Victoria Has Its Own Points Test, Separate from SkillSelect

Victoria uses the Victorian Points Test (VPT) to rank applicants for subclass 190 and 491 skilled visa nomination.

Unlike the Commonwealth SkillSelect points test, which requires at least 65 points for visa eligibility, the VPT has no fixed pass mark.

With a maximum of 950 points across seven factors, your Victorian ranking may differ significantly from your SkillSelect score.

The VPT uses information from both your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) and Victorian Registration of Interest (ROI).

The Seven Scoring Factors

1. Age — Up to 300 Points

Applicants aged 20–29 receive the maximum 300 points. Scores decrease with age, making early planning important.

2. English Proficiency — Up to 200 Points

English proficiency can make a significant difference:

• Competent English: 0 points
• Proficient English: 100 points
• Superior English: 200 points

Ensure your English test results meet the current Home Affairs requirements and are correctly recorded in SkillSelect.

3. Work Experience — Up to 100 Points

Eligible experience in your nominated occupation contributes up to 100 points, with the maximum applying to more than eight years of experience.

Employment claims must meet the relevant requirements and be supported by appropriate evidence.

4. Education — Up to 100 Points

• Other qualification category: 25 points
• Bachelor's or Honours degree: 50 points
• Master's degree: 75 points
• PhD: 100 points

Your qualifications must be accurately declared and meet applicable recognition requirements.

5. Occupation Skill Level — Up to 50 Points

ANZSCO Skill Level 1 occupations receive 50 points. Skill Level 2 and 3 occupations receive zero points for this factor.

However, receiving zero points does not automatically make an occupation ineligible for nomination.

6. Partner Skills — 50 Points

To receive 50 VPT partner points, all three conditions must be met:

• You have claimed 10 partner skills points in your SkillSelect EOI.
• Your partner will be included in your state-nominated visa application.
• Your partner's nominated occupation is on Victoria's current priority occupation list.

A skilled partner alone does not automatically qualify you for these points. Single applicants receive zero VPT partner points.

7. Victorian Skilled Earnings — Up to 150 Points

Eligible annual earnings from current skilled employment in Victoria can contribute up to 150 points.

Points start at AUD 80,000, with the maximum 150 points available at AUD 170,000 or more.

Applicants must meet the relevant employment and location requirements. Offshore earnings do not qualify, and subclass 491 applicants must satisfy the applicable regional Victoria requirements.

Why Your SkillSelect Score Is Not Enough

A high SkillSelect score does not necessarily mean a strong Victorian nomination ranking.

Victoria uses the VPT to assess applicants through two invitation pathways:

• Most Competitive: Applicants with the highest VPT scores across eligible occupations.
• Priority Industry: Applicants in designated priority occupations ranked within their industry or occupation subgroup.

Your competitiveness depends on your VPT score, occupation, other applicants and available nomination places.

A high VPT score does not guarantee an invitation.

Practical Example

Consider two applicants with similar SkillSelect scores:

A 29-year-old receives 300 VPT age points, while a 35-year-old receives 210 points.

An applicant with Superior English receives 200 points, compared with 100 points for Proficient English.

These differences can significantly affect Victorian rankings, even where applicants have similar federal points.

Key Takeaways

• The VPT applies to both subclass 190 and 491 nomination.
• The maximum score is 950 points, with no fixed invitation threshold.
• Age and English carry the highest weightings.
• Partner skills and Victorian earnings points have strict eligibility requirements.
• Your SkillSelect score alone does not determine your Victorian nomination ranking.

Is Your Victorian Points Test Score Competitive?

Having 65, 80 or even 90 SkillSelect points does not guarantee a Victorian nomination invitation.

Incorrect employment claims, missing partner points or outdated EOI information could affect your ranking and application prospects.

At Riverwood Migration, our Australian migration lawyers can review your SkillSelect EOI, assess your Victorian nomination eligibility and identify potential points-claim issues before you submit your ROI.

Know your points. Understand your risks. Plan your next move with confidence.

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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