If you're a skilled worker struggling to secure Victoria's competitive 190 nomination, the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa offers a strategic "overflow valve" to permanent residency. With only 700 places allocated for the 2025-26 program year-versus 2,700 for the 190-Victoria's regional visa targets applicants already living and working in regional cities like Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo. After three years of regional contribution, you become eligible for the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence) visa-no further state nomination required.
Watch our video explainer:
The 491 visa is not a fallback option-it's an elite pathway. Regional Victoria offers lower cost of living, a guaranteed PR route after three years, and the +15 points regional boost that can transform a 60-point applicant into a competitive 75+ candidate.
Victoria's 491 Allocation: 700 Places for 2025-26
Victoria's total skilled visa nomination allocation for 2025-26 is 3,400 places:
- 2,700 places for Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) - Immediate permanent residence
- 700 places for Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) - Provisional visa leading to 191 PR
With only 700 places available statewide, Victoria's 491 is statistically more competitive per place than the 190. The program has evolved from a volume-based settlement scheme into a precision instrument designed to plug specific workforce gaps in regional areas.
Why Consider the 491 Over the 190?
| Factor | 190 (Melbourne-focused) | 491 (Regional Victoria) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Boost | +5 (state nomination) | +15 (regional nomination) |
| Employment Required | No | Yes (in regional Victoria) |
| Residency Commitment | 2 years anywhere in Victoria | 3 years in regional Victoria |
| PR Timeline | Immediate upon grant | Via 191 after 3 years |
| Competitive Threshold | 85-90+ points (salary filter) | 65-75 points (employment filter) |
For applicants with 60-70 base points, the 491's +15 point boost can mean the difference between eligibility and rejection. Use our GSM Points Calculator to check your score.
Category 2 vs Category 3: The Critical Distinction
Understanding the regional category classification is paramount for strategic planning. The Department of Home Affairs divides regional Australia into categories that determine visa incentives-and Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo fall into different categories.
Classification Breakdown
| City | Regional Category | Visa Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Geelong | Category 2 (Major Regional Centre) | +1 year on 485 visa extension |
| Ballarat | Category 3 (Regional Centre) | +2 years on 485 visa extension |
| Bendigo | Category 3 (Regional Centre) | +2 years on 485 visa extension |
What This Means for Your Strategy
| Feature | Category 2 (Geelong) | Category 3 (Ballarat, Bendigo) |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Nomination Points | +15 (491) | +15 (491) |
| 485 Visa Extension | +1 Year | +2 Years |
| Priority Processing | Yes | Highest Priority |
| DAMA Access | Limited | Broader DAMA access |
| Destination Australia Scholarships | Standard | Higher probability |
For International Students: Studying at Federation University (Ballarat) or La Trobe University (Bendigo) offers a superior return on investment. The extra year of 485 Graduate Visa validity in Category 3 areas provides a critical 12-month buffer to secure skilled employment and accumulate the 3-year residence requirement for the 191 visa.
Eligible Postcodes: Victoria's Regional Areas
For migration purposes, all of Victoria except metropolitan Melbourne is classified as a designated regional area.
Victoria Regional Postcode Reference
For a complete overview of skilled visa options, see our guide on 189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Skilled Visa is Right for You?
Category 2 - Cities and Major Regional Centres:
- 3211 to 3232, 3235, 3240
- 3328, 3330 to 3333, 3340, 3342
Category 3 - Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas:
- 3097 to 3099, 3139
- 3233 to 3234, 3236 to 3239
- 3241 to 3325, 3329, 3334, 3341
- 3345 to 3424, 3430 to 3799
The "Golden Triangle": Geelong, Ballarat & Bendigo Compared
These three cities represent the primary economic engines of regional Victoria. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your profession, family situation, and lifestyle preferences.
Economic Profiles at a Glance
| City | Population | Distance from Melbourne | Key Industries | Strategic Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geelong | ~300,000 | 75 km (1 hr train) | Government HQ, Health, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction | Deepest job market, near-Melbourne lifestyle |
| Ballarat | ~115,000 | 115 km (1.5 hr) | Health, Food Manufacturing, Education, Public Administration | Most affordable, top schools, family-friendly |
| Bendigo | ~120,000 | 150 km (2 hr) | Banking/Finance (Bendigo Bank HQ), Mining, Defence Manufacturing, Health | Best for corporate professionals, high wages |
Geelong: The Second Metropolis
Geelong functions less as a country town and more as a satellite metropolis with a stunning waterfront and strong Melbourne integration.
Key Employers:
- Barwon Health (University Hospital Geelong) - Tertiary referral centre for western Victoria; massive demand for nurses and allied health
- NDIS, WorkSafe Victoria, TAC - National/state headquarters creating deep market for policy, admin, and data roles
- Carbon Revolution, Hanwha Defense - Advanced manufacturing for engineers and technicians
- Armstrong Creek corridor - Construction boom driving trades demand
Best For: Health professionals, public sector administrators, construction workers, those wanting coastal lifestyle with Melbourne accessibility.
Ballarat: The Heritage Capital
Ballarat offers a "big country town" feel with spectacular affordability and world-class education.
Key Employers:
- Ballarat Health Services - Over 20% of local workforce; most reliable pathway for nursing and allied health
- Mars Wrigley, McCain Foods - Food processing multinationals employing industrial engineers and trades
- GovHub - ~1,000 decentralised Victorian government jobs
- Federation University - Academic and professional staff
Best For: Families (outstanding schools), trades people, manufacturing specialists, those prioritising affordability over cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Climate Factor: Ballarat is significantly colder than Melbourne or Bendigo. Harsh winters can be a shock to migrants from warmer climates. Budget for heating costs and winter clothing.
Bendigo: The Financial Hub
Bendigo is the most economically self-sufficient of the three cities, operating largely independently of Melbourne's commuter belt.
Key Employers:
- Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (HQ) - Creates an entire ecosystem for finance, IT, legal, and HR professionals-roles typically confined to capital cities
- Fosterville Gold Mine - One of the world's highest-grade gold mines; high-wage mining engineering jobs
- Thales Australia - Manufactures Bushmaster vehicles; cornerstone for mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers
- Bendigo Health - World-class hospital serving the Loddon Mallee region
Best For: Corporate professionals (IT, finance, HR), mining engineers, defence manufacturing specialists, those seeking cultural vibrancy with regional benefits.
Priority Sectors: Where Victoria Needs You
Given the restrictive 700-place quota, Victoria focuses invitations on sectors critical to the state's infrastructure and social services. Meeting baseline eligibility is merely the entry ticket-successful applicants demonstrate alignment with state priorities.
Victorian 491 Priority Occupations
| Sector | Key Occupations | Regional Demand Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care | Registered Nurses, GPs, Occupational Therapists, Aged Care Workers | Critical staff shortages at Barwon Health (Geelong), Ballarat Health Services, Bendigo Health |
| Education | Early Childhood Teachers, Secondary Teachers (STEM/Special Ed) | State-wide shortages in early learning and regional schools |
| Construction | Civil Engineers, Surveyors, Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters | Infrastructure pipeline and housing growth (especially Armstrong Creek) |
| Digital Economy | Cyber Security Specialists, Software Engineers | Regional digital transformation; Bendigo Bank digital operations |
| New Energy | Electrical Engineers, Renewable Energy Technicians | Victoria's renewable energy targets and regional wind/solar projects |
| Advanced Manufacturing | Mechanical Engineers, Production Managers | Food processing (Ballarat), defence manufacturing (Bendigo) |
Applicants in priority sectors may receive invitations with 65-70 points. Generic business or administrative roles may face thresholds of 85+ points or find the pathway effectively closed without a direct job offer in a regional town.
The Housing Reality: Critical Settlement Risk
The "overflow valve" strategy of pushing migrants to the regions is colliding with a severe housing shortage. Understanding this bottleneck is essential for realistic planning.
Rental Market Crisis (2025 Estimates)
| City | Median Rent (3-Bed House) | Vacancy Rate | Affordability Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geelong | $583-$650/week | ~1.5% | High Stress - Rents rival Melbourne |
| Ballarat | $410-$450/week | ~1.1% | Most Affordable - ~$8,000 annual savings vs Geelong |
| Bendigo | $480-$530/week | ~1.1% | Moderate - Rising rapidly |
| Melbourne (reference) | $575-$600/week | ~2.5% | Stabilising |
For a complete overview of rental processes in Australia, see our guide on Renting in Australia: The Complete Guide for Newcomers.
Vacancy rates below 1.5% indicate a rental crisis. New arrivals should budget for 4-8 weeks of short-term accommodation (Airbnb/serviced apartment) upon arrival-a hidden cost that can run to $3,000-$5,000. Securing housing is a major cause of "visa churn."
Strategic Housing Insights
- Geelong has effectively decoupled from regional pricing. You pay Melbourne-level rents but face a shallower job market than the capital. See our Cost of Living in Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane for comparison.
- Ballarat offers genuine "regional arbitrage"-significantly lower costs with a stable (albeit smaller) economy.
- Bendigo is rapidly rising due to high-wage sectors (mining, banking) attracting wealth to the region.
Educational Infrastructure: For Students and Families
Universities and Graduate Pathways
| Institution | Location | Category | 485 Visa Extension | Strategic Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deakin University | Geelong | Category 2 | +1 Year | Global ranking, industry connections |
| Federation University | Ballarat | Category 3 | +2 Years | Maximum visa incentive, industry integration |
| La Trobe University | Bendigo | Category 3 | +2 Years | Health/dentistry specialisation, Bendigo Health pipeline |
For international students exploring the best pathway to PR, see our comprehensive guide on Student to PR Pathway Options in Australia 2026.
Schools for Migrant Families
For skilled migrants with children, school quality is often decisive:
- Ballarat Clarendon College consistently ranks as the top-performing school in Victoria for VCE results, often outperforming elite Melbourne private schools-at regional fee levels.
- Geelong Grammar, The Geelong College offer prestige but at Melbourne-level fees ($30,000+ p.a.)
- Bendigo and Ballarat offer excellent public school options with smaller class sizes
For a complete overview of school options, see our guide on Schools in Australia 2026: Public vs Private, Fees & Enrolment.
Victoria 491 Eligibility Requirements
Federal Requirements (Home Affairs)
- Under 45 years of age at time of invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each band) - see our English Test Comparison Guide for test options
- Valid skills assessment in a nominated occupation
- Minimum 65 points in SkillSelect (including +15 regional boost)
- Meet health and character requirements
Victoria-Specific Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Must be living in regional Victoria (not Melbourne) |
| Employment | Must be working for an employer physically located in the regional area |
| Genuine Commitment | Must demonstrate intention to live/work in regional Victoria for 2+ years post-grant |
| Virtual Offices | Remote work for Melbourne employers does NOT qualify-the economic benefit must accrue to the region |
A candidate living in Geelong but working remotely for a Melbourne headquarters does NOT satisfy regional nomination criteria. Employment must be with an employer physically located in a designated regional area.
The 191 Pathway: Converting to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional) visa is your guaranteed pathway from 491 to PR-no re-nomination required.
191 Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Prior Visa | Held 491 or 494 visa for minimum 3 years |
| Regional Living | Lived in designated regional area during those 3 years |
| Regional Work | Worked in designated regional area |
| Income Evidence | 3 ATO Notices of Assessment (one per year) |
| Compliance | Complied with all 491/494 visa conditions |
| Condition 8579 | Must not have lived/worked in Category 1 cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane) |
The Income Threshold Question
Critical Nuance: Current legislative instruments for the 191 visa do not explicitly specify a minimum income threshold-only that you provide 3 ATO Notices of Assessment. However, reporting poverty-level or zero income may trigger discretionary scrutiny. The safest approach is to demonstrate income consistent with full-time skilled employment (~$73,150 TSMIT equivalent) to prove genuine regional economic contribution.
Mobility During the 3 Years
Visa holders are free to move between regional areas. You could start in Ballarat, relocate to Bendigo for a better job, then move to Geelong-provided you never settle in a Category 1 city. The "three-year jail" perception is misleading; it's really three years of regional opportunity.
What the 191 Visa Provides
Once granted, the 191 gives you:
- Permanent resident status with work/study rights anywhere in Australia
- No regional restrictions-you can move to Melbourne immediately
- Medicare access (if not already enrolled)
- Pathway to Australian citizenship (typically 4 years total, including 1 year as PR)
- Access to government benefits after waiting periods
Strategic Recommendations: Who Should Go Where?
For Nurses & Allied Health Professionals
Best Choice: Geelong or Bendigo
The scale of Barwon Health (Geelong) and Bendigo Health offers the highest probability of employment. Health is the top priority sector-nomination is highly likely.
For Corporate Professionals (IT, Finance, HR)
Best Choice: Bendigo
The presence of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank headquarters creates a labour market for these skills that is virtually non-existent in Ballarat or regional Geelong.
For International Students
Best Choice: Ballarat or Bendigo (Category 3)
The extra year of 485 visa validity is a critical insurance policy that maximises time to secure skilled employment and meet the 3-year residence requirement.
For Families with Children
Best Choice: Ballarat
The most compelling package of housing affordability and world-class education (Ballarat Clarendon College). Climate adaptation required.
For Trades & Construction Workers
Best Choice: Geelong
The Armstrong Creek construction boom and infrastructure pipeline create immense demand for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters.
Application Process & Costs
Step-by-Step Guide
- Check your points using our GSM Points Calculator-ensure 65+ with regional boost
- Obtain skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- Secure employment with an employer physically located in regional Victoria
- Submit EOI in SkillSelect selecting Victoria and 491 pathway
- Submit ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal
- If invited, apply for Victorian nomination (~$415 fee)
- Lodge 491 visa application with Home Affairs
Application Costs
| Cost Component | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee (main applicant) | $4,910 |
| Additional applicant (18+) | $2,455 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | $1,230 |
| Victorian Nomination Fee | ~$415 |
| Skills Assessment | $500-$2,500 |
| English Test | ~$400 |
Visa fees current as of July 2025. Fees typically increase on 1 July each year.
Comparison: Victoria 491 vs Other States
| Factor | Victoria 491 | SA 491 | QLD 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Places Available | 700 | 900 | 750 |
| Processing Time | ~20 business days | 2-8 weeks | Variable |
| Employment Required | Yes (regional VIC) | Yes + 3 years experience | Yes (6 months regional QLD) |
| Key Advantage | Fast processing, no minimum experience | Graduate concessions | Construction pathway (3 months) |
For complete state comparisons, see our guides on State Nomination NSW/VIC/SA/QLD and State Nomination WA/TAS/ACT/NT.
State nomination requirements and occupation lists are subject to change. Please confirm current availability before applying.
How First Migration Can Help
The Victorian 491 pathway requires a holistic strategy-looking beyond visa eligibility to the realities of regional settlement, housing, and employment. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents specialise in skilled visa applications and can assess whether Geelong, Ballarat, or Bendigo aligns best with your profession and circumstances.
Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice on Victoria's regional nomination pathway.
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Registration No. 1569835
Certified by the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Your trusted partner for Australian visa applications.
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