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Victoria’s subclass 190 ROI is now open for 2026–27. On 26 October 2026, the Victorian Government opened Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Victoria has 900 nomination places for subclass 190 this program year.
Two points matter most. Registering an interest is not the same as receiving an invitation. And Victoria is not accepting subclass 491 ROIs yet. This guide explains what has opened, what it costs, and how to approach the process sensibly.
Victoria 190 ROI 2026–27 at a glance
| Key point | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Opened | 26 October 2026, for subclass 190 only |
| Places | 900 subclass 190 nomination places for 2026–27 |
| Subclass 491 | Allocation not finalised. 491 ROIs are not being accepted yet |
| Earlier ROIs | Do not carry over. A new ROI is needed for 2026–27 |
| Fees | $60 ROI fee, plus $180 nomination fee only if you are invited (GST added if you pay from inside Australia) |
| Guarantee | None. An ROI does not guarantee an invitation, nomination or visa |
Step 1. Understand what Victoria has opened
The 26 October announcement
The Victorian Government confirmed that its 2026–27 Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) program is open for ROIs. The 900 places are an allocation of nomination places. They do not mean 900 invitations have been sent or 900 visas granted.
What subclass 190 is
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent skilled visa. It needs nomination by an Australian state or territory. State nomination is only one part of the pathway. The Australian Government still decides whether you meet the federal visa requirements.
Why subclass 491 is different
Victoria says its allocation for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) has not been finalised. It is not accepting 491 ROIs at present. Please do not treat the 190 opening as an opening of both streams. Victoria says it will publish more information once the 491 allocation is confirmed.
An open ROI lets you put yourself forward for consideration. It is not an invitation to apply, a state nomination, or a visa grant.
Step 2. Know how your EOI and ROI fit together
Your SkillSelect EOI comes first
A SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) records your interest in a skilled visa in the Australian Government system. It is not a visa application. Your EOI details should be current and consistent with anything you later claim in the Victorian process.
Victoria uses a separate ROI
A Registration of Interest (ROI) tells Victoria you want to be considered for its nomination program. It works alongside your EOI, not instead of it. Victoria ranks ROIs using the Victorian Points Test and its program priorities. You can meet the basic criteria and still not be invited.
Earlier ROIs do not roll forward
An ROI only lasts for the program year it is lodged in. If you lodged one in an earlier program year, you need to lodge a new ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal to be considered in 2026–27.
Step 3. Understand the fees and the limits
New Victorian fees for 2026–27
| Fee | Excluding GST | Including GST | When you pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration of Interest | $60 | $66 | Once per program year, when you lodge the ROI |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 | $198 | Only if you are invited and then apply |
GST applies if you are in Australia when you pay. These are Victorian state fees. They are separate from the Australian Government visa application charge. Victoria says the fees are generally non-refundable.
Selection is competitive, not automatic
The opening does not remove any eligibility rules. Your chances generally depend on the current criteria and on the other candidates in each round. Having an occupation on a skilled list, or a current EOI, does not secure selection on its own.
What this announcement does not mean
- It does not guarantee an invitation to everyone who lodges an ROI.
- It does not open the 491 stream.
- It does not waive any federal visa criteria or promise a processing time.
- It does not extend an expiring visa. If your visa is about to expire, get advice on your own situation.
Victoria subclass 190 and 491 compared
| Question | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| ROI status (27 October 2026) | Open | Not accepting ROIs |
| 2026–27 Victorian allocation | 900 nomination places | Not yet finalised |
| Type of visa | Permanent skilled visa | Provisional regional skilled visa |
| Does an ROI guarantee an invitation? | No | Not applicable while closed |
Step 4. Decide your next sensible step
A simple process checklist
- Confirm the right stream. Check whether subclass 190 suits you, or whether another pathway fits better.
- Read the current Victorian criteria. Rely on the 2026–27 rules, not older online summaries. Our Victoria state nomination guide explains how the program works.
- Review your SkillSelect EOI. Make sure every claim is still accurate before you rely on it.
- Check your visa position and timing. Get individual advice if you have an expiring visa or a past refusal.
- Understand each stage. ROI, invitation, nomination application and visa application are separate steps, each with its own fee.
What if you have had a visa refused before?
A new state nomination opportunity does not automatically fix a past visa refusal or cancellation. What it means for you generally depends on the type of decision, whether you are onshore or offshore, and the dates on your notices. If your immediate problem is a refusal, look at your visa refusal appeal options before assuming a new ROI is the answer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Victoria 190 ROI open now?
Yes. Victoria opened subclass 190 ROIs on 26 October 2026 for the 2026–27 program year. You still need to meet the current eligibility and selection requirements.
Can I lodge a Victorian subclass 491 ROI?
Not yet. Victoria says its 2026–27 subclass 491 allocation is not finalised, and it is not accepting 491 ROIs.
Do 900 places mean 900 people will get visas?
No. The 900 figure is Victoria’s subclass 190 nomination allocation. It is not a number of invitations or visa grants.
I lodged a Victorian ROI last year. Am I still in the pool?
No. An ROI only lasts for the program year it was lodged in. You need a new ROI to be considered in 2026–27.
How much does the Victorian ROI cost?
The ROI fee is $60, or $66 including GST if you pay from inside Australia. A separate $180 nomination fee ($198 including GST) applies only if you are invited and apply.
How HECT can help
HECT Migration & Appeal Experts is a registered migration agency, not a law firm. We can help you work out whether Victorian nomination suits your situation, and what a past refusal or cancellation may mean for your plans.
If you are unsure where you stand, book a free 15-minute consultation with our team.
Sources: Victorian Government (Live in Melbourne), subclass 190 ROI opening announcement, 26 October 2026, and 2026–27 fee update, 13 October 2026; Department of Home Affairs, Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
This article is general information only and is not immigration assistance for your particular case. HECT Migration & Appeal Experts is a registered migration agency, not a law firm.
