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Private: Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program 2025–26: Everything You Need to Know
If you want to migrate to Australia, the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program 2025–26 is one of your best options right now. However, time is running out. The program closes to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 4:00 PM AEST. After that deadline, Victoria will not accept any new ROIs for this program year.
So, if you are thinking about applying, you need to act today.
Important Deadline: 28 April 2026 at 4:00 PM AEST
Victoria’s 2025–26 program has already attracted far more ROIs than available places. As a result, only the strongest applicants will receive a nomination. Because of this high competition, every point in your profile matters. Therefore, make sure your application is complete and accurate before the deadline.
What Is the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program?
The Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program lets skilled workers live and work in Victoria. In addition, it gives you extra points toward your visa application. The Victorian Government runs this program every year. Moreover, it is one of the most popular state nomination programs in all of Australia.
Under this program, Victoria nominates skilled workers for two visa types:
| Visa Subclass | Type | Points Added |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190 | Permanent | 5 points |
| Subclass 491 | Provisional (5 years) | 15 points |
Both visas require no employer sponsorship. Furthermore, both provide unrestricted work rights once granted.
2025–26 Visa Allocations: The Official Numbers
For this program year, the Australian Government allocated Victoria a total of 3,400 skilled visa places:
- 2,700 places — Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
- 700 places — Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)
These numbers are limited. As a result, Victoria selects only the highest-scoring applicants. In short, the sooner you submit your ROI, the better your chances.
Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491: Which Path Suits You?
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent)
This is a permanent visa Subclass 190. It lets you live and work anywhere in Victoria, including Melbourne. Moreover, it adds 5 points to your points test score. You do not need a job offer before applying. For this reason, it is the most popular choice among skilled migrants.
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional)
This is a 5-year provisional visa Subclass 491. It requires you to live and work in regional Victoria. However, after 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191. Additionally, it adds 15 extra points — which can be the difference between getting an invite and missing out entirely.
Quick tip: If your points score is borderline, the 491 pathway is often the smarter choice. Those 15 extra points can dramatically improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
How to Apply: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 — Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
First, log in to the Australian Government’s SkillSelect portal. Then, submit or update your EOI. Make sure your occupation appears on Victoria’s skilled occupation list before you proceed.
Step 2 — Submit Your Registration of Interest (ROI)
Next, visit the Live in Melbourne website. After that, submit your ROI directly to the Victorian Government. This is a separate step from your SkillSelect EOI — so do not skip it.
Step 3 — Wait for Victoria's Invitation
Victoria reviews all submitted ROIs carefully. If your profile meets their requirements, they will invite you to apply for nomination. In most cases, assessment takes between 4 and 12 weeks.
Step 4 — Apply for Your Visa
Once Victoria nominates you, log in to your ImmiAccount and lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Finally, wait for your visa outcome.
English Language Requirements
| Band | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190 & 491 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Minimum IELTS score required for Skilled Migration visas (Subclass 190 & 491) is 6.0 in each band.
Why Choose Victoria? 5 Reasons Skilled Migrants Love This State
Choosing the right state for migration is a big decision. Fortunately, Victoria makes that choice easy. Here is why thousands of skilled migrants choose it every year:
- Strong economy. Victoria’s economy is one of the strongest in Australia. Key industries include healthcare, finance, education, technology, and construction — all of which actively need skilled workers.
- World-class education. The University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University all rank among the world’s top institutions. So, families with children benefit greatly from moving here.
- Melbourne — a city built for migrants. Melbourne is consistently ranked one of the world’s most liveable cities. Moreover, it has a strong multicultural community, excellent public transport, and a thriving job market.
- Regional opportunities. Beyond Melbourne, regional Victoria offers strong employment in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and early childhood education. Besides that, regional applicants receive extra points and a clear pathway to permanent residency.
- No employer sponsorship needed. Unlike many other visa types, this program does not require a job offer. Therefore, you can apply even if you are still overseas.
Get Expert Help from Abbasi Migration
The Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program involves many steps, tight deadlines, and important decisions. Furthermore, a single mistake — or a missed form — can delay your plans by an entire year. Therefore, working with a registered migration agent gives you the best possible chance of success.
Touseef Abbasi (MARN: 2518930) is a registered migration agent with years of hands-on experience. Abbasi Migration helps skilled professionals at every stage — from checking your eligibility and strengthening your EOI to submitting a strong ROI well before the deadline.
📍 Melbourne Office: Office 3669, Ground Floor, 470 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
📍 Wollert Office: 11 Farmley Way, Wollert VIC 3750
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: +61 418 841 225
📧 Email: info@abbasimigration.com
The ROI deadline is 28 April 2026 at 4:00 PM AEST. Do not wait — contact Abbasi Migration today.
FAQs
What is the difference between an EOI and an ROI?
An EOI (Expression of Interest) goes through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system. An ROI (Registration of Interest), however, goes directly to the Victorian Government via the Live in Melbourne portal. You need both to be considered for nomination.
Can I apply if I live outside Australia?
Yes, absolutely. Victoria accepts ROIs from skilled professionals overseas as well as those already living in Victoria.
What happens if I miss the 28 April 2026 deadline?
Unfortunately, you will have to wait for the 2026–27 program year. As a result, missing this deadline costs you a full year of migration progress.
How long does Victorian nomination take to process?
Processing times vary. However, most applicants receive a decision within 4 to 12 weeks of submitting a complete application.
Does state nomination guarantee my visa?
No, it does not. State nomination adds valuable points and supports your application. Nevertheless, the final visa decision belongs to the Department of Home Affairs.
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