The New Victoria State Nomination – COVID-19 Pandemic?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Australia has been in a very alert mode. They have been closing their borders since.
There have been delays in processing Australian visa applications, and some limited visas that people can apply for, General skilled migration, for example. People can still apply for these visa programs, however, due to COVID-19 pandemics, many state nominations are closed.
Well, we’ve got good news for you skilled migrants in Victoria now!
For those skilled migrants interested in getting a state nomination from Victoria, there is hope post-COVID-19. The State announced this good news on Wednesday, 2 September.
Starting from 8 September 2020 until 5 October 2020, Victoria is opening its nomination program for Skilled Nominated Visa subclass 190 and Skilled Regional Sponsored subclass 491. This program is based on the Federal Budget that will be started on 6 October 2020.
As this is only a temporary program, the state limits the number of invitations and aims more on targeting skilled workers in the more targeted fields in order to contribute to Victoria’s economic restoration and health aspect during COVID-19 Pandemic.
What are the occupations that are eligible for Victoria Skilled Program during COVID-19?
Well, basically it is for any occupations that the state may consider as vital for Victoria’s economic and health aspects. However, there are many occupations that are considered more critical such as health-related occupation, IT, and Engineering. These critical skills are said to be given priority over other applicants.
For those whose occupations are not listed as critical skills, don’t worry, your application will still be considered. Anyway, it will have to be in a queue until the state has screened the critical occupations first.
Will Victoria State Nominations COVID-19 apply for both onshore and offshore applicants?
Unfortunately, this program is limited only for onshore applicants, with some requirements such as:
- Already be living in Victoria;
- Already be working in Victoria (minimum six-month employment);
- Work in a highly-skilled occupation in health or medical research which supports Victoria’s economic recovery and/or health response.
Sounds interesting! How can I apply for the Victoria State Skilled Nomination during COVID-19?
To apply Victoria State Nomination post-COVID-19 you need to be aware, there are some changes in terms of the process to apply for this program. Unlike before, now applicants with skills in health or medical will have to apply for a Registration of Interest. The process will be first applying for EOI, and then use the EOI registration number to apply for a Registration of Interest on Live in Melbourne website. This Registration of Interest is available for submission from 8 September until 21 September 2020. Once selected, you will need to apply for Victorian Visa Nominations, which is also on Live in Melbourne website. Last but of course, not least, you can apply for a visa with the Department of Home Affairs once receiving the invitation.
Sounds complicated?
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