Victoria flags changes to Skilled Work Regional Visa allocation to plug skill gaps in regions

The Allan government is planning to shake-up Victoria’s Skilled Work Regional Visa allocation, a move which will send international student graduates to the bush.

International student graduates would be offered fast-tracked visas to live and work in regional Victoria under a new plan to fill critical skills gaps.

Under the scheme, at least 25 per cent of the state’s Skilled Work Regional Visa allocation would be reserved for graduates from Victorian universities.

Those students could be either studying a dual degree at a Victorian campus abroad or already living here but must already have a student visa.

Announcing the plan during a trip to India, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the move was aimed at attracting and retaining skilled workers.

“International students are essential to Victoria’s vibrant, multicultural community,” she said.

“We are ensuring that when students complete their studies, they have every opportunity to live and work in regional Victoria, where their skills are most needed.

“We’re focused on providing pathways for international graduates to build their futures in regional areas, addressing workforce shortages while offering graduates the chance to contribute to our growing regional cities.”

The premier made the announcement during a visit to the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan School.

Jacinta Allan unveiled the plan on a trip to India. Picture: Supplied

In the last financial year 356 international graduates were nominated for regional visas, but the government wants to boost this number to at least 500.

The Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491) allows holders to stay in Australia for five years while living, working and studying in a designated regional area of Australia.

They are able to freely travel to and from Australia and may apply for permanent residence after three years from the time the visa is granted.

Graduates currently living and working in Melbourne will also be able to apply for the visa.

Ms Allan said the move could plug skills gaps in advanced manufacturing, social services, hospitality and tourism.

In 2023, there were more than 234,000 international students from 170 countries studying in Victoria.

Speaking at India’s biggest education event, Didac India, on Wednesday, Ms Allan took the opportunity to spruik the government’s recently announced $5 million Yes to International Students Fund to help more Victorian education providers grow partnerships overseas.

A key focus of the Premier’s whirlwind visit to India has been reassuring Indian officials that Victoria remains open to international students despite the federal government’s proposal to cap Australia’s foreign student intake.

On Tuesday, Ms Allan officially opened the University of Melbourne’s first Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi.

Originally published as Victoria flags changes to Skilled Work Regional Visa allocation to plug skill gaps in regions