Australia: Melbourne Applicants Now Eligible for Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Australian government expanded the availability of Skilled Work Regional visas (subclass 491) to applicants in Melbourne. Foreign nationals living or working there can now submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for visa nomination. Eligible foreign nationals who have lived, worked, or studied in Victoria for at least three years can apply, unlike the previous restrictions on Melbourne residents. Furthermore, individuals who submitted an ROI for a subclass 190 visa but have not been selected can now withdraw their existing ROI and submit a new one for the Skilled Work Regional visa. This provisional visa grants skilled workers the opportunity to live and work in regional Australia for five years, with the possibility of applying for permanent residence after three years.