Victoria’s 2025–26 Skilled Visa Nomination Program Announced: Allocation, Eligibility and ROI Guidance

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has formally announced allocations for the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program for 2025-26. If you are considering skilled migration to Australia in the upcoming year, the following overview outlines the key features of Victoria’s 2025–26 Skilled Visa Nomination Program.

Overview of the 2025–26 Skilled Visa Nomination Allocation

Victoria’s skilled nominated visa program provides opportunities for skilled professionals residing in Victoria or overseas, including applicants for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas. The Department has announced the final allocation for this program, which is 3,400 skilled visa nomination places for 2025-26, distributed as follows:

Subclass 190 Allocation

• 2,700 places for subclass 190 holders

Subclass 491 Allocation

• 700 places for subclass 491 (provisional) holders

What This Means for Skilled Migrants and Employers

This allocation allows skilled work regional provisional visa holders and prospective employers to plan migration or recruitment activities in alignment with the program’s requirements. Eligibility requires meeting the DHA requirements as well as the Victorian government's nomination criteria.

Are Existing Registrations of Interest (ROI) Still Valid?

Submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) is required to start the nomination process. A summary of circumstances requiring submission of a new ROI is outlined below:

When You Need to Submit a New ROI

If your visa circumstances or personal information have changed after your original submission, you will need to submit a new ROI. If not, an active ROI will remain valid for the 2025-26 program year.

Common ROI Mistakes Applicants Make

Avoid these common errors when applying:

• Overestimated annual earnings (for onshore applicants)
• Inconsistent EOI information (English score, points, work experience, etc.)
• Assuming that you can edit your ROI after lodgement
• Submitting multiple ROIs (you can only have one active registration at a time)

Eligibility Requirements for Victorian Nomination in 2025–26

Eligibility requirements for this skilled visa nomination program include the following:

Department of Home Affairs Criteria

• A valid skills assessment for an eligible occupation (part of the DHA's occupations list)
• Scoring 65 points or higher on the Australian Government's skilled migration examination
• Meeting the Department's English language, age, health, and character requirements

SkillSelect EOI and ROI Requirements

• Submitting your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) with up-to-date and accurate details
• Submitting your ROI with up-to-date and accurate details

Employability Requirements and Earnings Thresholds

• Residing in Victoria or be located offshore, with an intention to contribute to Victoria’s economy
• Meet the required annual earning threshold (to claim employment points) to demonstrate employability

Extra Conditions for Subclass 491 Applicants

• Subclass 491 applicants must be residing offshore or living and working in regional Victoria, with a commitment to remain for at least three years

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Priority Industries and In-Demand Occupations in Victoria

With this Victoria state nomination update now live, here are some of the in-demand occupations that are likely to be prioritised:

STEM, ICT and Engineering

• Software developers
• Mechanical engineers
• ICT security specialists

Health and Medical Sciences

• General practitioners
• Registered nurses
• Occupational therapists

Construction and Infrastructure

• Electricians
• Mechanics
• Construction managers

Education, Trades and Other Growth Sectors

• School teachers
• Welfare centre managers
• Social workers

Step-by-Step Application Process for Subclass 190 and 491

For those seeking permanent residency through this program, follow the below step-by-step guidance:

From Skills Assessment to Visa Nomination

• Check your eligibility through the DHA website.
• Submit your EOI through SkillSelect.
• Create your Live in Melbourne portal account through the EOI number, and submit your ROI.
• Once invited, submit your nomination application in the portal.
• If the nomination is approved, submit your visa application with the DHA.

How Points Are Calculated and Claimed

The Victorian Government ranks your ROI against others by checking the factors below, from your EOI and ROI. A minimum of 65 points is needed as per the DHA's criteria, and upon meeting Victoria's criteria, SC190 holders can get 5 additional points, while SC491 holders can get 15 more.

• Age: 15-30 points
• English Proficiency: 0-20 points
• Education: 10-20 points
• Work Experience: 0-20 points
• Partner Skills: 5-10 points
• Study/Others: 5-10 points

Tips to Strengthen Your EOI and ROI

• Increase your points where possible (try achieving a Proficient or Superior IELTS score)
• Ensure your nominated occupation falls under Victoria's in-demand industries
• If you are an onshore applicant and in skilled employment, accurately claim your annual earnings
• Ensure all your EOI and ROI information is verifiable, with supporting documents

Why Many Applications Are Rejected—and How to Avoid It

Common reasons for unsuccessful applications include the following:

Insufficient Employment Evidence

• Not providing clear, accurate, and up-to-date evidence of skilled employment (especially when showing claimed annual earnings) is a common reason. Ensure all your documents are complete and up to date before you submit your ROI.

Incorrect Points Claims

• Claiming nomination points for factors that do not meet the nomination criteria, such as work hours that don't count for skilled employment, English proficiency scores below the required threshold, invalid partner skills, etc.
• Claim points only where eligible evidence can be provided and refer to the DHA's points calculator.

Outdated or Inaccurate EOI/ROI Details

• Not updating the nomination systems after changes in your circumstances (higher IELTS scores, an increase in annual salary, a new residential address, etc.)
• Update your EOI on SkillSelect when your circumstances or points change. Note that while a submitted ROI cannot be updated, you can withdraw it and submit a new one with updated information.

How Our Migration Lawyers Can Assist With Your Application

Navigating this program by yourself can feel overwhelming, especially since it involves various regulations and fulfilling both the DHA and Victoria's criteria. Australian Migration Lawyers can help with:

Strategic ROI Assistance to Improve Selection Chances

Our registered lawyers provide step-by-step, strategic guidance to ensure your ROI is complete and accurate.

Review and Correction of Points Claim

Drawing on extensive immigration experience, our lawyers thoroughly review your nomination points claim to promote accuracy and procedural compliance.

Guidance for Offshore and Victorian-Based Applicants

We clearly explain the steps involved and the required eligibility criteria, whether you are applying onshore or offshore.

Support from Temporary to Permanent Visa Pathways

Our qualified lawyers deliver tailored support throughout both temporary and permanent visa pathways within this nomination programme.

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Book a Consultation‍

If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Victoria Still Accepting ROIs for the 2025–26 Skilled Visa Program?

Yes, Victoria's 2025-26 program is still open and accepting ROIs.

What Points Score Is Competitive for Victorian Subclasses 190 and 491?

While 65 points is the minimum, an 80+ score is more competitive due to the higher number of applicants.

Can Offshore Applicants Apply for Victorian Nomination?

Yes, offshore applicants can also apply, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

How Long Does It Take to Receive an ROI Invitation?

There is no set timeline, as your nomination will depend on your ranking and the demand for your nominated occupation and can often range from weeks to months.

Does Having a Job Offer Increase my chances of Victorian nomination?

Yes, especially for onshore applicants. SC190 holders in a skilled role can claim estimated annual salaries, which count towards the points claim.