Victoria has officially opened its 2025-26 skilled migration program to applicants both in Victoria and overseas, marking a significant opportunity for skilled migrants seeking Australian permanent residency or provisional visas with a pathway to permanence.
Interim Allocation Announced
The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs has provided Victoria with a small interim allocation to commence the 2025-26 program year. While this represents a limited number of places initially, Victoria expects to receive its full allocation in the coming weeks.
Current Allocation Numbers
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): 200 places Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): 180 places
Total interim allocation: 380 nomination places
These interim numbers allow Victoria to maintain program operations while awaiting the full allocation announcement from the Commonwealth Government.
What This Means for Applicants
Existing Registration of Interest (ROI) Holders
Good news if you already have an active ROI in Victoria’s system:
- Your ROI remains valid for consideration under the 2025-26 program
- No action required if your circumstances haven’t changed
- You only need to submit a new ROI if your information has changed since your last submission
- Keep your contact details current in the Live in Melbourne portal
New Applicants
If you’re planning to apply for Victoria state nomination for the first time:
Victoria is accepting new applications during this interim period. To be considered for nomination, you must:
- Meet current eligibility requirements for your chosen visa pathway
- Submit a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs
- Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) via the Live in Melbourne portal
Understanding Victoria’s Visa Pathways
Victoria offers two main skilled migration pathways, each suited to different circumstances and career goals.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa offering:
- Permanent residency status from grant
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Victoria
- Access to Medicare and social services
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- 5 additional points toward your points test score
Key consideration: While this is a permanent visa, you commit to living and working in Victoria initially to honor the state nomination.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa providing:
- 5-year provisional visa to live and work in regional Victoria
- 15 additional points toward your points test score
- Pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa
- Access to Medicare during the provisional period
Regional Victoria definition: All of Victoria except metropolitan Melbourne. Check the regional postcodes to confirm your intended location qualifies.
Path to permanence: After 3 years on the 491 visa, meeting income requirements and regional residence obligations, you can apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa.
Eligibility Requirements Overview
While specific requirements vary by occupation and pathway, general eligibility includes:
Basic Requirements
- Age: Under 45 years at time of invitation
- English: Competent English minimum (often Proficient required for competitive selection)
- Skills assessment: Valid positive skills assessment for nominated occupation
- Points test: Minimum 65 points (though competitive scores typically much higher)
- Occupation: On relevant occupation list
- Health and character: Meet standard visa requirements
Victoria-Specific Factors
For detailed Victoria specific eligibility requirements, visit the Live in Melbourne website.
Application Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Documentation
Before beginning your application, gather:
- Valid skills assessment
- English test results (within 3 years)
- Employment references and evidence
- Educational qualifications
- Passport and identity documents
- Evidence of Victoria residency (if applicable)
Step 2: Submit SkillSelect EOI
- Create an account in SkillSelect
- Complete your Expression of Interest
- Select Victoria as your preferred state
- Indicate whether you’re applying for 190 or 491
- Ensure your points calculation is accurate
Step 3: Submit Victoria ROI
- Access the Live in Melbourne portal
- Create an account or log in
- Complete the Registration of Interest form
- Provide evidence of Victoria connections
- Submit your application
Step 4: Await Invitation
- Victoria reviews ROIs based on state priorities
- Invitations issued to competitive applicants
- Invitation provides 60 days to apply for state nomination
- Processing times vary based on complexity and volume
Step 5: Lodge Nomination Application
If invited:
- Submit formal nomination application with supporting documents
- Pay nomination fee
- Respond to any requests for additional information
- Await nomination decision
Step 6: Apply for Visa
Once nominated:
- Department of Home Affairs will invite you to apply for the visa
- Lodge your visa application with all required documents
- Complete health examinations and police checks
- Await visa decision
Strategic Timing Considerations
Interim vs Full Allocation
With only interim allocations currently available:
Advantages of applying now:
- Get your ROI in the system early
- Potential for invitation during interim period
Considerations:
- Limited places available now
- Full allocation may bring updated policies
- Competition for interim places may be intense
- Selection criteria may be stricter
Full Allocation Expected Soon
Victoria’s announcement indicates full allocations will be confirmed “in the coming weeks.” This typically means:
- Expect announcements between October-November 2025
- Full program details will be published once confirmed
- Occupation lists may be updated
- Eligibility requirements may be refined
- Additional nomination places will become available
Comparing with Other States
Victoria’s Approach vs Other States
Unlike South Australia, which closed for new ROIs during its interim period, Victoria is accepting both existing and new applications. This represents a more accessible approach for applicants.
State comparison:
- Victoria: Open for new ROIs (380 interim places)
- South Australia: Closed for new ROIs (processing existing only)
- Queensland: Various pathways with specific criteria
- New South Wales: Limited pathways based on priority sectors
Occupation Priorities
While Victoria hasn’t released specific occupation lists for 2025-26 yet, based on historical trends and current workforce needs, expect priority for:
Healthcare Sector
- Registered Nurses
- Medical practitioners
- Allied health professionals
- Aged and disability carers
Engineering & Technology
- Software engineers and developers
- Civil engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- ICT professionals
Education
- Secondary teachers (especially STEM)
- Early childhood teachers
- Special education teachers
Trades
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Motor mechanics
Other Priority Sectors
- Accountants
- Chefs and cooks
- Social workers
- Construction managers
Check the official occupation lists once the full program details are released.
Maximizing Your Chances
Points Optimization
With limited places and high competition, maximize your points score:
English language (up to 20 points):
- Competent: 0 points
- Proficient: 10 points
- Superior: 20 points
Consider the new English test options available from August 2025.
Partner skills (10 points):
- Partner must have competent English
- Valid skills assessment in same occupation list
- Under 45 years of age
NAATI accreditation (5 points):
- Complete NAATI CCL test
- One of the easiest ways to gain 5 points
- Learn more about NAATI CCL for Australian PR
Professional Year (5 points):
- Available for Accounting, IT, and Engineering graduates
- Completed in Australia
- Must be in last 4 years
Strengthening Victoria Connections
Victoria prioritizes applicants with genuine connections to the state:
Employment pathway:
- Secure job offer from Victorian employer
- Current employment in Victoria (most competitive)
Study pathway:
- Recent Victorian qualification
- Graduates from Victorian institutions
- Evidence of continued residence
Common Questions
Do I need a job offer?
Not always required, but significantly strengthens your application. Some Victoria pathways specifically require employment, while others consider it favorably. Check specific requirements for your occupation.
Can I apply if I’m offshore?
Yes, Victoria accepts applications from overseas applicants. However, onshore applicants with Victoria connections typically receive priority.
How long does the process take?
Timeline varies significantly:
- ROI to invitation: 1-6 months (depending on competitiveness)
- Nomination processing: 6-12 weeks
- Visa processing: 6-12 months (varies by visa type)
Total timeline: 8-18 months from ROI to visa grant (approximate).
What if my ROI from 2024-25 wasn’t invited?
Your ROI remains active for consideration under 2025-26. You don’t need to resubmit unless your circumstances have changed. However, consider updating your ROI if you’ve:
- Gained additional work experience
- Had a change in partner points
- Had a change in income
Is there an age limit?
You must be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation to apply for the visa (not when you submit your ROI or EOI).
Monitoring for Updates
Official Information Sources
Stay informed through these official channels:
Victoria-specific:
Federal government:
What to Watch For
Key upcoming announcements to monitor:
- Full 2025-26 allocation numbers - Expected in coming weeks
- Updated occupation lists - May change with full program release
- Detailed eligibility criteria - Full program may refine requirements
- Processing priority changes - May shift based on state workforce needs
- Policy updates - State and federal policy changes throughout the year
Alternative Pathways to Consider
While pursuing Victoria state nomination, consider these complementary or alternative strategies:
Employer Sponsorship
If you have a job offer from a Victorian employer:
- Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
- May be faster than state nomination pathway
- Different eligibility requirements
Federal Skilled Migration
If you have high points (95+):
- Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa
- No state nomination required
- More flexibility in where you live
- Highly competitive
If you have Exceptional and Outstanding Acievements as a researcher, entrepreneur, investor or in arts and sports:
- Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa
- No state nomination required
- More flexibility in where you live
- Highly competitive
Regional Options
Consider regional areas for:
- Potentially more nomination opportunities
- Higher points (491 offers 15 points vs 190’s 5 points)
- Less competition
- Unique lifestyle opportunities
Regional areas outside metropolitan Melbourne can offer excellent career opportunities and quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- Victoria is open - Unlike some states, Victoria is accepting both existing and new ROI applications
- Interim allocations - 200 subclass 190 and 180 subclass 491 places currently available
- Full program pending - Complete 2025-26 program details expected in coming weeks
- Three-step process - EOI, ROI, and nomination application required
- Competition expected - Limited interim places mean high selection standards
- Prepare thoroughly - Maximize points, strengthen Victoria connections, gather documentation
- Stay informed - Monitor official channels for full allocation announcement
Next Steps
Immediate Actions
For existing ROI holders:
- Verify your ROI is still active in the system
- Update any changed information immediately
- Ensure contact details are current
- Keep documents valid and ready
For new applicants:
- Check your eligibility for 190 or 491 pathways
- Calculate your points using our Points Calculator
- Prepare required documentation
- Submit your SkillSelect EOI
- Lodge your Victoria ROI via Live in Melbourne portal
While Waiting
Use this time productively to:
- Improve English test scores
- Gain additional skilled employment experience
- Research Victorian employers and job markets
- Build connections with Victorian industry networks
- Complete additional qualifications or certifications
Conclusion
Victoria’s opening of its 2025-26 skilled migration program offers renewed hope for skilled migrants seeking Australian permanent residency or a pathway to permanence through regional migration. While current allocations are limited, the expected full allocation announcement in coming weeks should provide additional opportunities.
The key differentiator from other states is Victoria’s openness to new applications during the interim period. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to continuing its skilled migration program and attracting talented individuals to contribute to Victoria’s economy and communities.
Whether you’re an existing ROI holder or a new applicant, now is the time to ensure your application is as competitive as possible. With thorough preparation, maximized points, and demonstrated connections to Victoria, you can position yourself strongly for nomination in this competitive program.
The pathway to calling Victoria home starts with taking action today. Review your eligibility, prepare your documentation, and submit your applications to be in consideration for this significant opportunity.
Last updated: October 2, 2025. This article is based on information available at the time of publication. Always refer to the official Live in Melbourne website for the most current information.
