Victoria’s skilled nomination program for the subclass 190 and 491 visas has not opened for 2026-27 yet. However, the rules are out, and three of them change the calculation for anyone hoping for a Victorian invitation. There are fees for the first time. The ranking system now has a name and published points. And three industries that were priorities last year are not on the list.
This article is written from the Victorian Government’s published 2026-27 settings as reported in MIA Notice 23 of 16 October 2026, which drew on the Live in Melbourne website and a Victorian Government session for practitioners on 15 October 2026.
Fees for the first time
In 2025-26, registering interest and applying for nomination were free. From 2026-27 both carry a fee.
| Fee | Excluding GST | Including GST |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Interest | $60 | $66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
GST applies if the applicant is in Australia at the time of payment. The Registration of Interest fee is charged once per program year, so a person who withdraws and submits a new registration in the same year is not charged again. The nomination fee is payable only if the applicant is invited and then applies.
One more point matters. A registration from a previous program year does not carry over. Anyone who wants to be considered in 2026-27 must submit a new one when the program opens.
The Victorian Points Test
Victoria has always ranked registrations. What is new is that the system has a name, the Victorian Points Test, and the points for each factor are published. The factors are the same as last year.
- Age, with up to 300 points for applicants aged 20 to 29
- English language, with up to 200 points for Superior English
- Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria, with up to 150 points
- Years of experience in the nominated occupation
- Educational qualification
- Occupation skill level
- Partner’s skill, with up to 50 points, but only where the applicant claimed 10 partner points in SkillSelect, the partner is included in the nomination application, and the partner’s occupation is a current priority industry occupation
Three things follow. First, the test is weighted most heavily towards age, English and Victorian earnings. Those three factors can outweigh everything else combined. Second, there is no pass mark. Victoria invites the highest totals in each round, so the outcome depends on the pool on the day. Third, the Victorian test is separate from the Commonwealth points test. An applicant still needs at least 65 points in SkillSelect to be eligible for the visa.
The Victorian Government has said it cannot advise on an individual’s likelihood of invitation, and it will not prioritise anyone on personal circumstances such as age or visa expiry.
Two invitation pathways
Anyone in an eligible occupation can register. Registrations are then considered under two pathways.
- Most competitive: the highest Victorian Points Test totals across all eligible occupations are invited.
- Priority industry: the highest totals within each priority industry are invited.
Consequently, an applicant in a priority industry has two chances in each round. An applicant outside those industries has one, and it depends on raw score.
Priority industries for 2026-27
| Listed for 2026-27 | Listed in 2025-26, not on the current page |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | New energy |
| Social assistance | Advanced manufacturing |
| Education, including teachers and early childhood education. Early childhood teachers have additional experience and English requirements | Hospitality and tourism, which was a subclass 491 priority |
| Construction, both professionals and trades |
The Victorian Government has said further details will be published when the program opens. Until then, the current page is the best guide to what the program will look like.
What it means in four situations
A 27 year old registered nurse working in Melbourne on $95,000
Young, in a priority industry, employed in Victoria in skilled work. She scores at the top of the age band, earns Victorian earnings points, and is considered under both pathways. She is the applicant the test is built for.
A 44 year old chef with Competent English
Hospitality is no longer a priority industry, so he competes on the most competitive pathway only. Age and English, the two heaviest factors, both count against him. A Victorian invitation is unlikely on these settings, and other states or employer sponsorship deserve a look. Our article on which state is easiest for your occupation compares the options.
A solar engineer who was a priority last year
New energy has dropped off the list. The occupation may still be eligible, but the priority industry lane is gone. The score has to carry the application on its own.
A couple where one partner is a teacher
If the applicant claimed 10 partner points in SkillSelect, includes the partner in the nomination, and the partner’s occupation is a priority industry occupation, up to 50 partner points are available. Teaching is a priority industry. That can be the difference in a close round.
What to do before the program opens
- Update the SkillSelect expression of interest so the claims are current. Victoria reads from it.
- Sit an English test if a higher band is realistic. Up to 200 points sit on that one factor.
- Collect evidence of Victorian skilled employment and earnings. That factor is worth up to 150 points and is the one most people under claim.
- Be ready to register the day the program opens, with the $66 fee, because previous registrations do not carry over.
For the visa criteria themselves, see our comparison of the 189, 190 and 491 visas. For last year’s program, see Victoria’s 2025-26 program.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Victorian Registration of Interest cost?
$60 excluding GST, or $66 including GST where the applicant is in Australia at payment. It is charged once per program year.
Is there a pass mark for the Victorian Points Test?
No. Victoria invites the highest totals in each round, so the outcome depends on the competitiveness of the pool.
Which industries are priorities in Victoria for 2026-27?
Healthcare, social assistance, education and construction. New energy, advanced manufacturing and hospitality and tourism are not on the current list.
Does a 2025-26 Registration of Interest carry over?
No. A new registration must be submitted when the 2026-27 program opens.
Has the Victorian program opened?
Not as at 25 October 2026. The Victorian Government has said it will open soon and will publish details when it does.
Sam Kanjo, Migration Lawyer, Skyline Migration Lawyers, Melbourne.
Sources: MIA Notice 23 of 16 October 2026 and MIA Notice 24 of 23 October 2026, reporting the Victorian Government’s published 2026-27 program settings and its practitioner session of 15 October 2026.
Want to know where you would rank?
We can estimate a Victorian Points Test score and compare it with the other states before you pay a fee. Call 03 8108 8748 or email info@skylinemigrationlawyers.com.au.
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice. Please seek advice about your own circumstances before you act.
