are living in regional Queensland;
• The applicant must be working for the business full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week);
• Provide evidence that you hold 100% ownership of the business – partnerships or joint ventures are not eligible;
• You must own and operate a business in regional Queensland.

Applicants must also meet the requirements of Pathway 1 or Pathway 2:

Additional requirements for Pathway 1 (Purchase of business)

• The business purchased must have been operating for a minimum of two years in its current location, immediately prior to purchase. 
• Provide evidence that you have purchased a business for a minimum of $100,000.
• Provide evidence that you have been operating the business for a minimum of six months after settlement.
  • NOTE: the six months of operation do not start until 100% of the business purchase price is settled.
• Provide evidence of employment of at least one Australian resident* working a minimum of 20 hours per week, or two employees working 10 hours per week. Employee/s cannot be a family member or a subcontractor. 

Additional requirements for Pathway 2 (Start-ups)

• Provide evidence that you have been operating a profitable start-up for a minimum of two years, with a turnover of $200,000 in the twelve months prior to application. 

Check the requirements for last year’s program in this article for comparison.

Western Australia’s 2023-24 Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Status: Open to applicants living in WA and overseas from 8 August 2023.

Updates for Both Subclasses:

• The requirements are now more flexible compared to last year.
  • There is no application fee.
  • Interstate and overseas applicants will now receive equal invitation rankings.
  • Employment requirements for candidates invited through a WA building and construction industry sector occupation will be reduced.
• Candidates with occupations deemed critical within a WA industry sector will receive priority.
  • Administrative and Support Services
  • Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
  • Arts and Recreation
  • Building and Construction
  • Education and Training
  • Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
  • Electricity, Water and Waste Services
  • Financial and Insurance Services
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance: Hospitals, Medical and Other Health Care Services
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance: Residential Care Services, Social Assistance Services
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Information Media and Telecommunications
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Other Services
  • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
  • Public Administration and Safety
  • Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
  • Transport, Postal and Warehousing

Nominated Occupation must be available in the relevant list under one of these streams:

General stream WASMOL schedule 1

Must also have at least one year Australian or one year of overseas work experience in nominated (or closely related) occupation and if expressing interest for the 190 visa, must also have ?a full-time employment contract in WA for a minimum of six months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation

General stream WASMOL schedule 2

If expressing interest for the 190 visa, must also have ?a full-time employment contract in WA for a minimum of six months in the nominated (or closely related) occupation.

Graduate stream

Must also have completed a Certificate III or higher level qualification in WA, had 2 years of face-to-face full-time study in WA from an accredited WA training provider and have occupation on the Graduate occupation list.

You can also check the requirements for last year’s program in this article for comparison.

Australian Capital Territory’s 2023-24 Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Status: Open to applicants living in Canberra and overseas. However, occupation lists have not been published yet.

Process:

• Must submit (EOI) via SkillSelect.
• Must then Register Interest (RoI) in applying for ACT nomination by completing the Canberra Matrix.
• If selected ACT will invite to apply for nomination.

ACT 491 visa Requirements:

• Must be living and working in Canberra for at least three months.
• Have a nominated occupation on the latest ACT Critical Skills List; or
• Applicant is the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer working in the ACT for the sponsor for the last three months; or
• Applicant is the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and they are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category. 

Overseas residents:

• Must have at least one year of relevant experience in a nominated occupation, listed on the latest ACT Critical Skills List;
• Must have at least one year of full-time, post-graduate work experience in a nominated occupation in the last five years. – The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body;
• ACT employability
• Commitment to Canberra: you have researched Canberra and you are committed to living in the ACT.
• Settlement funds: must have access to sufficient money to fund migration and settlement in Canberra.

ACT 190 visa Requirements:

• Must be living and working in Canberra for at least six months, in a nominated occupation listed on the latest ACT Critical Skills List; or
• Applicant is the primary holder of a subclass 457/482 visa sponsored by an ACT employer working in the ACT for the sponsor for the last three months but have worked in the ACT for at least 26 weeks minimum or
• Applicant is the majority owner of an eligible registered business located in the ACT and they are claiming Matrix points in the Small Business Owner category. 

Overseas residents:

• Must have at least three years of relevant experience in a nominated occupation, listed on the latest ACT Critical Skills List;
• Must have at least 3 years of full-time, post-graduate work experience in a nominated occupation in the last five years. – The work experience must be assessed as relevant by the assessing body
• ACT employability
• Commitment to Canberra: you have researched Canberra and you are committed to living in the ACT.
• Settlement funds: must have access to sufficient money to fund migration and settlement in Canberra.

Please check the requirements for last year’s program in this article for comparison.

New South Wales’s 2023-24 Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Status: The 2023-2024 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program is now open to eligible applicants living in New South Wales and overseas.

NSW – Process updates 

• NSW is shifting from publishing a list of eligible occupations to a new sector-focused approach, focusing on priority sectors that need skilled talent:
  • Health 
  • Education 
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 
  • Infrastructure  
  • Agriculture 
• High-ranking EOIs submitted in non-priority sectors may also be considered;
• Due to the high demand and limited places, NSW strongly recommends anyone considering nomination within the state also explore all other migration options available;
• Invitation rounds will continue to occur throughout the financial year. There will be no predetermined or publicly announced dates for it;
• EOIs submitted in NSW Priority Sectors will be prioritized;
• The date of EOI submission has no impact on the likelihood of being invited. 

NSW 190 Visa

• You must be either currently residing:
  • in NSW and have continuously resided in NSW for a minimum period of six months; or
  • offshore and have continuously resided offshore for a minimum period of six months

NSW 491 Visa

There are two pathways to NSW nomination for this visa:

• Pathway 1 – Apply directly to a Regional Development Australia (RDA) office
  • Stream A – Established work history with a regional NSW-based employer (minimum 12 months)
  • Stream B – My skills are required in regional NSW
• Pathway 2 – Invitation by Investment NSW – Candidates selected by Investment NSW based on the need for their skills in NSW.

Please check the requirements for last year’s program in this article.

South Australia’s 2023-24 Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Status:  Open to applicants living in South Australia and overseas from 27 September

SA Updates:

• South Australia switched to an invitation-only system so it’s not possible to apply for State Nomination directly anymore. It is necessary to wait until the State “selects” your EOI;
• The state will prioritise the retention of international graduates from South Australian education providers who fill areas of skills shortage and temporary visa holders;

• Experienced overseas workers with skills in high demand in South Australia will be prioritized:
  • Trades and Construction
  • Defence
  • Health
  • Education
  • Natural and Physical Science 
  • Social and Welfare Professionals

• They will also focus on highly skilled overseas workers who can make a strong contribution to the state’s fast-growing industries and projects of national priority. This includes people with:
  • experience working in the defence industry, and/or
  • highly specialised skills in the digital and critical technologies sectors. 

• Applications for state nomination for the Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188) will not open this financial year;

• Business or investor migrants who already hold a provisional visa can apply for nomination for the extension stream or permanent visa (subclass 888) in 2023–24 as these are not subject to a nomination cap.

Streams:

• South Australian Graduates
• Working in South Australia
• Highly Skilled and Talented
• Offshore

Requirements:

South Australian Graduates

• Occupation must be listed on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List;
• Have completed your qualification at a South Australian education provider and meet the following study requirements:
  • Your course in South Australia must be CRICOS registered, with a minimum of 46 CRICOS weeks
  • Your study meets the minimum qualification level listed for your nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
• A minimum of 50% of your qualification must have been completed in South Australia;
• You must have resided in South Australia for at least one year during your studies;
• Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 12 months;
• Have been working for the last 6 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job.
  • Your job must be related to, and at the same skill level as, your nominated occupation.
• Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion

Working in South Australia

• Occupation must be listed on South Australia’s Skilled Occupation List;
• Have been residing in South Australia for at least the last 12 months;
• Have been working for the last 6 months, and be currently employed, in a full-time (at least 30 hours per week) job. Your job must be related to, and at the same skill level as, your nominated occupation;
• Have undertaken your skilled work experience post-course completion.

Highly Skilled and Talented

• If you are working or offered a position in South Australia, your employer must:
  • Have been an existing business for at least 12 months. Your employer must have had a premise located and operating in South Australia for the past 12 months.
  • Have an annual turnover of at least $4 million. Please note:
    • start-up companies may be exempt from the annual turnover requirement.
    • businesses that operate in outer regional South Australia may be exempt from the annual turnover requirement.
    • businesses that support the Defence sector may be exempt from the annual turnover requirement.
  • Be a business of good standing and there must be no adverse information about the business

Applicants with Hi-Tech or Digital industry experience 

In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirement, you must:

• Have at least two years’ experience in one of the critical technology professions listed below. Your experience can be from South Australia, interstate, or overseas.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Cloud Architect
  • Internet of Things (IoT) Specialist
  • Blockchain Developer
  • Renewable Energy Engineer
  • Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) Developer
  • Biotechnology Researcher
  • Quantum Computing Scientist
  • 5G Network Engineer
  • Advanced Manufacturer

Applicants with Defence or Space industry experience

In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirement, you must:

Onshore candidates:

• Have already commenced employment in South Australia in an organisation that directly operates in or is an integral part of the supply chain supporting the Defence or Space industry;
• Be currently working full-time (at least 30 hours per week) in South Australia.

Overseas or interstate candidates:

• Demonstrate that you have experience working in a highly skilled role in the Defence or Space industry;
• Intend to relocate to South Australia to work in the Defence or Space industry.

Offshore

South Australia will be assessing candidates on merit by the following factors, within their nominated occupation:

1. Years and field of skilled employment
2. English language ability
3. EOI points

• Must also meet the Department of Home Affairs visa requirements, state-specific occupation requirements and have skills in an occupation that is available on the Skilled Occupation List.
• If you are an applicant in a priority nominated occupation, you may be selected to apply for the Subclass 190.

Tasmania’s 2023-24 Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Status: Open for onshore and offshore applicants

Process for Both Subclasses:

• Applicants can nominate any occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL);
• There is a TOSOL (Tasmania Onshore Skilled Occupation List) for those applying under “working full-time” and expressing interest for a 190 visa;
• Tasmania switched to an invitation-only system so it’s not possible to apply for State Nomination directly anymore. It is necessary to wait until the State “selects” your EOI

Pathways:

• Recent Graduates of Tasmania (190 and 491);
• Skilled professionals working full-time in Tasmania (190 and 491);
• Overseas Applicant (Job Offer) Pathway (491 only);
• Established residence in Tasmania (190 and 491) – at least 2 years living in the state;
• Operators of a business in Tasmania (491 only) – operating business for at least 12 months;
• Overseas Applicant (Health Sector Job Offer) Pathway (190 only)

Tasmania Skilled Nomination Requirements 

Only minor changes have been made to Tasmania’s program for 2023-24, including:

• Extending eligibility for subclass 190 nomination to all occupations in the Tasmanian Skilled Employment pathway;
• An updated Tasmanian Onshore Skilled Occupation List
• Changes to requirements for massage therapists;
• Changes to income thresholds based on updates to Australian median and average earnings and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold
• Minor changes to priority attributes
• More detailed policy guidance in the Additional Information, Exclusions and Definitions section of the Migration Tasmania website.
• The service fee to apply for nomination has increased to $330 (including GST). 
• There is no charge to submit a Registration of Interest.

You can also check the requirements for last year’s program in this article for comparison.

Northern Territory’s 2023-24 Skilled Visa Nomination Program

Status: open for subclass 491 only from 23 October 2023 for onshore and offshore applicants.

The Territory has declared that they are currently unable to accept new subclass 190 nomination applications due to insufficient nomination allocations provided by the Australian Government for the current program year (2023-24). Those who meet the relevant criteria will be offered a subclass 491 nomination

Process:

• You must commit to living and working in the NT in your skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation for at least three years from visa grant

Northern Territory’s Skilled Nomination Requirements 

NT Graduates

• NT Graduates who currently hold a Temporary Graduate subclass 485 visa valid till at least 1 July 2024, or are eligible for such visa will not be eligible for nomination in this program year;
• Those who do not have access to a subclass 485 visa will be considered for a subclass 491 nomination subject to meeting the following criteria:
  • successfully completed one or more qualifications after studying in the NT, at an NT-based institution for two years in a single tertiary course or a set of nested tertiary courses, and
  • demonstrated genuine and sustained efforts to obtain employment from an NT employer in your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation.

Onshore applicants

• Demonstrate that you have been residing in the NT for at least 12 consecutive months;
• Demonstrate that none of your migrating dependants are residing in another part of Australia;
• Demonstrate full-time employment in the NT in an eligible occupation for at least six consecutive months immediately prior to applying for NT nomination and demonstrate that the employment is available for at least a further 12 months.
  • If your work experience was not in a nominated or related occupation, NT will only consider if the job is in a critical sector (health, aged and disabled care, education and childcare, hospitality);

Offshore applicants

• Have post-qualification work experience of at least one year in your nominated occupation in the last 10 years;
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to live and work in the NT on a long-term basis;
• Have evidence of financial capacity to settle in the NT;
• The Priority Occupation Stream for offshore applications will be limited to 54 occupations listed on the new NT Offshore Migration Occupation List.

Offshore applicants must also meet criteria against one of the 3 streams below:

1 – Priority occupation stream

• have a full migration skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupations List (NTOMOL);
• meet any additional work experience required for the occupation as specified on the NTOMOL.

2 – NT Family Stream

• Have a family member (parent, child, siblings, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, first cousin or grandparent) in the NT who:
  • is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen, OR
  • hold one of the following visas: 491, 494, 489, bridging visa for the 887 191, OR
  • is usually resident in the Northern Territory, and has been living in the NT for at least 12 months;
  • have evidence of sustained efforts to seek employment in the NT;

3 – NT Job Offer Stream

Offshore applicants under this stream must have a job offer in their nominated occupation for a job that is based in the NT with an NT business / organisation that has been actively operating in the NT for at least 12 months.

If you believe you qualify we can prepare and lodge an application for Territory Nomination for you.

Stay updated by following our social media and website for the latest information on State and Territory Migration Programs. 

If you’re considering applying for an Australian Regional Visa, reach out to us for a consultation to determine your eligibility and create a personalized visa plan. With high demand in most states, having a backup plan is essential. 

There are numerous details to consider, and our experienced Registered Agent or Solicitor can help you navigate them. You don’t have to go through this process alone contact us today.