Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program 2025–26 — Now Open
Victoria has opened its 2025–26 Skilled Migration Visa Nomination Program with a small interim allocation. This article explains the allocation, what it means for applicants (onshore and offshore), how Registrations of Interest (ROIs) are treated, and what you should do next to improve your chances of state nomination.
Key takeaways
- Victoria has received an interim allocation for 2025–26: 200 places for Subclass 190 and 180 places for Subclass 491.
- The program is open to both onshore and offshore applicants who meet Victoria’s nomination criteria.
- Existing Registrations of Interest (ROIs) that remain current will generally still be considered — update yours if your circumstances have changed.
What’s included in Victoria’s interim allocation?
The Victorian Government has confirmed a small interim allocation from the Australian Government for the 2025–26 skilled nomination program: 200 places for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) and 180 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491). The full program allocation will be confirmed once the Department of Home Affairs finalises national allocations for the year.
Who can apply and where to submit interest
Both onshore and offshore skilled workers who meet Home Affairs and Victoria’s nomination criteria can submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) via the Live in Melbourne portal. To be considered you must also keep your Australian Government SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) current and accurate.
Practical step: Keep your EOI up to date in SkillSelect, then complete or update your ROI on the Live in Melbourne site when you are decision-ready.
Interim allocation — what it means in practice
- The interim allocation is limited, so selection will be competitive for many occupations (particularly health, engineering, ICT and trades).
- Victoria will prioritise occupations and candidates that meet its industry and labour needs — including local skills shortages and economic priorities.
- If your ROI is current and your details haven’t changed, you will usually remain in contention for nomination — but you should update your ROI if you have new employment, improved English, additional qualifications or changed contact details.
Who should apply for Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491?
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) — permanent residence granted on visa grant; best for applicants with state support who want immediate permanent residency within the nominating state.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) — five-year provisional visa for those willing to live and work in designated regional Victoria, with a pathway to permanent residence via Subclass 191 after meeting residency and work requirements.
How to improve your chances (practical checklist)
- Confirm your occupation is eligible for Victoria’s nomination and check any priority lists.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
- Ensure your SkillSelect EOI is complete and up to date (points, partner details, employment, English scores).
- Submit or update your ROI on Live in Melbourne once your EOI is current.
- Prepare decision-ready evidence: employment references, payslips, qualifications, English test results and identity documents.
State nomination process — quick summary
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Complete or update EOI in SkillSelect |
| Step 2 | Submit or update ROI on the Live in Melbourne portal |
| Step 3 | If invited, apply for Victorian nomination with supporting documents |
| Step 4 | If nominated, lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs |
Need expert help?
Skyline Migration Lawyers can review your profile, advise which visa and nomination streams best suit you, prepare high-quality EOIs/ROIs and assemble decision-ready evidence to maximise your chance of selection under a limited allocation.
FAQs
- Do I need to lodge a new ROI for the 2025–26 program?
- If your existing ROI is still current and your circumstances haven’t changed, you generally remain eligible for consideration. Submit a new ROI or update your existing one if your employment, English, qualifications or other relevant details have changed.
- Which occupations are likely to be prioritised?
- Victoria commonly prioritises health professionals, engineers, ICT professionals, teachers and trades — but priority occupations can change each year. Check the Live in Melbourne site for the current priority guidance.
- Can offshore applicants apply?
- Yes — both onshore and offshore applicants may be eligible to submit a ROI for Victoria’s skilled nomination program, subject to eligibility and evidence requirements.
