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What Are Victoria's Partner Points Worth in 2026–27?
Applying for a Victoria subclass 190 or 491 visa nomination? Your partner's skills could contribute 50 points under the new Victorian Points Test (VPT).
However, having a skilled partner does not automatically qualify you for these points. Victoria requires applicants to meet three specific conditions.
The VPT is separate from the federal SkillSelect points test. These additional 50 points can improve your Victorian Registration of Interest (ROI) ranking, but they do not increase your federal visa points.
The Three Conditions for Partner Points
To receive the full 50 VPT partner skills points, you must meet all three requirements:
- SkillSelect EOI: You have claimed 10 Partner Skills points in your federal SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Partner included: Your partner will be included in your state-nominated visa application.
- Priority occupation: Your partner's occupation is a current Victorian priority industry occupation.
If even one condition is not met, you receive zero VPT partner skills points.
Importantly, claiming 5 partner points under the federal system is not enough to satisfy Victoria's 50-point requirement.
What Are Victoria's Priority Industries for 2026–27?
Victoria prioritises certain occupations across industries including:
- Health and social services
- Education, including early childhood
- Construction
- New energy
- Advanced manufacturing
- Hospitality and tourism (subclass 491)
Different priorities may apply depending on your visa subclass and whether you are applying from within Australia or overseas.
Working in a priority industry does not automatically make an occupation eligible. Your partner's occupation must meet Victoria's specific requirements.
Why Your SkillSelect EOI Matters
One common mistake is assuming that a partner's qualifications or skills assessment automatically earns the additional 50 points.
Even if your partner works in a priority occupation, you must have correctly claimed 10 Partner Skills points in your SkillSelect EOI.
Incorrect points claims or inconsistencies between your EOI and ROI can put your nomination application at risk.
Before changing your EOI, check whether the proposed changes affect your points, eligibility or existing ROI.
How Much Difference Can 50 Points Make?
Victoria's VPT uses seven weighted factors, including age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, occupation skill level, partner skills and eligible Victorian earnings.
The maximum theoretical VPT total is 950 points, although not every factor applies to every applicant.
An additional 50 partner points could strengthen your ranking against other applicants.
However, there is no fixed VPT invitation score, and receiving 50 partner points does not guarantee an invitation.
What You Should Do Now
Before submitting your Victoria 190 or 491 ROI:
- Check your EOI: Have you correctly claimed 10 Partner Skills points?
- Verify your partner's occupation: Does it meet Victoria's current priority occupation requirements?
- Review your evidence: Can you demonstrate that your partner meets the relevant federal points requirements?
- Prepare your ROI: Applicants with an ROI from a previous program year must submit a new ROI when the 2026–27 program opens.
Key Takeaways
- Victoria's 2026–27 VPT offers 50 points for eligible partner skills.
- All three requirements must be satisfied to receive these points.
- The 50 VPT points are separate from federal SkillSelect points.
- An incorrect EOI or ROI claim could affect your nomination prospects.
- Previous program-year ROIs do not automatically carry over into 2026–27.
Not Sure Whether You Qualify for the Extra 50 Points?
Don't risk losing valuable points because of an incorrect EOI or ROI claim.
At Riverwood Migration, our Australian migration lawyers can assess your partner's eligibility, review your claimed points and help you prepare a stronger Victorian nomination application.
Information current as at 19 October 2026. Eligibility and nomination requirements may change. Each application is assessed on its individual circumstances.
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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