Victoria’s 2026-27 skilled visa nomination program will introduce new fees, with the state also outlining priority industries and selection criteria for applicants.
Applicants seeking Victorian nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) will need to pay a fee to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI), with a separate fee required if they are invited to apply for nomination.
The Victorian Government has also outlined how it ranks applicants, including the factors that influence their Victorian Points Test (VPT) scores and the industries it prioritises for invitations.
While these details offer greater insight into the selection process, competition for nomination places remains an important consideration. Victoria has yet to announce when the 2026-27 program will open.
How Much Will Victoria’s Skilled Visa Nomination Fees Cost in 2026-27?
Victoria will charge fees at two stages of the state nomination process: when applicants submit an ROI and when invited applicants lodge a nomination application.
| Application Stage | Fee Excluding GST | Fee Including GST |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Interest (ROI) | $60 | $66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
GST applies when an applicant is in Australia at the time of payment. The applicable amount is calculated when the applicant completes the relevant form.
The ROI fee is charged once per program year. Applicants who withdraw their ROI and submit another one during the same program year will not have to pay the ROI fee again.
The separate nomination application fee applies only to applicants who receive an invitation to apply for nomination and proceed to submit an application.
These charges relate to Victoria’s state nomination process, not the full cost of applying for an Australian visa. Applicants may need to budget for other applicable visa charges and associated expenses.
How Does Victoria Select Skilled Visa Applicants for Nomination?
Victoria uses the VPT to rank ROIs for its subclass 190 and subclass 491 nomination programs. The VPT assesses seven factors, combining them into a total score. Victoria ranks applicants from highest to lowest based on their scores and selects ROIs for invitations during regular invitation rounds.
The seven factors are:
- Age: Younger applicants receive higher scores under the published scale.
- English language proficiency: Applicants with higher English proficiency can receive more points.
- Work experience: The test considers years of experience in the nominated occupation.
- Education: Qualifications ranging from other recognised education categories to doctoral degrees receive different scores.
- Occupation skill level: The skill level assigned to an occupation affects the points awarded.
- Partner’s skills: Eligible applicants may receive additional points if their partner meets the specified requirements.
- Annual earnings in Victoria: Eligible applicants working in skilled employment in Victoria can receive points based on their annual earnings.
The VPT uses information from an applicant’s Australian Government SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) and Victorian ROI.
Which Factors Carry the Most Points?
The published VPT scoring framework gives particular weight to age and English language proficiency. It also awards points for education, work experience, occupation skill level, partner skills and earnings from skilled employment in Victoria.
| VPT Factor | Maximum Points | Highest-Scoring Category |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 300 | 20–29 years old |
| English language proficiency | 200 | Superior English |
| Work experience in the nominated occupation | 100 | More than 8 years |
| Educational qualifications | 100 | PhD |
| Occupation skill level | 50 | Skill level 1 occupation |
| Partner’s skills | 50 | Partner Skills claimed in EOI, partner included in application and partner’s occupation in a priority industry |
| Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria | 150 | $170,000 and over |
Note: These figures reflect the scoring information provided in Victoria’s published VPT tables. Applicants should check the official Victorian Points Test page for the detailed scoring rules and requirements applicable to their circumstances.
A higher score can improve an applicant’s ranking, but it does not guarantee an invitation. The outcome also depends on the scores of other applicants and the nomination places available.
Victoria Has Two Pathways for Selecting ROIs
Victoria considers ROIs through two invitation pathways: the most-competitive pathway and the priority-industry pathway.
1. Most competitive
Under this pathway, Victoria invites ROIs with the highest VPT scores across all eligible occupations in the pool at the time of an invitation round. Applicants therefore compete with other eligible candidates, and their ranking depends on the strength of the ROI pool when Victoria conducts the round.
2. Priority industry
Victoria also prioritises certain occupations to address critical skills needs in designated industries. Under this pathway, ROIs are ranked within each priority industry or industry subgroup using the VPT. Victoria may invite the highest-ranked applicants in those groups.
Applicants in a priority industry are not automatically guaranteed an invitation. Their VPT scores and the other ROIs in the relevant group still matter.
Which Industries Are Prioritised for Victoria’s 2026-27 Program?
Victoria’s published information identifies four priority industries for the 2026-27 skilled visa nomination program:
- Healthcare: Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Surgeons, etc.
- Social assistance: Social Workers, Welfare Workers, Psychologists, etc.
- Education: Early Childhood Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Special Needs Teachers, etc.
- Construction: Construction Project Managers, Surveyors, Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, etc.
Applicants should check the official occupation lists rather than assume that every occupation within a priority industry receives priority consideration. The relevant occupation and any applicable requirements must match Victoria’s published criteria.
Victoria uses the VPT to rank ROIs within each priority industry or industry subgroup. Applicants with the highest scores in those groups may be invited to apply for nomination.
Is There a Minimum Victorian Points Test Score for an Invitation?
No. Victoria does not set a fixed pass mark for its Points Test.
Instead, it ranks ROIs and invites selected applicants based on their scores relative to other candidates in the relevant pool and the nomination places available. This differs from the Australian Government’s SkillSelect points test, which requires applicants for the relevant points-tested skilled visas to score at least 65 points to meet the minimum points threshold.
The two systems serve different purposes. SkillSelect points contribute to federal visa eligibility, while the VPT helps Victoria rank applicants for state nomination. Meeting the federal points threshold does not guarantee a Victorian nomination invitation. Likewise, achieving a particular VPT score does not guarantee selection.
Victoria also states that it cannot prioritise invitations based on personal circumstances such as an applicant’s age or the expiry of a current visa or supporting documents. Applicants must satisfy both the Australian Government’s visa eligibility requirements and Victoria’s nomination requirements.
Do Existing Victorian ROIs Need to Be Resubmitted for 2026-27?
Yes. Applicants who submitted an ROI in a previous program year must submit a new ROI if they want to be considered for Victorian nomination in 2026-27.
They must log in to the Live in Melbourne portal and lodge a new ROI when the program opens. The previous year’s ROI does not automatically carry over for consideration in the new program year.
However, Victoria’s fee rules state that applicants who withdraw and resubmit an ROI within the same program year will not be charged the ROI fee again. This is separate from the requirement to submit a new ROI for a new program year.
When Will Victoria’s 2026-27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program Open?
Victoria has not announced the opening date in its 13 October 2026 update.
The government says it will publish further information about the 2026-27 program on the Live in Melbourne website when available. Applicants should monitor the official website for the opening announcement and review the VPT and priority occupation lists before submitting an ROI.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re hoping to secure Victorian nomination, now is a good time to review your eligibility, assess your VPT score and check whether your occupation falls within a priority industry. Preparing early can help you make informed decisions before the 2026-27 program opens.
SALIA Lawyers & Associates can help you understand where you stand and what to do next. We can assess your circumstances against Victoria’s nomination requirements, review the factors that may affect your VPT score and help you understand how your occupation, qualifications, English proficiency, work experience and Victorian employment may influence your competitiveness. We can also help you compare the subclass 190 and 491 pathways, identify potential gaps in your eligibility and prepare the information needed for your ROI and subsequent nomination application.
With limited nomination places and no guaranteed invitation, having a clear understanding of your options can help you plan your next steps with greater confidence. Contact SALIA Lawyers & Associates to discuss your circumstances and get guidance on your Victorian skilled migration options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Victorian skilled visa ROI cost in 2026-27?
The ROI fee is $60, or $66 including GST where applicable. The fee is charged once per program year.
Does Victoria charge the same nomination application fee for subclass 190 and subclass 491?
Yes. Both nomination application fees are $180, or $198 including GST where applicable. Applicants pay this fee when they receive an invitation to apply for nomination and submit their application.
What factors does Victoria use to rank skilled visa ROIs?
Victoria uses seven factors: age, English language proficiency, work experience in the nominated occupation, educational qualifications, occupation skill level, partner’s skills where applicable and annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria where applicable.
Does Victoria have a minimum VPT score for nomination?
No. Victoria does not have a fixed VPT pass mark. It ranks ROIs and issues invitations based on applicants’ scores relative to others in the relevant pool and the nomination places available.
Do I need to submit a new ROI for Victoria’s 2026-27 program?
Yes. Applicants who want to be considered for nomination in 2026-27 must submit a new ROI when the program opens, even if they lodged one in a previous program year.
When will Victoria’s 2026-27 nomination program open?
Victoria has not yet announced an opening date. Applicants should check the Live in Melbourne website for further announcements.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
