Victoria State Nomination 2026: Complete Guide to VIC Skilled Migration
Victoria — home to Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital — operates one of the most competitive state nomination programs in the country. The Victorian Government uses a Registration of Interest (ROI) system and prioritises candidates who align with Victoria's economic development strategy. Understanding Victoria's unique approach and priority sectors is essential for a successful nomination. Here's your complete guide.
Quick Facts: Victoria State Nomination 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclasses | 190 (Skilled Nominated), 491 (Skilled Work Regional) |
| Nominating Body | Victorian Government — Live in Melbourne |
| Application System | ROI (Registration of Interest) through Live in Melbourne portal |
| Priority Sectors | Health, digital/ICT, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure |
| Processing Time | 8-14 weeks after invitation |
| Melbourne | 190 and 491 eligible (metro vs regional postcodes) |
How Victoria's ROI System Works
Victoria operates a Registration of Interest (ROI) system rather than relying solely on SkillSelect EOIs. The process is:
- Skills assessment: Complete your skills assessment with the relevant authority
- English test: Achieve the required English score
- SkillSelect EOI: Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect selecting Victoria
- Victoria ROI: Register your interest through the Live in Melbourne portal
- Invitation: If selected, Victoria invites you to submit a full nomination application
- Nomination application: Submit documentation and application fee
- Nomination decision: Victoria assesses and nominates (or declines)
- Visa application: Lodge with the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days
The ROI Form
The Victorian ROI asks for detailed information beyond what's in your SkillSelect EOI:
- Your occupation and skills assessment details
- Employment history and current employment status
- Whether you're currently in Victoria
- Your English test results
- Details of any job offer in Victoria
- Your connection to Victoria (study, family, previous residence)
- How you plan to contribute to Victoria's economy
Victoria's Priority Sectors
Victoria's nomination decisions are heavily influenced by its economic development priorities. The state is explicit about which sectors it wants to attract talent for:
Health and Medical
Victoria's healthcare sector is the state's largest employer. Priority occupations include registered nurses, medical practitioners, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical imaging professionals, and psychologists. Melbourne's world-class hospital network and medical research institutions drive consistent demand.
Digital and ICT
Victoria — and Melbourne in particular — positions itself as Australia's technology hub. Priority occupations include software engineers, ICT business analysts, developer programmers, ICT security specialists, data scientists, and multimedia specialists.
Advanced Manufacturing
Victoria's manufacturing sector is transitioning from traditional manufacturing to advanced and high-value manufacturing. Engineers (mechanical, manufacturing, industrial) and specialist technicians are prioritised.
Infrastructure and Construction
Major infrastructure projects across Melbourne and regional Victoria create demand for civil engineers, structural engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, and skilled trades.
Education
Victoria prioritises secondary school teachers (particularly in STEM, languages, and special education) and early childhood teachers.
Melbourne vs Regional Victoria
Melbourne (190 and 491)
Most of Melbourne falls under the 190 pathway. However, some outer Melbourne postcodes are classified as regional for the purposes of the 491 visa. This distinction matters because:
- 190: Permanent residency, 5 bonus points, can live in metro Melbourne
- 491: Provisional, 15 bonus points, must live in designated regional areas
Regional Victoria (491)
Regional Victoria offers genuine lifestyle and career opportunities. Key centres include Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Warrnambool, and the Latrobe Valley.
The Victorian Government actively promotes regional migration and may prioritise regional-focused nominations, particularly for occupations in healthcare, education, and trades where regional shortages are acute.
Points and Competitiveness
Typical Competitive Scores
Victoria is highly competitive, particularly for the 190:
- 190 (metro Melbourne): Typically 80-95+ points depending on occupation
- 491 (regional Victoria): Generally lower thresholds, 70-85+ points
- High-priority health occupations: May be invited with lower scores
Factors Victoria Values
Beyond raw points, Victoria considers:
- Victorian employment: Currently working in Victoria is a strong factor
- Victorian study: Having completed a qualification at a Victorian institution
- Job offer: A genuine job offer from a Victorian employer
- Occupation priority: How closely your occupation aligns with Victoria's needs
- English proficiency: Higher English scores demonstrate settlement capacity
- Regional commitment: Willingness to live and work in regional Victoria
Applying for Victoria State Nomination
Documentation Required
When invited to apply, you'll typically need:
- Positive skills assessment
- English test results
- Employment evidence (payslips, tax returns, employer references)
- Australian qualifications (if applicable)
- Evidence of Victorian residence or employment (if applicable)
- Commitment statement outlining your plans in Victoria
- Financial evidence demonstrating settlement capacity
- Identity documents and passport copies
Application Fee
Victoria charges a nomination application fee (currently around AUD $200-$300, check the Live in Melbourne portal for exact amounts). This is separate from the federal visa application fee.
Processing Timeline
After submitting your nomination application, processing typically takes 8 to 14 weeks. During peak periods or when allocation numbers are close to being filled, this can extend. Victoria may contact you for additional information during assessment.
Tips for a Stronger Application
Build Your Victorian Connection
The stronger your connection to Victoria, the better your chances:
- If you're in Australia, consider relocating to Victoria before applying
- Accept employment in Victoria, even if temporary
- If you studied in Victoria, highlight this prominently
- Research Victorian employers in your field and include your job search strategy
Target Regional Victoria
If you're flexible on location, regional Victoria nominations are less competitive and offer the 15-point 491 bonus. Regional Victoria also offers lower cost of living compared to Melbourne, with many regional centres experiencing genuine skills shortages.
Align with Priority Sectors
If your occupation spans multiple sectors, frame your experience in terms of Victoria's priority industries. For example, a project manager with construction experience should emphasise their infrastructure background.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register interest with Victoria?
Through the Live in Melbourne portal at liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au. You'll need to create an account and complete the ROI form.
Can I apply for Victoria nomination from overseas?
Yes. Victoria accepts ROIs from both onshore (in Australia) and offshore (overseas) candidates. However, onshore candidates — particularly those already living and working in Victoria — may be prioritised.
How many nominations does Victoria allocate each year?
Victoria receives an allocation from the federal government each program year. The exact number varies and isn't always publicly announced. Allocations can run out before the end of the program year.
What if my occupation isn't on Victoria's priority list?
Victoria may still nominate you if your occupation is on the federal skilled occupation list, but priority-listed occupations receive preference. Your chances are better if you can demonstrate other strong factors like Victorian employment, study, or family.
Can I change from 190 to 491 or vice versa?
You can submit separate ROIs for different visa subclasses, but each is assessed independently. If you already hold a 190 or 491, switching requires a new visa application process.
Does Victoria require a commitment to stay?
Yes. Victoria expects that nominated candidates will live and work in Victoria for at least the first two years after visa grant. While this isn't legally enforceable for the 190, failing to honour this commitment may affect Victoria's willingness to nominate future applicants and can have implications for future visa applications.
