Victoria's 2026–27 Skilled Nomination Program: What Has Changed

The Victorian Government has announced important updates to its 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program, affecting applicants seeking a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

The key changes include new application fees, a detailed Victorian Points Test (VPT), and updated priority industries.

The program has not yet opened, but applicants can now review their competitiveness and prepare for the new nomination year.

New Fees for ROIs and Nomination Applications

For 2026–27, Victoria is introducing fees for both Registrations of Interest (ROIs) and nomination applications:

• Registration of Interest (ROI): AUD 60, or AUD 66 including GST.
• Subclass 190 nomination application: AUD 180, or AUD 198 including GST.
• Subclass 491 nomination application: AUD 180, or AUD 198 including GST.

GST applies when an applicant is in Australia at the time of payment.

The ROI fee is payable once per program year, even if an applicant withdraws and submits another ROI during that year. The nomination application fee is payable only after receiving an invitation and proceeding with the application.

These charges are separate from the Australian Government's visa application fees.

Existing ROIs Do Not Carry Over

Applicants with an ROI from a previous program year must submit a new ROI for 2026–27.

Previous ROIs will not automatically be considered when the new program opens.

Applicants should review their SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI), skills assessment, English results and supporting documents before submitting a new ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal.

How the Victorian Points Test Works

Victoria has published the full weighting of its Victorian Points Test (VPT), which ranks ROIs for subclass 190 and 491 nomination.

The VPT is separate from the Australian Government's points test. Applicants must still meet the federal minimum of 65 points, but 65 federal points do not guarantee Victorian nomination.

The VPT assesses seven factors, with a maximum combined score of 950:

• Age: Up to 300 points, with the highest score for applicants aged 20–29.
• English proficiency: Up to 200 points for Superior English.
• Experience in the nominated occupation: Up to 100 points for more than eight years of experience.
• Educational qualification: Up to 100 points for a PhD.
• Occupation skill level: 50 points for Skill Level 1 occupations.
• Partner skills: 50 points where all specified requirements are met.
• Annual earnings from eligible skilled employment in Victoria: Up to 150 points, with earnings points starting at AUD 80,000.

Age and English proficiency carry the greatest individual weight. Improving English results from Competent to Superior can add 200 VPT points.

Partner skills points require applicants to have claimed 10 partner skills points in their SkillSelect EOI, include their partner in the state-nominated visa application, and have a partner whose occupation is on Victoria's current priority occupation list.

Victorian earnings points apply only to applicants meeting the relevant requirements for current skilled employment in Victoria. Applicants living overseas cannot claim these earnings points.

Importantly, there is no fixed VPT pass mark. Applicants are ranked against others in each invitation round, and a high score does not guarantee an invitation.

Two Invitation Pathways

Victoria will consider eligible ROIs through two invitation pathways:

1. Most Competitive

Applicants across all eligible occupations compete based on their VPT scores.

2. Priority Industry

Applicants in designated priority occupations compete within their relevant priority industry or industry subgroup.

For 2026–27, Victoria's priority industries include:

• Healthcare
• Social assistance
• Education, including specified teaching and early childhood occupations
• Construction, including specified professional and trade occupations

Priority treatment applies to designated occupations within these industries, not automatically to every worker in the sector.

Applicants outside the priority occupations may still be considered through the Most Competitive pathway.

Who Is Most Affected?

These changes are particularly important for:

Applicants with an existing ROI: A new ROI must be submitted when the 2026–27 program opens.

Skilled workers already in Victoria: Eligible employment earnings may strengthen their VPT scores.

Healthcare, education, social assistance and construction professionals: Certain occupations may benefit from priority industry selection.

Overseas applicants: Age, English proficiency, qualifications and skilled experience may significantly affect their competitiveness, even without Victorian employment earnings.

With the new ranking system, simply meeting the minimum visa requirements may not be enough to secure an invitation.

Key Takeaways

• New fees apply to both ROIs and nomination applications.
• Previous ROIs must be resubmitted for 2026–27.
• The VPT has seven weighted factors, with a maximum combined score of 950.
• Age, English proficiency and eligible Victorian earnings can significantly influence competitiveness.
• Selected healthcare, social assistance, education and construction occupations receive priority consideration.
• A minimum of 65 federal points remains necessary, but neither eligibility nor a high VPT score guarantees an invitation.

Planning to Apply for Victorian 190 or 491 Nomination?

Your SkillSelect points may not tell the full story of your chances under Victoria's new selection system.

Before paying for a new ROI, it is worth checking whether your nominated occupation, English results, work experience, partner's skills and other circumstances are being assessed correctly.

Source: Victorian Government – Live in Melbourne, 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program update, 13 October 2026.

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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