Victoria 190 and 491 Visa Points Test 2026–27: How Invitations and Applicants Are Ranked
Oct 29, 2026
Victoria’s skilled migration nomination program opened on 26 October 2026 with 900 places for subclass 190 visas. Discover how the Victorian Points Test works, what affects your ranking and how to improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Victoria officially opened its 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program on 26 October 2026, introducing a more transparent approach to selecting skilled migrants for state nomination.
For applicants hoping to live and work in Melbourne or elsewhere in Victoria, understanding the selection process is essential.
One of the most important developments is the Victorian Points Test (VPT), which ranks applicants based on their qualifications, English language ability, work experience and other factors.
Importantly, this is a separate system from the Australian Government’s SkillSelect points test.
Victoria’s 2026–27 Skilled Migration Program: What’s Open?
The Victorian Government has confirmed an allocation of 900 nomination places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for the 2026–27 program year.
The subclass 190 visa provides a pathway to permanent residence for eligible skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government.
Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for Victorian subclass 190 nomination are now open.
However, the situation is different for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
Victoria’s subclass 491 allocation has not yet been finalised, and Registrations of Interest for this visa are not currently being accepted.
Applicants interested in the subclass 491 pathway will need to wait for further announcements from the Victorian Government.
New Victorian Government Fees for 2026–27
For the first time, Victoria has introduced fees for submitting Registrations of Interest and nomination applications.
The fees are:
| Application stage | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Registration of Interest (ROI) | $60 |
| Registration of Interest (including GST, if applicable) | $66 |
| Subclass 190 or 491 nomination application | $180 |
| Nomination application (including GST, if applicable) | $198 |
GST applies where the applicant is in Australia at the time of payment.
The nomination application fee is payable only if an applicant is invited to apply for Victorian nomination.
These charges are separate from the Department of Home Affairs visa application charges.
The ROI fee is charged once per program year, meaning applicants who withdraw and submit a replacement ROI during the same program year will not generally be charged another ROI fee.
The Federal Points Test vs the Victorian Points Test
Many skilled visa applicants are familiar with the Australian Government’s points test, which awards points for factors such as age, English proficiency, qualifications and skilled employment.
However, Victoria now uses its own ranking system to determine which applicants are most competitive for state nomination.
The Australian Government’s points test
This determines whether an applicant meets the minimum points requirement for a points-tested skilled visa.
Applicants generally need at least 65 points, including applicable state nomination points.
However, meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation.
The Victorian Points Test
The Victorian Points Test is used to rank Registrations of Interest submitted to the Victorian Government.
Each applicant receives a VPT score based on seven weighted factors.
Victoria then ranks applicants according to their scores and selects the most competitive candidates during invitation rounds.
This means that two applicants with the same federal SkillSelect score may have different Victorian Points Test scores and different prospects of receiving an invitation.
How Does the Victorian Points Test Work?
The Victorian Points Test awards up to 950 points across seven selection factors.
| Selection factor | Maximum VPT points |
|---|---|
| Age | 300 |
| English language ability | 200 |
| Skilled employment experience in nominated occupation | 100 |
| Educational qualifications | 100 |
| Occupation skill level | 50 |
| Partner’s skills | 50 |
| Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria | 150 |
| Maximum total | 950 |
1. Age – Up to 300 Points
Age is the most heavily weighted factor in the Victorian Points Test.
Applicants aged between 20 and 29 receive the maximum 300 points.
Points then progressively decrease with age. For example:
- Age 30: 286 points
- Age 33: 240 points
- Age 35: 210 points
- Age 40: 136 points
- Age 44: 16 points
This means that age can significantly affect an applicant’s competitiveness, even where they otherwise have strong qualifications and professional experience.
2. English Language Ability – Up to 200 Points
English proficiency is another major factor in Victoria’s ranking system.
| English level | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 100 |
| Superior English | 200 |
For eligible applicants, improving an English language result from Proficient to Superior can increase their Victorian Points Test score by 100 points.
This makes English language preparation one of the most practical ways to improve competitiveness.
3. Skilled Employment Experience – Up to 100 Points
Victoria also awards points for skilled employment experience in the applicant’s nominated occupation.
| Experience | VPT points |
|---|---|
| 0 years | 0 |
| 1 year | 20 |
| 2–3 years | 40 |
| 4–5 years | 60 |
| 6–7 years | 80 |
| More than 8 years | 100 |
Applicants should ensure that any skilled employment claimed in their SkillSelect Expression of Interest is accurate and supported by appropriate evidence.
4. Educational Qualifications – Up to 100 Points
Higher qualifications may also improve an applicant’s ranking.
| Qualification | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Other qualifications | 25 |
| Bachelor’s degree or Honours | 50 |
| Master’s degree | 75 |
| PhD | 100 |
5. Occupation Skill Level – Up to 50 Points
Applicants whose nominated occupation is classified at skill level 1 receive 50 points.
Skill level 2 and skill level 3 occupations receive no points under this factor.
6. Partner Skills – Up to 50 Points
Victoria may award an additional 50 points where the applicant:
- claims 10 partner skills points in their SkillSelect EOI;
- includes their partner in the state-nominated visa application; and
- has a partner whose occupation is included in a current Victorian priority industry.
Applicants who are single or whose partners do not meet these specific criteria receive no additional VPT points under this factor.
7. Annual Earnings in Victoria – Up to 150 Points
Applicants already undertaking skilled employment in Victoria may receive additional points based on their current annual earnings.
The earnings factor starts at $80,000 per year and increases progressively, with the maximum 150 points available for earnings of $170,000 or more.
This factor does not mean offshore applicants are ineligible. Applicants living overseas can still be considered for Victorian nomination, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
What Score Do You Need to Receive an Invitation?
One of the most common questions applicants ask is: what is the minimum Victorian Points Test score needed to receive an invitation?
Unlike the federal SkillSelect points test, the Victorian Points Test does not have a fixed pass mark.
Victoria ranks applicants against other candidates in the pool at the time of each invitation round.
Invitations are issued to the most competitive applicants, subject to nomination places and the relevant selection priorities.
Therefore, an applicant’s likelihood of receiving an invitation depends on:
- their Victorian Points Test score;
- the competitiveness of other applicants;
- their nominated occupation and any applicable priority industry;
- the number of nomination places available; and
- the selection criteria applying during the invitation round.
There is no guaranteed invitation score.
Do Priority Occupations Receive Special Consideration?
Yes. Victoria also operates a priority industry selection process.
In addition to ranking applicants across all eligible occupations, Victoria may select applicants from particular industries where there are identified workforce needs.
Priority industries for 2026–27 include areas such as healthcare, education and construction, with specific eligible occupations and additional criteria published by the Victorian Government.
Applicants within these priority groups are ranked against other candidates in their respective industry or subgroup.
Importantly, priority status does not automatically award additional VPT points or guarantee an invitation.
However, it may improve an applicant’s prospects by allowing them to be considered within a separate priority selection group.
How Can You Improve Your Chances of Victorian Nomination?
Although no applicant can guarantee an invitation, there are practical steps that may strengthen an ROI.
- Improve your English language results. A higher English proficiency level can make a substantial difference to your Victorian Points Test score.
- Check your SkillSelect EOI carefully. Your EOI must accurately reflect your qualifications, employment history, English language results and other relevant circumstances.
- Ensure your skills assessment is valid. Applicants must meet the relevant skills assessment and nomination requirements.
- Review your nominated occupation. Check whether your occupation is included in one of Victoria’s priority industries and whether additional selection criteria apply.
- Keep your information up to date. Changes to your circumstances may affect your eligibility or ranking, so it is important to review your EOI and ROI when necessary.
- Prepare supporting evidence. Any claims made during the process should be accurate and capable of being substantiated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Victorian Points Test the same as the federal points test?
No. The Australian Government’s points test determines whether an applicant meets the minimum points requirement for a skilled visa. Victoria uses its own points test to rank applicants for state nomination invitations.
What is the highest possible Victorian Points Test score?
The maximum is 950 points, although some factors, such as Victorian earnings and partner skills, may not apply to every applicant.
Is there a minimum score to receive an invitation?
No. Victoria does not publish a fixed invitation threshold. Applicants are ranked against other candidates during each invitation round.
Can offshore applicants apply for Victorian nomination?
Yes, eligible offshore applicants may be considered for Victorian nomination. However, they must meet the relevant Victorian and Australian Government requirements.
Can I submit a Registration of Interest for the subclass 491 visa now?
As at 27 October 2026, Victoria has not opened its 2026–27 subclass 491 ROI process.
Do previous Registrations of Interest carry over to the new program year?
No. Applicants who submitted an ROI in a previous program year must submit a new ROI to be considered for the 2026–27 program.
Does submitting an ROI guarantee an invitation?
No. An ROI allows an applicant to be considered for selection. It does not guarantee an invitation, state nomination or a visa grant.
Need Help With Your Victorian Skilled Visa Application?
Understanding how your qualifications, employment experience and English language results affect your Victorian Points Test score can make a significant difference when planning your migration pathway.
At Taylor Hampton Solicitors, Timea Pocze-Graf, Registered Migration Agent, assists skilled professionals with Australian migration applications, including:
- Skilled Nominated visas (subclass 190);
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visas (subclass 491);
- skills assessment and eligibility reviews;
- SkillSelect Expressions of Interest;
- Victorian Registrations of Interest; and
- state nomination and visa applications.
Whether you are already living in Australia or considering migration from overseas, obtaining professional advice can help you understand your eligibility and prepare a well-supported application.
Contact Timea Pocze-Graf at Taylor Hampton Solicitors to discuss your Australian skilled migration options.
Timea Pocze-Graf
Registered Migration Agent
Head of Migration – Taylor Hampton Solicitors
Email: timea.graf@taylorhampton.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7427 5290
Disclaimer
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Australian immigration legislation, Victorian nomination requirements, fees and selection priorities may change without notice.
Applicants should refer to the official Victorian Government and Department of Home Affairs websites for the latest information and obtain advice relevant to their individual circumstances before making an application.
Information current as at 27 October 2026.
Official sources:
- Victorian Government – Live in Melbourne: 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program
- Victorian Government – Victorian Points Test
- Victorian Government – Skilled Migration Fees
- Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs: SkillSelect and Skilled Migration Visas