Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled visa nomination updates are here! 🇦🇺 Explore key policy changes, fees & scoring updates with Mangalath Immigration to plan your Australian migration journey.
The Victorian Government has officially released key updates regarding its skilled visa nomination program for the 2026–27 period. For prospective migrants and applicants eyeing permanent residency or regional opportunities in Victoria, understanding these updates is critical to ensuring a smooth and compliant application process.
At Mangalath Immigration, we have broken down the most important policy changes, fee structures, and the updated scoring mechanics to help you plan your migration strategy effectively.
1. Introduction of New Fees for Service
A notable shift for the 2026–27 program year is the introduction of processing fees for both Registrations of Interest (ROIs) and visa nomination applications for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
The updated fee structure is outlined below:
Application Stage | Fee (Excluding GST) | Fee (Including GST)* |
Registration of Interest (ROI) | $60 | $66 |
Subclass 190 Nomination Application** | $180 | $198 |
Subclass 491 Nomination Application** | $180 | $198 |
*A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies if the applicant is physically in Australia at the time of payment.
This fee is payable only if you receive an invitation to apply for nomination and choose to submit your full application.
Key Takeaway on ROIs: The Registration of Interest fee is charged once per program year. If you find yourself needing to withdraw and submit a new ROI within the same program year, you will not incur an additional fee.
2. Decoding the Victorian Points Test (VPT)
Unlike the Australian Government’s federal SkillSelect system (which requires a minimum baseline of 65 points for visa eligibility), Victoria uses its own distinct Victorian Points Test (VPT) to rank all incoming ROIs during competitive invitation rounds. There is no fixed “pass mark” for the VPT; instead, applicants with the highest overall points are prioritized.
The VPT ranks registrations based on a combination of weighted factors:
- Age: Strongly favors younger applicants. Maximum points are awarded to those aged 20–29, with points scaling downward incrementally for applicants up to age 44.
- English Proficiency: Higher levels of English add significant weight to your score. Moving from Competent English to Proficient or Superior English yields substantial point advantages.
- Work Experience: Awards points based on the number of years you have worked in your nominated occupation, with higher brackets rewarding candidates with extensive professional experience.
- Skill Level: Additional consideration is given depending on the ANZSCO skill level of your nominated occupation (with Skill Level 1 occupations receiving maximum priority weightings).
- Partner Situation: Partner points can be claimed under specific conditions—specifically if you have claimed partner skills points in your SkillSelect EOI, your partner is included in your state nomination application, and your partner’s occupation falls under current Victorian priority industries.
(Note: Additional VPT weightings also factor in your highest educational qualification and your annual earnings from skilled employment if you are already working in Victoria).
3. Priority Industries and Selection Pathways
The Victorian Government selects ROIs via two core avenues:
- Most Competitive Pathway: ROIs with the highest VPT totals across all eligible occupations.
- Priority Industry Pathway: Focuses on critical state sectors—such as healthcare, social assistance, education (teachers and early childhood), and construction—to address urgent local skill shortages.
Applicants are strongly advised to review the updated Victorian Points Test criteria on the official Live in Melbourne platform before submitting their profiles to ensure their credentials align closely with current state priorities.
4. Action Required for Existing ROIs
If you submitted an ROI during a previous program year and want to be considered for state nomination in the 2026–27 cycle, your previous ROI will not automatically roll over. You must log in to the Live in Melbourne portal and submit a brand-new Registration of Interest once the program officially opens.
How Mangalath Immigration Can Help
Staying ahead of shifting state migration policies can make all the difference between a successful invitation and a missed opportunity. Whether you need assistance evaluating your score under the updated Victorian Points Test, structuring your Registration of Interest around age, English, and partner dynamics, or navigating the complete subclass 190 or 491 application process, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Mangalath Immigration today to consult with our experienced professionals and secure your pathway to living and working in Victoria.
📌 Disclaimer
This disclaimer applies to all social media posts / website from Mangalath Immigration and its associated entities. Content in these posts does not constitute immigration or legal advice, is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. The material is designed to provide an informative guideline (current at the time of publication and subject to changes) for general informational purposes only. Please consult an Australian MARA registered agent or Australian Lawyer for professional advice before you make any type of application.