Victoria's skilled visa nomination program 2026–27: new fees, published points test and what to expect

The Victorian Government has released an important update on its Skilled Visa Nomination Program for the 2026 – 2027 program year.

For the first time, applicants will pay fees to register their interest and to apply for nomination. Victoria has also published the full weightings of the Victorian Points Test (VPT), which shows how applicants are ranked and selected for invitation.

The 2026–27 program hasn’t opened yet however; these changes give applicants a much clearer picture of where they stand and what can be done now in anticipation of the program opening.

Below is an overview of what has changed, who is affected and what to do now.

Fees introduced for Registrations of Interest and nomination applications

From 2026–27, fees will apply to Registrations of Interest (ROI’s) and nomination applications for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Fee	Excluding GST	Including GST
Registration of Interest	$60	$66
Subclass 190 nomination application	$180	$198
Subclass 491 nomination application	$180	$198

Some key points about the new fees:

GST applies only if you are in Australia when you pay.
The ROI fee is charged once per program year. If you withdraw and lodge a new ROI in the same program year, you won’t be charged again.
The nomination fee applies only if you are invited to apply for nomination and go on to lodge an application.

These fees are separate from the Department of Home Affairs visa application charges.

Existing Registrations of Interest won’t carry over

This is one of the most important changes for current applicants. If you lodged an ROI in a previous program year and want to be considered in 2026-27, you will need to log in to the Live in Melbourne portal and lodge a new ROI once the program opens.

How the Victorian Points Test (VPT) works

Victoria uses the VPT to rank every ROI for subclass 190 and 491 nomination. The VPT is separate from the Australian Government’s points test. It ranks applicants against each other and doesn’t decide whether you are eligible for the visa.

There is no pass mark. In each invitation round, the ROIs with the highest VPT totals at that time are invited. Applicants still need at least 65 points on the Australian Government’s points test to be eligible for the visa itself.

Your VPT total is based on seven weighted factors:

Factor	Points available
Age	Up to 300 (ages 20–29 score highest, reducing each year from 30)
English language	Competent 0, Proficient 100, Superior 200
Experience in your nominated occupation	Up to 100 (more than 8 years)
Educational qualification	Other 25, Bachelor/Honours 50, Masters 75, PhD 100
Occupation skill level	Skill level 1 occupation 50, otherwise 0
Partner’s skill	50, if the requirements are met
Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria	Up to 150 ($170,000 and over)

The maximum possible score is 950.

A few factors are worth highlighting:

Age carries the most weight. Points stay at 300 from age 20 to 29, then drop each year to just 16 points at age 44.
English can make a significant difference. Moving from Competent to Superior English adds 200 points.
Victorian earnings are rewarded. Applicants already in skilled employment in Victoria can earn points starting at $80,000 a year, up to 150 points at $170,000 or more.
Partner points have three conditions. All of the following must apply: you have claimed partner skills points in your SkillSelect EOI, your partner is included in the visa application, and your partner’s occupation is in a current priority industry.

Two ways to be invited

Every ROI is considered under two pathways:

Most competitive – Applicants with the highest VPT totals across all eligible occupations are invited.
Priority industry – Applicants with the highest VPT totals within each priority industry are also invited.

For 2026-27, the priority industries are healthcare, social assistance, education (teachers and early childhood) and construction (professionals and trades). Applicants outside these industries compete only in the most competitive pathway, so a strong VPT score will be especially important for them.

Who are these changes relevant to?

These changes are particularly relevant to:

Applicants with a current Victorian ROI, who will need to lodge again in 2026–27.
Skilled workers already working in Victoria, who may benefit from the new earnings points.
Applicants in healthcare, social assistance, education and construction, who will have access to the priority industry pathway.
Applicants in other occupations, who will need to maximise their VPT score to stay competitive.

What should you do now?

While the program remains closed, this is a good time to get ready:

Calculate your VPT score using the published weightings, and identify where you could gain more points.
Consider retaking your English test if a higher score is within reach, since this is often the quickest way to improve your ranking.
Update your SkillSelect EOI so that it accurately reflects your current points, experience and partner details.
Check your skills assessment and English test are still valid.
Prepare your documents so you can lodge your ROI as soon as the program opens.

What’s ahead?

Victoria has said that further information about the 2026-27 program, including its opening date, will be published on the Live in Melbourne website when available.

We are monitoring the program closely and will share updates as soon as they are released.

How Ethos can help

If you are considering Victorian nomination for a 190 or 491 visa, our team can help you assess your eligibility, competitiveness and help you plan your next steps.