Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination 2026-27: How to Prepare Your EOI & ROI
If you're planning to apply for permanent residency through Victoria's skilled migration program, there are some important updates to understand before submitting your details.
The Victorian Government has announced changes for the 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program, including new application fees and a Victorian Points Test used to rank candidates for nomination invitations.
As of 24 October 2026, the program is preparing to open for new Registrations of Interest (ROIs). Applicants can use this time to review their eligibility, update their SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) and understand how the Victorian nomination process works.
Here's what you need to know before getting started.
What Is Victoria's Skilled Visa Nomination Program?
Victoria's skilled visa nomination program allows eligible skilled workers to seek state nomination for certain Australian skilled migration visas.
The program covers two main pathways:
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): A permanent residency visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): A five-year provisional visa for eligible skilled workers who intend to live, work and study in designated regional areas.
Both pathways require applicants to meet the Australian Government's visa requirements and Victoria's state nomination criteria.
State nomination is a competitive process. Meeting the eligibility requirements doesn't automatically mean you'll receive an invitation.
You can explore these pathways through General Skilled Migration Services at Echoes Global Education.
What's New for Victoria Skilled Migration in 2026–27?
On 13 October 2026, the Victorian Government released an update covering nomination fees, the Victorian Points Test and requirements for applicants who submitted ROIs in previous program years.
Here are the main changes and updates.
1. New Victorian Nomination Application Fees
Fees will apply to Victorian Registrations of Interest and nomination applications under the 2026–27 program.
| Application type | Fee excluding GST |
|---|---|
| Registration of Interest (ROI) | $60 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | $180 |
For applicants in Australia, GST applies, bringing the respective fees to $66 and $198.
The nomination application fee is payable only if you receive an invitation to apply for nomination and submit that application.
The ROI fee is charged once per program year. If you withdraw and submit another ROI during the same program year, the Victorian Government says you won't be charged the ROI fee again.
These charges are separate from Australian Government visa application charges and any professional service fees.
2. Previous ROI Applicants Must Submit a New ROI
If you submitted a Victorian Registration of Interest in a previous program year and want to be considered for the 2026–27 program, you must submit a new ROI when applications open.
An existing SkillSelect EOI and a Victorian ROI are different records, so don't assume your previous state registration will automatically carry forward.
Before submitting a new ROI, review the information in your SkillSelect EOI to make sure it is accurate.
3. Victorian Points Test Used for ROI Ranking
Victoria uses the Victorian Points Test (VPT) to rank Registrations of Interest for skilled nomination.
The system considers seven weighted factors:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- Skilled experience in your nominated occupation
- Educational qualifications
- Occupation skill level
- Partner skills, where applicable
- Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria, where applicable
There is no fixed VPT pass mark.
Applicants are ranked against other candidates, and invitation outcomes depend on their scores, priority occupation settings and available nomination places.
The Victorian Points Test is separate from the Australian Government's skilled migration points test.
You can explore the Victorian Points Test Calculator at Echoes Global Education to estimate your ranking score. The calculator is indicative and should be checked against the official Victorian Government criteria.
What's the Difference Between an EOI and an ROI?
One of the most common areas of confusion in skilled migration is understanding the difference between a SkillSelect Expression of Interest and a state Registration of Interest.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
An EOI is submitted through the Australian Government's SkillSelect system.
It contains information about your:
- Nominated occupation
- Skills assessment
- English language results
- Qualifications
- Skilled employment experience
- Other details relevant to your points claims
An EOI is required before you can be invited to apply for certain skilled visas, including Subclass 189, 190 and 491.
It remains active for two years and can generally be updated before a visa invitation is issued.
Read more about Expression of Interest guidance.
Registration of Interest (ROI)
An ROI is submitted separately through the Victorian Government's Live in Melbourne nomination system.
It allows eligible applicants to be considered for an invitation to apply for Victorian state nomination.
Your SkillSelect EOI information contributes to the assessment of your Victorian ROI.
Submitting an ROI does not mean that Victoria has nominated you or that you have applied for a visa.
You must first be selected and invited to submit a Victorian nomination application.
Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491: Which Pathway Should You Consider?
The appropriate visa depends on your eligibility and where you intend to live and work.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 visa provides permanent residency if granted.
Eligible applicants must receive state or territory nomination, satisfy the relevant visa requirements and receive an invitation to apply.
State nomination contributes five points towards the Australian Government's points test.
A Victorian Subclass 190 nomination is intended for skilled migrants who want to make Victoria their home, including those planning to live in Melbourne.
Learn more about the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa allows eligible skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas for up to five years.
State nomination contributes 15 points towards the Australian Government's points test.
Eligible visa holders may later apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway, subject to the applicable requirements.
An important consideration is that metropolitan Melbourne is not a designated regional area for this visa. Applicants considering Victorian Subclass 491 nomination need to understand the regional requirements.
Explore the Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491.
How to Prepare Your EOI and ROI for 2026–27
Preparing your documents and checking your eligibility before the program opens can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Step 1: Check Your Occupation Eligibility
Start by confirming that your nominated occupation is eligible for the relevant visa subclass.
Different skilled visas have different occupation requirements.
You should also check that you have a suitable skills assessment from the correct assessing authority.
Step 2: Review Your English Results
English language proficiency affects eligibility and can contribute to both federal and Victorian points calculations.
Check that your English evidence meets the requirements that apply to your intended pathway.
If you've completed a new test and achieved a higher qualifying result, you may need to update your EOI.
Step 3: Calculate Your Points Accurately
The Australian Government's points test currently requires a minimum of 65 points for the relevant points-tested skilled visas.
However, 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.
Victoria also uses its separate VPT ranking system when selecting ROIs.
You can begin with the Skilled Migration Points Calculator to estimate your federal points score.
Make sure every point you claim is supported by appropriate evidence.
Step 4: Update Your SkillSelect EOI
If you've gained additional eligible work experience, completed a qualification or received updated English results, review your EOI.
Check employment dates, qualifications, skills assessment information and family circumstances carefully.
The details used for state nomination should be consistent with your supporting records.
Step 5: Submit Your Victorian ROI When the Program Opens
Once the Victorian Government opens the 2026–27 program, eligible applicants can follow its published instructions to submit a Registration of Interest.
Don't assume that satisfying the federal visa requirements means you automatically qualify for Victorian nomination.
The state may apply additional criteria, including requirements relating to employment, occupation and place of residence.
Check the current Victorian Government skilled migration information before submitting.
Does Having More Points Guarantee a Victorian Nomination?
No.
Your points score is important, but selection depends on how competitive your ROI is compared with others in the pool.
Victoria considers candidates under its VPT ranking system and may prioritise certain occupations within industries identified as having workforce needs.
For the 2026–27 program, the published priority areas include occupations within healthcare, social assistance, education and construction.
Applicants should check the official occupation details because being employed in a broadly related industry does not automatically establish priority eligibility.
An invitation to apply for state nomination is not guaranteed, regardless of your VPT score.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation?
There are two invitation stages applicants need to understand.
Victorian nomination invitation
If Victoria selects your ROI, you may be invited to submit a formal state nomination application.
You'll need to meet the requirements, provide the requested evidence and follow the deadline stated in the invitation.
Australian Government visa invitation
Following the relevant nomination and SkillSelect process, you must receive an Australian Government invitation before lodging the skilled visa application.
Home Affairs generally gives invited applicants 60 days to submit the visa application.
Receiving an invitation does not guarantee the visa will be granted. Your application must still satisfy all relevant criteria.
When Should You Speak With a Migration Agent in Melbourne?
If you're unsure whether your occupation qualifies, how your points are calculated or which pathway fits your circumstances, professional advice can help you understand the available options.
Registered migration agents in Melbourne can assist with reviewing eligibility, skills assessment requirements, supporting documents, EOI details and state nomination procedures.
Echoes Global Education provides migration guidance from its Melbourne CBD office, with services covering skilled migration pathways, including Subclass 190 and 491 visas.
The team can review your situation, explain relevant requirements and assist with preparing the appropriate applications.
You can book a migration consultation with Echoes Global Education to discuss your circumstances.
Plan Your Skilled Migration Pathway with Echoes Global Education
Victoria's 2026–27 skilled nomination program introduces new fees and a more clearly defined ROI ranking process.
If you're considering a Subclass 190 or 491 visa, use this time to check your occupation eligibility, review your points and make sure your information is accurate.
Echoes Global Education provides Australian education and migration support from Melbourne, helping applicants understand their available pathways.
Book a Migration Consultation Today
Speak With Echoes Global Education
Echoes Global Education
Suite 3, Level 10, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: 1800 ECHOES (1800 324 637)
Website: www.echoesglobaleducation.com
Information current as at 24 October 2026. This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, state nomination criteria and application procedures can change. Individual eligibility should be assessed against the rules in force when applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Victoria's skilled visa nomination program open for 2026–27?
As of 24 October 2026, the Victorian Government says the program will open soon for Registrations of Interest. Applicants should check Live in Melbourne for the confirmed opening date.
Do I need to submit a new ROI for Victoria in 2026–27?
Yes. The Victorian Government says applicants who submitted an ROI in a previous program year must submit a new ROI to be considered for the 2026–27 program.
How many points do I need for Victorian state nomination?
The Australian Government's skilled migration points test generally requires at least 65 points. Victoria uses a separate Victorian Points Test to rank ROIs, with no fixed VPT pass mark.
Is the Victorian Points Test the same as SkillSelect points?
No. SkillSelect uses the federal points test for skilled visa eligibility. Victoria's VPT ranks applicants seeking Victorian nomination.
Can I apply for a Subclass 491 visa while living in Melbourne?
You must meet the relevant regional requirements for the Victorian Subclass 491 pathway. Metropolitan Melbourne is not classified as a designated regional area, so your location and circumstances need careful review.
Does submitting an ROI guarantee an invitation?
No. An ROI allows you to be considered for Victorian nomination selection. Whether you receive an invitation depends on eligibility, ranking and the available places.