16/10/2026
Big Changes Ahead: Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program (2026–27 Update)
Planning to apply for Victoria state nomination? The Victorian Government has announced key updates for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Here is everything you need to know about the new fees, the reset of old registrations, and the Victorian Points Test (VPT)
New Service Fees Starting 2026–27
• ROI & Nomination Fees: Fees for service will now apply when submitting Registrations of Interest (ROIs) and visa nomination applications for Subclasses 190 and 491.
• One Fee Per Program Year: The ROI fee is charged only once per program year. If you withdraw and submit a new ROI in the same program year, you will not be charged again.
• No Automatic Rollovers: If you lodged an ROI in a previous program year, it will not roll over. You must submit a brand-new ROI once the 2026–27 program opens.
How the Victorian Points Test (VPT) Works
Victoria uses its own Victorian Points Test (VPT) to rank all eligible ROIs from highest to lowest. The test prioritises younger, highly qualified candidates with stronger English language skills.
Your score is calculated across 7 weighted factors:
• Age (Up to 300 points): Maximum points go to applicants aged 20–29 (300 points), scaling down with age (e.g., 210 points at age 35; 16 points at age 44).
• English Proficiency: Competent (0 pts), Proficient (100 pts), or Superior (200 pts).
• Nominated Experience: Scales from 20 points for 1 year up to 100 points for 8+ years (0 points for 0 years).
• Education Level: PhD (100 pts), Masters (75 pts), Bachelors & Honours (50 pts), or Other qualifications (25 pts).
• Skill Level: Skill Level 1 occupations receive 50 points (Skill Levels 2 and 3 receive 0 points).
• Partner Skills (50 points): Available if your partner is included in your application, has claimed 10 partner points in SkillSelect, and works in a current priority industry occupation.
• Victorian Earnings (Up to 150 points): Current skilled employment in Victoria earning between $80,000 and $170,000+ per year adds between 8 and 150 points to your score.
How Invitations Are Issued
Every eligible occupation can submit an ROI, and candidates are selected through two pathways:
1. Most Competitive: Candidates with the highest overall VPT totals in the candidate pool during each round.
2. Priority Industry: Specific occupations targeted to meet Victoria’s critical industry skill needs.
Next Steps: Review your current points breakdown and ensure your SkillSelect EOI details are fully up to date before the new program year opens!
The final eligibility criteria will be published by Victoria soon.
What are your thoughts on the new VPT ranking system? Drop your questions or score estimates in the comments below!
