Victoria’s 2026-27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program: What You Need to Know

While the Victorian Government’s 2026-27 skilled visa nomination program for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) is not yet open, there have been some changes to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

Applicants planning to seek state nomination from Victoria are best to familiarise themselves with the new rules and the formalisation of the Victorian Points Test (VPT).

the New Victoria ROI and Visa Nomination Fees

Unlike the 2025-26 program year, which was free of charge, the 2026-27 program introduces fees for both submitting an ROI and applying for visa nomination. A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies if the applicant is in Australia at the time of payment.

ROI and Nomination charges (including GST) are:

Registration of Interest (ROI) = $66
Subclass 190 nomination application = $198
Subclass 491 nomination application = $198

Note: The ROI fee is charged once per program year. If you withdraw and submit a new ROI within the same year, you will not be charged again. You pay the nomination fee only if you are officially invited and choose to submit a nomination application.

Submitting a New ROI

If you submitted an ROI in a previous program year and were not invited, it will not roll over. All candidates wishing to be considered for the 2026-27 program must submit a new ROI once the program officially opens.

What is The Victorian Points Test (VPT)?

The Victorian Government ranks all ROIs using the newly named and published Victorian Points Test (VPT). This system is entirely separate from the Department of Home Affairs’ (DoHA) SkillSelect points test (though applicants must still meet the minimum 65-point SkillSelect threshold).

The VPT has no fixed pass mark; it is highly competitive, and candidates with the highest scores are invited each round. The ranking is based on seven (7) weighted factors:

Age: Heaviest weighting (up to 300 points for those aged 20 to 29).
English Language: Highly weighted (up to 200 points for Superior English).
Annual Earnings: Up to 150 points for skilled employment earnings in Victoria.
Years of Experience in the nominated occupation.
Educational Qualification.
Occupation Skill Level.
Partner’s Skill: Up to 50 points are available, but only if you claimed 10 partner points in SkillSelect, included the partner in the application, and their occupation is on the current priority industry list.

Important: The Victorian Government cannot prioritise invitations based on personal circumstances, such as an impending visa expiry or age limits.

Invitation Pathways & Priority Industries

ROIs in all eligible occupations can be submitted and will be assessed under two main pathways:

Most Competitive: Inviting the highest VPT totals across all eligible occupations.
Priority Industry: Inviting the highest VPT totals strictly within each priority sector.

For the 2026-27 year, Victoria has narrowed its focus. The confirmed Priority Industries are:

Healthcare
Social Assistance
Education (Teachers and Early Childhood Education. Note: Early childhood teachers have additional experience and English requirements).
Construction (Professionals and Trades).

This year's priority list notably omits New Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, and Hospitality & Tourism (previously prioritised for the 491 visa).

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you need help with your Victoria’s GSM pathway for your specific circumstances, contact one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers works with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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