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Victoria State Nomination 2025–2026: Focusing on Critical Skills and Regional Growth

By December 16, 2025No Comments

Introduction

Victoria’s Skilled Visa Nomination Program for 2025–2026 is designed to attract and retain skilled professionals who can meet the state’s critical workforce needs and contribute to its economic growth. Victoria assesses all candidates through a Registration of Interest (ROI) system, prioritising applicants who demonstrate an immediate capacity to fill specific, high-demand skills shortages.

The Victorian Government offers nomination for two key skilled visa subclasses:

1. Victoria's Nomination Allocation for 2025–2026

The final allocation for the 2025–2026 program year was confirmed by the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs in November 2025. Victoria received a total of 3,400 places, with a clear preference given to the permanent visa pathway:

Visa Subclass Allocation (2025–2026)
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) 2,700 places
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) 700 places
Total 3,400 places

2. Victorian Nomination Streams and Eligibility

Victoria’s program is open to both onshore and offshore applicants, but with different requirements, particularly concerning skilled employment.

General Requirements (All Applicants)

To be eligible for nomination consideration, you must meet the following minimum federal and state criteria:

  • Age: Under 45 at the time of nomination.

  • English: At least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).

  • Skills Assessment: Hold a valid skills assessment in an eligible skilled occupation.

  • Points: Score at least 65 points on the SkillSelect EOI (including state nomination points).

  • Commitment: Be committed to living and working in Victoria long-term.

Onshore Applicants (Living in Australia)

  • Residence: Must be currently living in Victoria. ROIs from onshore applicants living in other Australian states or territories are generally not selected.

  • Skilled Employment (Optional for 190, Required for 491):

    • Subclass 190: You are not required to have a job to apply. However, if you are working in a skilled job for an employer based in Victoria, you can include your estimated annual earnings in your ROI, which is a major selection factor.

    • Subclass 491: You must be living and working in skilled employment for an employer physically located in regional Victoria. There is no minimum hours requirement, but skilled work is mandatory.

Offshore Applicants (Living Overseas)

  • Eligibility: Offshore applicants are eligible for both the 190 and 491 subclasses.

  • Focus: Selection is highly selective and laser-focused on candidates whose expertise is exceptional in a high-priority sector. You must commit to moving to Victoria (or regional Victoria for the 491) upon visa grant.

3. Victoria’s Prioritisation: The Registration of Interest (ROI)

The Registration of Interest (ROI) is the central mechanism for selection. It is not an application but a formal request for the state to consider you for an invitation.

A. Priority Industry Sectors

Victoria selects ROIs based on their potential to address critical workforce gaps. While all occupations on the relevant federal lists are eligible, nominations focus on the following sectors:

  • Health & Social Services (Highest priority)

  • Education (including Early Childhood)

  • Digital Technology & ICT

  • Construction & Transport Technologies

  • New Energy & Emissions Reduction

  • Medical Technologies & Pharmaceuticals

Sector Dominance: Recent invitation rounds (December 2025) confirm that Registered Nurses, Teachers, and Construction Trades (like Carpenters) dominated invitations due to ongoing, critical shortages.

B. Key Selection Factors

Victoria does not publish Matrix cut-offs but evaluates ROIs based on a combination of factors, including:

  • Your estimated annual salary (onshore applicants only).

  • The skill level and occupation sector of your current job in Victoria.

  • Your English level (Proficient or Superior provides a significant advantage).

  • Years of work experience in your nominated occupation.

  • Your partner’s skills and English level.

4. Application Process: EOI, ROI, and Nomination

  • Lodge EOI in SkillSelect: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Department of Home Affairs, selecting Victoria as your preferred state (or “any state”).

  • Submit ROI via Live in Melbourne Portal: Use your EOI number to submit a separate Registration of Interest (ROI) through Victoria’s Live in Melbourne portal. Existing ROIs from the previous year remain valid unless your details have changed.

  • Invitation and Application: If your ROI is selected in an invitation round (no set dates), you will be invited to submit a full nomination application with detailed supporting documents.

  • Visa Application: If your state nomination application is successful, Victoria nominates you in SkillSelect, and Home Affairs issues the final visa invitation.

If you tell us more about your situation (onshore/offshore, occupation, work history), we can help you map your profile against migration streams and draft a clearer strategy. Contact us today on 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com.  

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