Victoria Skilled Migration Program 2026–27 Opens: 190 Visa and 900 Places
Victoria skilled migration program 2026–27 opens for Subclass 190 applicants, with 900 nomination places confirmed. The Victorian Government’s Live in Melbourne 2026–27 program page now shows the program as open for Registrations of Interest (ROI) for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and it was updated on 26 October 2026.
Victoria has not yet finalised its 2026–27 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). ROIs for that visa are not being accepted.
This article explains the allocation, eligibility requirements, the Victorian Points Test (VPT), priority occupations, fees and the application steps.
Victoria Skilled Migration Program 2026–27: Latest Opening Update
Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program is now open for subclass 190 ROIs. Each year, the Australian Government gives state and territory governments a set number of nomination places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Earlier in the month, on 13 October 2026, Victoria announced that fees would apply for the first time and published how it ranks applicants. The program has since moved from “opening soon” to open for the subclass 190 only.
Live in Melbourne has not published a separate opening time. The most reliable guide to the Victoria skilled migration opening date is the official program page, which shows the program as open and carries the 26 October 2026 update date.
At the time of checking, Live in Melbourne also displayed a notice about a possible payment provider issue causing some payments to be declined. Check the website for updates before you pay a fee.
Subclass 190 Visa: Current Status and Nomination Allocation
For 2026–27, Victoria has been provided with 900 nomination places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). This answers the common question of how many Subclass 190 places are available in Victoria for 2026–27.
A nomination place is not the same as an invitation or a visa grant. Victoria uses its places to invite selected applicants to apply for nomination. Nominated applicants then apply to the Department of Home Affairs, which decides the visa application.
The Victoria Subclass 190 visa 2026–27 pathway leads to permanent residency for skilled migrants who live and work in Victoria. Victoria has also stated that nominated applicants must commit to living and working in Victoria for at least two years.
Subclass 491 Visa: Opening Status and Allocation Update
Victoria’s 2026–27 nomination places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) have not yet been finalised. Victoria states that ROIs for subclass 491 nomination are not currently being accepted.
So, when will Victoria Subclass 491 visa applications open in 2026–27? No date has been announced. Victoria says further information will be published once the places are confirmed.
Applicants interested in the Victoria Subclass 491 visa 2026–27 pathway should monitor the official program page and the Live in Melbourne newsletter.
| Visa pathway | 2026–27 status | Nomination places |
| Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) | Open for ROIs | 900 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) | ROIs not being accepted | Not yet finalised |
Eligibility Requirements for Victoria Skilled Migration
An applicant must meet both the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the visa and the Victorian nomination requirements. Victoria’s subclass 190 page sets out the current conditions. The Department of Home Affairs explains the federal rules on its Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) page.
The main requirements for Victorian subclass 190 nomination are:
- Live in Victoria or overseas, and be committed to living and working in Victoria.
- Have your ROI selected by Victoria.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination.
- Have at least Competent English (English language proficiency).
- Hold a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list for the visa.
- Have at least 65 points on the Australian Government points test in your Expression of Interest (EOI), including 5 points for state nomination.
Several conditions need extra care:
- Onshore applicants: If you live in Australia, you must live in Victoria. Victoria states it will not select ROIs from onshore applicants living in other states and territories, with some case by case exceptions for border communities.
- Skills assessment: The occupation on your skills assessment must match your SkillSelect EOI. Health professionals must also have an occupation consistent with their AHPRA registration.
- Document validity: When you submit a nomination application, your English test and skills assessment must each have at least 12 weeks of validity remaining.
- Work experience: You do not need to be working to be eligible, and there is no minimum work experience or hours requirement.
An EOI is your record in SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs system. An ROI is a separate registration with Victoria. It is not an application for nomination.
Victorian Points Test 2026–27: How Applicants Are Selected
Victoria uses the Victorian Points Test (VPT) to rank every ROI. Each ROI receives a VPT total based on seven weighted factors, and applicants with the highest totals in an invitation round are invited. The Victorian Points Test page publishes the official scoring tables.
The VPT is different from the federal points test. The federal test decides whether you meet the visa requirements, with a minimum of 65 points. The VPT only ranks applicants for Victorian nomination, and Victoria has no fixed pass mark. Meeting 65 federal points does not earn an invitation by itself.
The seven factors, with the maximum points shown in the published tables, are:
| VPT factor | Highest points available |
| Age | 300 (ages 20 to 29) |
| English language | 200 (Superior English) |
| Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria | 150 (earnings of $170,000 and over) |
| Years of experience in the nominated occupation | 100 (more than 8 years) |
| Educational qualification | 100 (PhD) |
| Occupation skill level | 50 (skill level 1 occupation) |
| Partner’s skill | 50 (conditions apply) |
Some points need explanation. Age points fall each year from age 30, and the earnings factor applies only to onshore applicants in skilled employment with an employer physically located in Victoria. Partner points apply only where the partner meets specific conditions, including holding a priority industry occupation.
The published experience bands overlap at some boundaries. Applicants should not assume how a borderline claim will be scored. For the full tables, see the official page or our guide to the Victorian Points Test scoring tables.
Invitation rounds happen throughout the year with no set dates. Victoria states that the program will close to new ROIs in 2027, at a date to be advised. An ROI that is eligible but not yet selected remains under consideration for later rounds.
Priority Industries and Occupations for Victoria Skilled Migration
The VPT also supports priority industry selection. Victoria prioritises certain occupations in these four industries for 2026–27:
- Healthcare
- Social assistance
- Education (including early childhood teachers)
- Construction
This answers which occupations are prioritised for Victoria skilled migration in 2026–27, but only to a point. Priority applies to the specific ANZSCO occupation codes Victoria has listed. It does not apply to every job within an industry.
When you submit an ROI, you are considered in two ways. First, you compete in the pool of all eligible occupations. Second, if your occupation is a listed priority occupation, you also compete against others in that industry or subgroup. In each case, the highest VPT totals are invited.
Early childhood teachers have an extra condition. Victoria states that ROIs with one or more years of relevant work experience and Proficient or Superior English are prioritised for that subgroup.
Check your occupation code against the current list on the Victorian Points Test page before relying on priority status.
Victoria Skilled Migration Fees for 2026–27
Victoria charges fees for the first time in 2026–27. All amounts below are in Australian dollars. They were announced on 13 October 2026 and are listed on the Live in Melbourne Fees page.
| Fee | Excluding GST | Including GST |
| Registration of Interest | $60 | $66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
How much are Victoria skilled migration ROI and nomination fees in practice? The ROI fee is charged once per program year. If you withdraw an ROI and submit a new one within the same program year, you are not charged again. The nomination application fee applies only if you are invited and then submit a nomination application.
GST of 10 per cent applies if you are in Australia when you pay. These are Victorian Government fees. They are separate from the visa application charge paid to the Department of Home Affairs.
Read the payment terms and refund conditions on the Fees page before paying. Paying a fee does not guarantee that an ROI will be selected or that a nomination will be approved.
How to Apply for Victoria Subclass 190 Visa Nomination
Many applicants ask how to apply for Victoria Subclass 190 visa nomination in 2026–27. The process has five stages, and each is a separate step with a separate decision maker:
- Check that you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Submit or update your EOI in SkillSelect.
- Submit your ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal.
- If invited, submit a nomination application through the portal.
- If nominated, apply for the visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
Submit or Update Your SkillSelect EOI
Submit or update your EOI through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system. Victoria uses the information in your EOI when it assesses your ROI, so it must be accurate and current.
Details such as years of experience in your nominated occupation and where you live are checked later. If you are invited, you cannot modify your EOI. Victoria lists a changed EOI after invitation among the common reasons for refusal.
Submit a Victorian Registration of Interest (ROI)
Using the EOI number from SkillSelect, create an account on the Live in Melbourne portal and submit your ROI. The ROI fee applies at this stage. No documents are required with the ROI.
Only one ROI can be active at a time, and an ROI cannot be updated once submitted. If your earnings, partner points or EOI number change, you must withdraw it and submit a new one. Withdrawing and resubmitting does not affect the position of your ROI in Victoria’s assessment. Full details are on the ROI page.
Respond to an Invitation and Apply for Nomination
If your ROI is selected, Victoria notifies you or your agent by email. You must submit your nomination application and all documents through the portal before the invitation expires, because Victoria will not reissue an expired invitation. It does not accept applications or documents by email.
Victoria states that the average processing time for nomination applications is 20 business days, which does not include time waiting for additional information. If nominated, you must submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days.
Submitting an ROI does not guarantee an invitation. Without an invitation email, you cannot apply for nomination.
What Applicants Should Know Before Submitting an ROI
Several points can affect your position, so review them before you lodge.
- A new ROI is required. ROIs from earlier program years do not carry over. If you registered in a previous year, you must submit a new ROI for 2026–27.
- Accuracy matters. Victoria checks your claims against evidence, and incorrect information can lead to refusal. If an application is refused, Victoria states you may not be able to submit a new application for six months.
- Selection is competitive. Nomination places are limited, and Victoria states that invitation is not guaranteed.
- Rules can change. Victoria states that eligibility requirements and priorities may change during the year without notice, and changes take effect immediately.
- Federal rules still apply. The Department of Home Affairs decides the visa application, including health and character requirements.
Our state migration plan services page explains how state nomination fits into the wider skilled migration process. You can also read about skilled permanent residency visa options in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Victoria Skilled Migration Open for 2026–27?
Yes. Victoria’s 2026–2027 skilled migration program is open for Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). However, the program is not currently open for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), and ROIs for subclass 491 are not being accepted at this time.
2. How Many Subclass 190 Nomination Places Are Available?
Victoria has been allocated 900 nomination places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the 2026–2027 program year. These are nomination places, not guaranteed invitations or visa grants. Applicants must still meet the relevant eligibility requirements and selection criteria.
3. Is Victoria Subclass 491 Open Yet?
No. Victoria’s nomination allocation for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) for 2026–2027 has not yet been finalised. An opening date has not been announced, and ROIs for this visa are not currently being accepted. Check the official Live in Melbourne website for program updates.
4. Does Submitting an ROI Guarantee an Invitation?
No. Submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) does not guarantee an invitation or state nomination. Victoria ranks submitted ROIs using the Victorian Points Test (VPT) and invites the highest-ranked applicants in each round. Selection depends on the competing ROIs and the program’s priorities at the time.
5. How Much Are Victoria Skilled Migration ROI and Nomination Fees?
For the 2026–2027 program year, the stated fees are:
- Registration of Interest (ROI): AUD $60 excluding GST, or AUD $66 including GST.
- Subclass 190 nomination application: AUD $180 excluding GST, or AUD $198 including GST.
These amounts are in Australian dollars. Applicants should confirm the applicable fees on Victoria’s official website before submitting their ROI or nomination application.
6. Is There a Minimum Victorian Points Test Score for 2026–27?
No. Victoria has not established a fixed pass mark for the Victorian Points Test (VPT). Instead, it ranks ROIs according to their VPT totals and invites the highest-ranked applicants in each round. Your chances therefore depend on your score relative to other applicants in the pool and the program’s selection priorities. A higher score does not guarantee an invitation.
Get Professional Guidance on Your Victorian Skilled Migration Options
Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled migration program includes 900 nomination places for the Subclass 190 visa, while the Subclass 491 position remains pending. Your eligibility depends on factors such as your occupation, age, skills assessment, English results and Victorian Points Test position.
Book Confidential Consultation with Ghothane Lawyers to review your circumstances, understand the current Victorian nomination requirements, and discuss the skilled migration pathways that may be available to you.
