Updated: 19 October 2026 | Aussie Academics & Migration Services (A2MS)
Try the free A2MS Victorian Points Test Calculator 2026–27 to estimate your ranking score. Victoria has announced important changes to its 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program: a published Victorian Points Test (VPT), new government fees and priority occupations across healthcare, social assistance, education and construction. The changes affect prospective state-nominated applicants for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Program status — 19 October 2026: Live in Melbourne states that the 2026–27 program will open soon. Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the new program are not yet open, and further eligibility details will be published when it opens. An information session mentioned an anticipated 26 October opening, but this has not been adopted as a confirmed opening date in the official published announcement.
At a glance: Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled migration changes
| Issue | What has been announced |
|---|---|
| Subclass 190 | Permanent skilled visa requiring a state or territory nomination under this pathway |
| Subclass 491 | Five-year provisional skilled regional visa; potential subclass 191 permanent residence pathway |
| Victorian Points Test | A separate Victorian ROI ranking system; maximum 950 points |
| Invitation pass mark | No fixed Victorian Points Test pass mark |
| Priority industries | Healthcare, social assistance, education and construction |
| ROI submission fee | A$60 excluding GST or A$66 including GST |
| Nomination application fee | A$180 excluding GST or A$198 including GST, if invited and applying |
| Earlier-year ROIs | A new ROI is required for 2026–27 |
| Program opening | Not yet formally opened as at 19 October 2026 |
1. Subclass 190 vs subclass 491: which Victorian pathway?
The subclass 190 is a permanent skilled visa for an eligible applicant nominated by a state or territory. A Victorian nominee is expected to genuinely intend to live and work in Victoria. The subclass 491 is a five-year provisional visa involving designated regional areas and may provide access to the subclass 191 pathway if the requirements are met.
| Feature | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa status | Permanent | Provisional (five years) |
| Location | Victoria (including Melbourne) | Designated regional areas |
| Victoria’s selection process | Separate 190 ROI pool | Separate 491 ROI pool |
| PR pathway | Permanent on visa grant | Potential later subclass 191 application |
Victorian nomination and the Australian Government’s visa decision are distinct. A successful state nomination is not a visa grant.
2. Victoria ROI → nomination → visa: the full process
- Assess eligibility: Check the relevant federal subclass 190 or 491 criteria, nominated occupation, skills assessment, English, points and Victorian nomination requirements.
- Submit or update a SkillSelect EOI: Ensure qualifications, experience, occupation and all points claims are accurate and documented.
- Submit a Victorian ROI: Once the 2026–27 program officially opens, submit through the Live in Melbourne portal and pay the applicable ROI fee.
- VPT ranking: Victoria scores the ROI and considers candidates through general all-occupation ranking and priority-industry ranking, with separate 190 and 491 pools.
- Nomination invitation: Competitive applicants may be invited to apply; an ROI itself does not guarantee an invitation.
- Victorian nomination application: If invited, lodge supporting evidence and pay the nomination application fee. Victoria makes its nomination decision.
- Commonwealth visa application: Following nomination and the relevant SkillSelect invitation, apply to the Department of Home Affairs within applicable deadlines.
- Visa decision: Home Affairs independently assesses the applicable visa requirements, including health, character and evidence.
Remember: SkillSelect EOI ≠ Victorian ROI ≠ nomination invitation ≠ state nomination approval ≠ visa grant.
3. How the Victorian Points Test works
The VPT is Victoria’s selection-ranking mechanism; it is separate from the Commonwealth SkillSelect points test. Victoria automatically scores ROIs using information from the Victorian ROI and SkillSelect EOI. There is no fixed VPT pass mark: a candidate’s competitiveness changes with the pool at each invitation round.
| Victorian selection factor | Available VPT points |
|---|---|
| Age | 16–300 |
| English language level | 0–200 |
| Relevant years of experience | 0–100 |
| Education | 25–100 |
| Nominated occupation skill level | 0–50 |
| Eligible partner skills | 0–50 |
| Qualifying annual Victorian skilled earnings | 0–150 |
| Overall available range | 41–950 |
Age points
| Age | VPT points |
|---|---|
| 18 | 265 |
| 19 | 282 |
| 20–29 | 300 |
| 30 | 286 |
| 31 | 270 |
| 32 | 256 |
| 33 | 240 |
| 34 | 226 |
| 35 | 210 |
| 36 | 196 |
| 37 | 180 |
| 38 | 166 |
| 39 | 150 |
| 40 | 136 |
| 41 | 106 |
| 42 | 76 |
| 43 | 46 |
| 44 | 16 |
English proficiency
| Level | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Competent | 0 |
| Proficient | 100 |
| Superior | 200 |
English is heavily weighted: the difference between Competent and Superior English is 200 Victorian points. The supporting evidence and SkillSelect record must be correct.
Employment experience, education and occupation level
| Relevant experience | VPT points |
|---|---|
| 0 years | 0 |
| 1 year | 20 |
| 2–3 years | 40 |
| 4–5 years | 60 |
| 6–7 years | 80 |
| More than 8 years | 100 |
| Education | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Other (including diplomas/trade certificates) | 25 |
| Bachelor or Honours | 50 |
| Master’s | 75 |
| PhD | 100 |
| Nominated occupation skill level | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Skill level 1 | 50 |
| Skill level 2 | 0 |
| Skill level 3 | 0 |
The occupation skill level refers to the nominated occupation. Victoria’s information session explained that experience information is drawn from SkillSelect, making accurate and current EOI records important.
Partner skills
A maximum of 50 points may apply where the partner is included as a secondary applicant, the applicant qualifies for the relevant 10 Commonwealth partner-skills points, and the partner’s occupation is in a Victorian priority industry. Supporting Commonwealth partner-skills rules include applicable skills assessment and English requirements. A skilled partner alone does not automatically qualify.
Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria
| Qualifying annual Victorian earnings | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Below A$80,000 | 0 |
| A$80,000–84,999 | 8 |
| A$85,000–89,999 | 16 |
| A$90,000–94,999 | 24 |
| A$95,000–99,999 | 32 |
| A$100,000–104,999 | 39 |
| A$105,000–109,999 | 47 |
| A$110,000–114,999 | 55 |
| A$115,000–119,999 | 63 |
| A$120,000–124,999 | 71 |
| A$125,000–129,999 | 79 |
| A$130,000–134,999 | 87 |
| A$135,000–139,999 | 95 |
| A$140,000–144,999 | 103 |
| A$145,000–149,999 | 111 |
| A$150,000–154,999 | 118 |
| A$155,000–159,999 | 126 |
| A$160,000–164,999 | 134 |
| A$165,000–169,999 | 142 |
| A$170,000 and above | 150 |
This component applies to qualifying skilled employment performed in Victoria and is verified during nomination assessment. Applicants earning below A$80,000 receive no earnings points but are not excluded for that reason alone. Offshore applicants without qualifying Victorian skilled employment receive no earnings points.
4. How Victoria ranks and invites applicants
Victoria identifies candidates in two ways: general competitive ranking across eligible occupations, and separate ranking of ROIs within specified priority industries or industry subgroups. Each involves VPT ranking. Subclass 190 and 491 are ranked separately. No occupation priority, high score or payment guarantees invitation.
5. Complete Victoria 2026–27 priority occupations and ANZSCO codes
Victoria identifies healthcare, social assistance, education and construction as priority industries. The occupation must match the relevant published ANZSCO code. These priority lists are not the complete list of all occupations potentially eligible through general competitive ranking.
Healthcare — complete priority list
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 251211 | Medical Diagnostic Radiographer |
| 251212 | Medical Radiation Therapist |
| 251213 | Nuclear Medicine Technologist |
| 251214 | Sonographer |
| 251411 | Optometrist |
| 251511 | Hospital Pharmacist |
| 251912 | Orthotist or Prosthetist |
| 252411 | Occupational Therapist |
| 252511 | Physiotherapist |
| 252611 | Podiatrist |
| 252711 | Audiologist |
| 252712 | Speech Pathologist |
| 253311 | Specialist Physician (General Medicine) |
| 253314 | Medical Oncologist |
| 253317 | Intensive Care Specialist |
| 253318 | Neurologist |
| 253321 | Paediatrician |
| 253399 | Specialist Physicians nec |
| 253312 | Cardiologist |
| 253313 | Clinical Haematologist |
| 253315 | Endocrinologist |
| 253316 | Gastroenterologist |
| 253322 | Renal Medicine Specialist |
| 253323 | Rheumatologist |
| 253324 | Thoracic Medicine Specialist |
| 253411 | Psychiatrist |
| 253512 | Cardiothoracic Surgeon |
| 253511 | Surgeon |
| 253513 | Neurosurgeon |
| 253514 | Orthopaedic Surgeon |
| 253515 | Otorhinolaryngologist |
| 253516 | Paediatric Surgeon |
| 253517 | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon |
| 253518 | Urologist |
| 253521 | Vascular Surgeon |
| 253912 | Emergency Medicine Specialist |
| 253913 | Obstetrician and Gynaecologist |
| 253917 | Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist |
| 253914 | Ophthalmologist |
| 253915 | Pathologist |
| 254111 | Midwife |
| 254211 | Nurse Educator |
| 254212 | Nurse Researcher |
| 254311 | Nurse Manager |
| 254411 | Nurse Practitioner |
| 254412 | Registered Nurse (Aged Care) |
| 254413 | Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) |
| 254414 | Registered Nurse (Community Health) |
| 254415 | Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) |
| 254416 | Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) |
| 254417 | Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) |
| 254418 | Registered Nurse (Medical) |
| 254421 | Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) |
| 254422 | Registered Nurse (Mental Health) |
| 254423 | Registered Nurse (Perioperative) |
| 254424 | Registered Nurse (Surgical) |
| 254425 | Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) |
| 254499 | Registered Nurses nec |
| 411213 | Dental Technician |
Social assistance — complete priority list
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 272311 | Clinical Psychologist |
| 272313 | Organisational Psychologist |
| 272312 | Educational Psychologist |
| 272399 | Psychologists nec |
| 272511 | Social Worker |
| 272613 | Welfare Worker |
Education — teachers subgroup
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 241311 | Middle School Teacher |
| 241411 | Secondary School Teacher |
| 241511 | Special Needs Teacher |
| 241599 | Special Education Teachers nec |
Education — early childhood education subgroup
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 241111 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher |
Extra invitation priority: For the Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher subgroup, Victoria prioritises ROIs where the primary applicant has at least one year of relevant work experience and Proficient or Superior English. This does not guarantee invitation.
Construction — professionals subgroup
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 233212 | Geotechnical Engineer |
| 234412 | Geophysicist |
| 234413 | Hydrogeologist |
| 133111 | Construction Project Manager |
| 232212 | Surveyor |
| 232214 | Other Spatial Scientist |
Construction — trades subgroup
| ANZSCO | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 333111 | Glazier |
| 331111 | Bricklayer |
| 331112 | Stonemason |
| 334111 | Plumber (General) |
| 334112 | Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber |
| 334113 | Drainer |
| 334114 | Gasfitter |
| 334115 | Roof Plumber |
| 331211 | Carpenter and Joiner |
| 331212 | Carpenter |
| 331213 | Joiner |
| 312113 | Building Inspector |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) |
| 341112 | Electrician (Special Class) |
| 342111 | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic |
| 322211 | Sheet Metal Worker |
| 323214 | Metal Machinist |
| 312312 | Electrical Engineering Technician |
| 333212 | Solid Plasterer |
| 333411 | Wall and Floor Tiler |
| 333311 | Roof Tiler |
| 323412 | Toolmaker |
| 322311 | Metal Fabricator |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) |
| 321111 | Automotive Electrician |
What if my occupation is not a priority occupation?
Applicants in other eligible occupations may still be considered through the general all-occupation VPT ranking. Whether an occupation is eligible for the relevant visa and Victoria’s program must be checked against current published criteria; priority occupation status does not itself establish eligibility.
6. New Victorian government fees and refund conditions
| Application stage | Excluding GST | Including GST |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Interest | A$60 | A$66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | A$180 | A$198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | A$180 | A$198 |
- GST: 10% applies if the applicant is in Australia at the time of payment.
- One ROI fee per program year: Withdrawing and replacing an ROI in that same program year does not trigger a second ROI fee.
- Nomination fee: Only payable after an invitation, when a nomination application is submitted; each new nomination application has its own fee.
- Refunds: Fees are generally non-refundable, including where an ROI is not selected or a nomination is refused. Limited exceptions depend on Victoria’s published terms.
- No guarantee: Payment does not guarantee invitation, nomination or visa approval.
- Separate costs: Commonwealth visa charges and professional service fees are additional.
7. Onshore and offshore candidates
Victoria’s 15 October government information session stated that it does not expressly favour onshore applicants solely for being onshore in the VPT ranking. However, only qualifying skilled work performed in Victoria contributes to the Victorian earnings component (up to 150 points). Offshore applicants may therefore still be competitive through other factors, subject to the final program and visa rules.
8. Do I need a new ROI for 2026–27?
Yes. Applicants who lodged a Victorian ROI in an earlier program year must submit a new ROI when the 2026–27 program opens. Review and reconcile SkillSelect information before doing so. Inaccurate earnings or changed circumstances may require withdrawal and replacement according to Victoria’s published process.
9. Preparation checklist before the program opens
- Confirm your nominated ANZSCO occupation and relevant skills assessment.
- Check subclass 190 or 491 federal eligibility separately from Victorian nomination competitiveness.
- Update SkillSelect EOI details, including English, qualification, experience and partner information.
- Assess your VPT score without treating any total as a guaranteed invitation score.
- Identify whether you fall within a published priority industry or subgroup.
- Gather records to support qualifying skilled earnings in Victoria, if claimed.
- Understand the ROI and nomination application fees, GST and refund conditions.
- Follow the formal Live in Melbourne opening notice and final 2026–27 eligibility criteria.
10. Frequently asked questions
Is Victoria’s 2026–27 nomination program open?
Not as at 19 October 2026 according to the official Live in Melbourne status banner. The program is described as opening soon; check for a newer announcement before acting.
Is there a Victorian Points Test invitation pass mark?
No. Victoria ranks eligible ROIs competitively; invitation depends on the relevant pool and available places.
Is the VPT the same as my SkillSelect points?
No. They are separate assessments, and a high VPT score does not fix a federal visa eligibility problem.
Will a priority occupation guarantee an invitation?
No. ROIs within priority industries and subgroups are still competitively ranked.
Can an applicant in a non-priority occupation be considered?
Potentially, through the general ranking process, if all relevant visa and program eligibility rules are met.
Are offshore applicants eligible?
Potentially, subject to the final applicable criteria. They cannot claim Victorian skilled earnings points without qualifying skilled employment in Victoria.
Does a previous ROI carry over?
No. A new ROI is required for the 2026–27 program.
Does nomination guarantee a visa?
No. Home Affairs independently assesses and decides the visa application.
What happens if an ROI is not selected?
The fee is generally non-refundable and an unselected ROI does not entitle the applicant to nomination.
11. Professional guidance from A2MS
Victoria’s new selection framework makes it especially important to distinguish federal visa eligibility from Victorian invitation competitiveness. Accurate SkillSelect details, occupation classification, documentary evidence and realistic expectations all matter.
Aussie Academics & Migration Services (A2MS) assists skilled migration clients with eligibility reviews, visa pathway advice, nomination processes and application preparation. Migration advice is led by Sunil Choudhary — Founder & Principal Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2418425.
Book a Skilled Migration Consultation
Phone: (08) 7094 8094
WhatsApp (Sunil): 0410 367 700
Email: info@a2ms.com.au
Website: a2ms.com.au
Official references
- Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled visa nomination announcement
- Victorian Points Test and priority occupations
- Victoria’s ROI and nomination fees
- Home Affairs — SkillSelect
Additional background: Victorian Government information session and presentation of 15 October 2026. Information in that session about possible opening and invitation timing is not treated here as a final program notice.
Disclaimer: General information as at 19 October 2026, not individual migration advice. Government policy, fees, selection conditions and program availability can change. Invitation, nomination and visa grant are not guaranteed; individual circumstances and current legal requirements govern outcomes.
