Victoria has announced new fees for its 2026–27 skilled nomination program and published the weighting behind its Victorian Points Test. If you are considering a subclass 190 or 491 visa, this is a useful time to check your nomination strategy.
As at 13 October 2026, Victoria has not announced the program’s opening date. The announcement does not mean applications are open. Applicants with an ROI from the previous program year will need a new one when the program opens.
This guide explains the announcement, what the published selection factors mean, and what you can prepare now.
What has Victoria announced?
The Victorian Government’s 13 October update covers three practical changes:
- Fees will apply to Registrations of Interest (ROIs) and nomination applications in 2026–27.
- More detail is available about how ROIs are ranked, including the Victorian Points Test weights and priority industries.
- An ROI from the previous program year will need to be submitted again for the new year.
Victoria has published more detail about its existing selection process. This helps applicants understand how different features of their profile contribute to their ranking.
If you are comparing the two visa pathways, start with our subclass 190 guide and subclass 491 guide.
How much will a Victorian ROI and nomination cost?
Victoria’s official fee schedule lists these amounts in Australian dollars:
| Stage | Outside Australia when paying | In Australia when paying, including GST |
|---|---|---|
| ROI | $60 | $66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
Your physical location when each payment is made determines whether GST applies. If you remain outside Australia for both payments, one ROI followed by one nomination application totals $240. If you are in Australia for both, the total is $264. Moving between the two stages can change that total.
The nomination fee arises only if you are invited and submit a nomination application. These are Victorian fees; Commonwealth visa charges and other application costs are separate.
The ROI fee is paid once per program year, including if you withdraw and resubmit during that year. Each nomination application attracts its own fee. Fees are generally non-refundable, so payment should not be treated as buying an invitation or approval.
How does the Victorian Points Test work?
The Victorian Points Test uses information from your SkillSelect EOI and Victorian ROI to rank applicants. It has seven factors:
| Factor | Published weighting |
|---|---|
| Age | Up to 300 points; the highest band is ages 20–29 |
| English | Competent 0, proficient 100, superior 200 |
| Relevant skilled employment experience | Up to 100 |
| Education | Other qualifications 25, bachelor/honours 50, master’s 75, PhD 100 |
| Nominated occupation skill level | ANZSCO skill level 1: 50; levels 2 or 3: 0 |
| Partner skills | 50, subject to all specified partner conditions |
| Earnings from current skilled employment in Victoria | Up to 150 |
Use the official table for your exact circumstances. In particular, the partner factor requires the relevant 10-point SkillSelect partner claim, inclusion in the nominated visa application and a partner occupation in a current priority industry.
Victoria selects highly ranked applicants both across the eligible pool and within priority industries or subgroups. The listed industries are healthcare, social assistance, education and construction, with specific occupations identified.
There is no fixed Victorian pass mark or guaranteed invitation score. Meeting eligibility requirements and being competitive for selection are separate questions.
Keep your two points calculations separate
Your Victorian ranking is different from your Commonwealth skilled migration points score. A points figure from one system cannot simply be copied into the other.
For example, a partner-related claim should be checked against the requirements of each system rather than assumed to produce the same result. Likewise, an earnings band in Victoria’s ranking table should not be read as a universal salary requirement for every nomination applicant.
Our skilled migration points calculator is for the Commonwealth points test. Use Victoria’s published table separately for the state selection factors.
What can you prepare before the program opens?
Start by checking that your proposed claims tell a consistent story across your EOI, ROI and supporting documents.
- Review your EOI. Check your occupation, skills assessment, English result, employment history, qualifications and partner claims.
- Check the basis for each claim. Identify which documents support the experience, qualification and employment details you plan to use.
- Review your Victorian pathway. Consider the location and regional requirements relevant to your proposed visa. Our regional postcode tool can help you check a location, but the program’s eligibility rules still need to be assessed.
- Plan for a fresh ROI. Do not rely on an earlier program year’s ROI carrying forward.
- Recheck the opening announcement. Confirm the live requirements and fees before submitting or paying.
Avoid changing an occupation or employment claim solely to chase a higher score unless it accurately reflects your circumstances and can be supported.
If you want help deciding which claims and pathway are appropriate, book a consultation with WiseKangaroo. If you already have a prepared application, you can also read about our application review service and check whether its scope suits the review you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is Victoria’s 2026–27 nomination program open?
As at 13 October 2026, an opening date has not been announced. Check the Victorian Government’s program updates before trying to submit a new ROI.
Can I keep using my 2025–26 ROI?
Victoria’s announcement says applicants with an ROI from the previous program year must submit a new ROI when the 2026–27 program opens.
Is the Victorian Points Test the same as the SkillSelect points test?
No. They are separate assessments. Your Commonwealth points calculation and your Victorian selection ranking should each be checked under their own rules.
Will paying the ROI fee guarantee an invitation?
No. An ROI enters a competitive selection process. Paying the fee does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply for nomination.
Should I lodge immediately to improve my chances?
Opening alone is not a reason to rush an inaccurate ROI. Review your claims and the current eligibility rules first. A well-prepared ROI should reflect information you can support if selected.
Get your Victorian nomination strategy ready
The useful next step is to review your claims, supporting evidence and choice of pathway before the program opens. Book a consultation if you would like help working through those questions.
General information only, current as at 13 October 2026. This article is not a personal eligibility assessment. Program settings can change; check the official sources and obtain advice about your circumstances before applying.
