VIC State Nomination Full Guide 2025–26
VIC Skilled Nomination (Subclass 190 & 491) — Updated Policies, Pathway Comparison & Practical Insights
VIC State Nomination Overview
Victoria attracts skilled professionals through the State Nomination Program, helping them achieve long-term settlement and career growth in Australia.
The program supports two visa subclasses:
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa: A permanent residency visa that allows you to live and work anywhere in Victoria.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa: A five-year temporary visa requiring you to live and work in designated regional areas of Victoria, offering a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
Victoria prioritises applicants working in key sectors such as healthcare, digital technology, education and research, and clean energy.
Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and then lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) via the Live in Melbourne website.
Selections are based on the applicant’s skills, occupation demand, and potential contribution to Victoria’s economy.
Victoria’s nomination process is known for its transparency, fairness, and high standards, ensuring that every nominee brings meaningful value to the state’s growth and community.
The Department of Home Affairs has provided Victoria with an interim allocation for the 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program:
Subclass 190: 200 places
Subclass 491: 180 places
The full allocation for Victoria’s 2025–26 program will be announced once confirmed by the Australian Government, along with detailed nomination criteria and updates.
VIC State Nomination
Policy Overview
The Victorian Government provides two main migration pathways for skilled professionals:
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491).
Both visas offer qualified applicants the opportunity to live and work in Victoria.
The main differences lie in the place of residence, visa type, and the pathway to permanent residency.
Types of Nominated Visas
The Victoria State Nomination Program allows qualified skilled professionals to apply for nomination from the Victorian Government, leading to either permanent or provisional residency in Australia.
Victoria’s nomination program focuses on attracting skilled professionals who can drive economic growth, support regional population balance, and address critical skill shortages in key industries.
Eligibility Overview
To be eligible for Victorian nomination (for either the 190 or 491 visa), applicants must meet both:
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) visa requirements; and
The additional nomination criteria set by the Victorian Government.
Applicants must satisfy both conditions to receive an invitation.
Common Requirements for 190 and 491
| Category | Points-tested stream |
|---|---|
| Occupation |
|
| Age |
|
| Points Test |
|
| Skills Assessment |
|
| English Language |
|
| Health & Character |
|
| Expression of Interest (EOI) |
|
| Residence |
|
| Category | Points-tested stream |
|---|---|
| Occupation |
|
| Age |
|
| Points Test |
|
| Skills Assessment |
|
| English Language |
|
| Health & Character |
|
| Expression of Interest (EOI) |
|
| Residence |
|
190 VS 491
| Item | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residence (PR) | Provisional Visa (valid for 5 years) |
| Location | Anywhere in Victoria (including Melbourne) | Only in designated regional areas of Victoria (Regional Victoria) |
| Pathway | Direct pathway to PR | Eligible to apply for Subclass 191 Permanent Residence after meeting the requirements |
| Points | +5 points | +15 points |
| Item | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residence (PR) | Provisional Visa (valid for 5 years) |
| Location | Anywhere in Victoria (including Melbourne) | Only in designated regional areas of Victoria (Regional Victoria) |
| Pathway | Direct pathway to PR | Eligible to apply for Subclass 191 Permanent Residence after meeting the requirements |
| Points | +5 points | +15 points |
VIC 190
Skilled Nominated Visa
Eligibility
Residence Requirement (Living in Victoria / Overseas)
If you are currently living in Australia (onshore), you must be residing in Victoria.
Victoria does not select Registrations of Interest (ROIs) from onshore applicants living in other Australian states or territories. However, applicants residing in border communities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you are currently living overseas (offshore), you are also eligible to apply for Victorian state nomination (for both Subclass 190 and 491 visas), but you must commit to living and working in Victoria after your visa is granted.
Employment Requirement
Victorian Subclass 190 nomination does not require current employment or a minimum duration of work experience.
If you are employed in a skilled occupation and your employer is physically located in Victoria, you may include an estimate of your annual earnings in your ROI.
Businesses using a virtual office or proxy address are not considered to be physically operating in Victoria.
Your employment does not need to be directly related to your nominated occupation, but your earnings must come from skilled work in Victoria.
For further details, refer to the Annual Earnings Estimation Guide.
If you are unemployed, working in a non-skilled occupation, or employed by a business not physically located in Victoria, you may still apply for nomination but cannot claim earnings in your ROI.
If you are living overseas, you are not required to declare earnings in your ROI.
English Language Requirement
Your English test results must remain valid for at least 12 weeks after the date of nomination application submission; expired results will not be accepted.
Skills Assessment Requirement
You must hold a valid Skills Assessment recognized by the Department of Home Affairs, and your occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
Your nominated occupation must match the one stated in your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Your Skills Assessment must have at least 12 weeks of validity remaining at the time of submission.
For health professionals, your nominated occupation must align with your registration details with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Commitment Obligations
After receiving the nomination, applicants must commit to living and working in Victoria.
State nomination cannot be transferred to another state or territory.
VIC 491
Skilled Work Regional Visa
Eligibility
Residence Requirement (Living in Victoria / Overseas)
-
If you are currently living in Australia (onshore), you must reside in Victoria.
-
Victoria does not select Registrations of Interest (ROIs) from onshore applicants residing in other Australian states or territories. However, applicants living in border communities may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
-
If you are currently living overseas (offshore), you are also eligible to apply for Victorian state nomination (for both Subclass 190 and 491), but you must commit to living and working in Victoria once your visa is granted.
-
Subclass 491 visa holders and their dependents must live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Victoria.
Employment Requirement
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Victorian 491 nomination does not require a minimum period of work experience. However, applicants must be engaged in skilled employment for an employer physically operating in regional Victoria.
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If you are working in a skilled occupation in regional Victoria and your employer is a legally registered Victorian business, you may include an estimate of your annual earnings in your ROI.
-
Businesses using a virtual office or proxy address are not considered as physically operating in Victoria.
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Your work does not have to be exactly the same as your nominated occupation, but it must be skilled employment, and your income must come from regional Victoria.
-
For more details, refer to the Annual Earnings Estimation Guide.
-
If you are not working, are employed in non-skilled work, or your employer is not physically located in regional Victoria, you are not eligible for nomination.
-
If you are living overseas, you are not required to declare income in your ROI.
English Language Requirement
-
At the time of submission, your English test results must remain valid for at least 12 weeks after the application date; expired results will not be accepted.
Skills Assessment Requirement
-
You must hold a valid Skills Assessment recognized by the Department of Home Affairs, and your occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
-
Your nominated occupation must match the one listed in your Expression of Interest (EOI).
-
At the time of submission, your Skills Assessment must have at least 12 weeks of validity remaining.
-
For applicants in medical or health-related professions, your Skills Assessment must align with your registration details with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Regional Areas Include
3097 to 3099, 3139, 3233 to 3234, 3236 to 3239, 3241 to 3325, 3329, 3334, 3341, 3345 to 3424, 3430 to 3799, 3809 to 3909, 3912 to 3971 and 3978 to 3996
Eligibility
After receiving the nomination, applicants must commit to living and working in Victoria.
State nomination cannot be transferred to another state or territory.
Application Process
1. Lodge the Nomination Application
- You can lodge only after receiving an Invitation; the applicant or an authorised agent can submit online.
- All forms and evidence must be uploaded via the Live in Melbourne Portal; hard-copy or email submissions are not accepted.
2. Required Documents
- Identity: passport bio page.
- Residence/personal status: lease/title, driver licence, utilities, marital status, etc.
- Employment & income: contract, recent payslips, tax records, superannuation contributions.
- Where relevant, evidence of other state nominations or visa process updates.
3. Invitation
- Based on your valid SkillSelect EOI and submitted Registration of Interest (ROI).
- You must apply within the invitation validity window; expired invitations cannot be used.
- Use the Annual Earnings Estimation Guide to frame consistent income declarations.
4. Assessment
- Case officers may issue a request for information; you must respond by the stated deadline.
- Late or inadequate responses can lead to refusal. Do not alter key EOI data during assessment.
- Typical processing time: around 20 business days (case-dependent).
- Interviews and/or questionnaires may be required; ROI questionnaires are completed in the Portal.
5. Outcome & Next Steps
- Approved: lodge your visa with the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days or the nomination may lapse.
- The state may withdraw nomination if you withdraw your EOI or materially change key information.
- Refused: common reasons include:
- Failure to meet pathway/occupation/points or other core criteria;
- Evidence insufficient to prove genuine employment, income or settlement intent;
- Material inconsistencies between the EOI and supplied documents;
- High-risk circumstances (e.g., unstable onshore study/work patterns).
- After refusal you’ll generally need to wait 6 months before a fresh submission is considered.
6. False or Misleading Information
- Supplying false/misleading information results in refusal and may be reported to Home Affairs.
- The state can cancel current/ future eligibility and conduct compliance checks.
7. Review / Renomination
- If you believe an error occurred or you have new, material evidence, you may request a review.
- Renomination is generally not offered where there’s no new evidence, a previous refusal stands, or simultaneous 190/491 requests breach rules.
8. Nomination Obligations
- Sign the Declaration Form.
- Commit to live and work in Victoria (typically for 2 years) and provide periodic updates (about every 3–6 months).
- Update the Portal promptly for any major change (occupation, employer, address, etc.).
9. Terms & Conditions
- The state may amend, pause or withdraw nomination processes based on quotas and policy changes.
- State nomination is not a visa grant; Home Affairs makes the final decision.
- Eligibility isn’t transferable to another person or account.
- You can lodge only after receiving an Invitation; the applicant or an authorised agent can submit online.
- All forms and evidence must be uploaded via the Live in Melbourne Portal; hard-copy or email submissions are not accepted.
- Identity: passport bio page.
- Residence/personal status: lease/title, driver licence, utilities, marital status, etc.
- Employment & income: contract, recent payslips, tax records, superannuation contributions.
- Where relevant, evidence of other state nominations or visa process updates.
- Based on your valid SkillSelect EOI and submitted Registration of Interest (ROI).
- You must apply within the invitation validity window; expired invitations cannot be used.
- Use the Annual Earnings Estimation Guide to frame consistent income declarations.
- Case officers may issue a request for information; you must respond by the stated deadline.
- Late or inadequate responses can lead to refusal. Do not alter key EOI data during assessment.
- Typical processing time: around 20 business days (case-dependent).
- Interviews and/or questionnaires may be required; ROI questionnaires are completed in the Portal.
- Approved: lodge your visa with the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days or the nomination may lapse.
- The state may withdraw nomination if you withdraw your EOI or materially change key information.
- Refused: common reasons include:
- Failure to meet pathway/occupation/points or other core criteria;
- Evidence insufficient to prove genuine employment, income or settlement intent;
- Material inconsistencies between the EOI and supplied documents;
- High-risk circumstances (e.g., unstable onshore study/work patterns).
- After refusal you’ll generally need to wait 6 months before a fresh submission is considered.
- Supplying false/misleading information results in refusal and may be reported to Home Affairs.
- The state can cancel current/ future eligibility and conduct compliance checks.
- If you believe an error occurred or you have new, material evidence, you may request a review.
- Renomination is generally not offered where there’s no new evidence, a previous refusal stands, or simultaneous 190/491 requests breach rules.
- Sign the Declaration Form.
- Commit to live and work in Victoria (typically for 2 years) and provide periodic updates (about every 3–6 months).
- Update the Portal promptly for any major change (occupation, employer, address, etc.).
- The state may amend, pause or withdraw nomination processes based on quotas and policy changes.
- State nomination is not a visa grant; Home Affairs makes the final decision.
- Eligibility isn’t transferable to another person or account.
Your Next Move
Whether you are considering a Subclass 190 Permanent Residence Visa or a Subclass 491 Regional Visa, competition for Victoria’s state nomination has shifted from “points-based selection” to a stronger focus on genuine employment and long-term settlement commitment.
Before submitting your ROI (Registration of Interest), precise planning and strategic preparation are the keys to success.
Accurate Eligibility Assessment
Understand whether you meet Victoria’s nomination requirements, including skills assessment, residency status, English proficiency, and ROI selection criteria.Strategic Planning
Align your employment background, education, and professional direction to select the most suitable nomination pathway, ensuring your occupation or employer matches Victoria’s current workforce needs.Professional Consultation
We offer one-on-one expert consultation to help you develop a tailored strategy, increasing your chances of ROI selection and state nomination approval.
The HECT Migration & Appeal Experts team has extensive experience in Victorian state nomination applications, ROI strategy planning, and complex case handling.
Our goal is not merely to lodge your application — but to help you achieve results and build your future in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have a high score (80+ points), does that guarantee selection by Victoria?
Not necessarily. Victoria’s ROI selection is not purely points-based. The government prioritises genuine employment, occupation relevance, and commitment to living in Victoria long-term. High scores alone won’t guarantee selection if you’re not working or settled in the state.
Can I apply for Victorian nomination while living in another state?
No. Victoria does not consider ROIs from applicants living in other Australian states or territories. Only those living in Victoria (or border regions) are eligible for onshore selection.
My occupation is on the list, but I’m not working. Can I still get nominated?
You can technically apply, but your chances are very low. Victoria prioritises applicants with skilled employment in Victoria. Unemployed or casual workers are rarely selected.
How long does it take to get an ROI result? Can I follow up?
There’s no fixed timeline. ROI assessments are processed in rounds and may take weeks or months. Applicants are advised not to follow up — doing so may delay processing.
What happens if I made a mistake in my ROI (e.g., earnings or points)?
It can be serious. Victoria verifies all claims, and any inconsistencies between ROI, EOI, or evidence may lead to refusal.
My employer is a national company but not registered in Victoria. Am I eligible?
No. Your employer must be physically operating in Victoria. Companies using a virtual office or only registered interstate do not qualify.
I was previously refused by Victoria. Can I apply again?
Yes, you can reapply by submitting a new ROI, provided you’ve addressed the previous issues. However, refusals due to false or misleading information may result in a permanent ban.
Which industries or applicants are more likely to be selected by Victoria?
Victoria does not publish a fixed list of priority industries. Selection is based primarily on genuine skilled employment in Victoria (with a real Victorian employer), relevance to your nominated occupation, commitment to live and work in Victoria, valid English and skills assessment, and—for 491—residence/employment in designated regional Victoria. Some fields (e.g., health, engineering, digital, education/research) have historically seen more invitations, but there is no official preference or guarantee. The key is current, verifiable contribution to Victoria’s labour market.
Can I submit an ROI if my English test or skills assessment has expired?
No. Both your English test and skills assessment must have at least 12 weeks of validity remaining when you apply, or your nomination will be refused.
Do I have to stay in Victoria after getting the nomination?
Yes. You must commit to living and working in Victoria for at least two years. Failure to do so may affect your future applications or credibility with the state government.
Note: This FAQ is general information only and not legal advice. Settings (e.g., eligibility tests, exemptions, and evidentiary rules) can change; always check the latest legislative instruments before applying.
