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What Has Changed for Victoria's 2026–27 Skilled Nomination Program?
Victoria has announced changes to its 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program for subclass 190 and 491 applicants, including new application fees and a detailed Victorian Points Test (VPT) ranking system.
For offshore applicants, the key question is: Can you still compete without Victorian work experience or income?
The answer is yes, provided you meet the relevant eligibility requirements. However, understanding how your points are calculated is essential.
New Fees and ROI Requirements
For 2026–27, Victoria has introduced the following fees:
- Registration of Interest (ROI): AUD 60, or AUD 66 including GST.
- 190/491 nomination application: AUD 180, or AUD 198 including GST.
GST applies if you are in Australia when paying. The nomination application fee is only payable if you are invited and submit an application.
Previous-year ROIs will not carry over. Applicants must submit a new ROI when the 2026–27 program opens.
How the Victorian Points Test Works
The VPT ranks applicants using seven factors, with a maximum of 950 points:
- Age: up to 300 points
- English proficiency: up to 200 points
- Experience in nominated occupation: up to 100 points
- Educational qualifications: up to 100 points
- Occupation skill level: up to 50 points
- Partner skills: up to 50 points
- Eligible Victorian skilled earnings: up to 150 points
Unlike the federal SkillSelect points test, the VPT has no fixed pass mark. Applicants must still meet the federal 65-point minimum and applicable visa requirements.
How Offshore Applicants Can Stay Competitive
1. Age — Up to 300 Points
Applicants aged 20–29 receive the maximum 300 VPT points. Scores decrease with age, making early planning important.
2. English — Up to 200 Points
Superior English earns 200 points, compared with 100 for Proficient English.
Improving your English may significantly strengthen your ranking. However, Superior English does not guarantee an invitation or fully eliminate an onshore applicant's earnings advantage.
For PTE Academic tests taken from 7 August 2025, the Superior English minimum scores are Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85 and Speaking 88.
3. Skilled Employment — Up to 100 Points
More than eight years of eligible experience in your nominated occupation can earn 100 points.
Ensure your employment claims are accurate, meet the relevant requirements and are supported by evidence.
4. Qualifications — Up to 100 Points
A Bachelor's degree earns 50 points, a Master's 75 and a PhD 100. Check that your latest qualifications are correctly recorded in SkillSelect.
5. Partner Skills — 50 Points
You may receive 50 VPT points if you have claimed 10 partner skills points in your SkillSelect EOI, your partner is included in your visa application, and their nominated occupation meets Victoria's priority occupation requirements.
All three conditions must be satisfied.
Two Invitation Pathways
Victoria uses two invitation pathways:
Most Competitive: Applicants are ranked by VPT scores across eligible occupations.
Priority Industry: Certain designated occupations receive priority consideration within their industry or occupation group.
Priority arrangements depend on the nominated occupation, visa subclass and applicable program requirements.
Offshore subclass 491 applicants should pay particular attention to the specific offshore priority arrangements, which may differ from those applying to subclass 190.
Being in a priority occupation does not guarantee an invitation.
What Should Offshore Applicants Do Now?
Before submitting your Victorian ROI:
- Review your SkillSelect EOI and assess your VPT competitiveness.
- Check whether improving your English could increase your score.
- Confirm your skilled employment, qualifications and partner points are correctly claimed.
- Verify your occupation's eligibility and any offshore priority requirements.
- Prepare to submit a new ROI when Victoria's 2026–27 program opens.
Key Takeaways
- Offshore applicants can still compete for Victorian nomination without Victorian income points.
- Age, English, experience and qualifications can significantly influence VPT rankings.
- A high VPT score does not guarantee an invitation.
- Subclass 190 and 491 offshore priority arrangements may differ.
- Existing ROIs must be resubmitted for the new program year.
Applying from Overseas? Know Your Chances Before You Apply
No Victorian work experience does not automatically mean no pathway to nomination.
However, an incorrect EOI, unsupported employment claim or unsuitable visa strategy could affect your application.
At Riverwood Migration, our Australian migration lawyers can assess your subclass 190 or 491 eligibility, review your EOI and identify potential risks before you submit your ROI.
The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.
Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer
For skilled migration and skills assessment matters, we recommend speaking with Scott Gan, our lawyer specialising in points-tested visas and occupation skills assessments. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.
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