Victoria Skilled Migration 2026–27: Priority Occupations for 190 & 491 Visas
Explore Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled migration priority occupations, Subclass 190 and 491 visa pathways, Victorian Points Test, nomination fees and eligibility requirements. Learn how to prepare with CG Migration Services in Melbourne.
If you're planning to apply for skilled migration in Victoria, the 2026–27 program brings some important information about which occupations are being prioritised for state nomination.
On 13 October 2026, the Victorian Government published further details about its skilled visa nomination process, including priority industries, the Victorian Points Test and new application fees.
Victoria is prioritising selected occupations in healthcare, social assistance, education, construction, new energy and advanced manufacturing. Certain hospitality and tourism occupations are also priorities for eligible regional visa applicants.
However, working in a priority industry doesn't automatically qualify you for nomination. Your specific occupation, skills assessment, points and eligibility still matter.
Here's what applicants should know about Victoria's 2026–27 skilled migration program.
What Is Victoria's Skilled Migration Program for 2026–27?
Victoria's Skilled Visa Nomination Program allows eligible skilled workers to seek state nomination for two Australian visas:
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
A permanent visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
A five-year provisional visa for eligible applicants intending to live and work in designated regional areas.
Both visas are points-tested and require applicants to meet the relevant Australian Government and Victorian nomination requirements.
As of 24 October 2026, Victoria's 2026–27 program has not yet opened for new Registrations of Interest (ROIs). The government has indicated that opening details will be published on its official website.
Applicants can use this period to check their occupation eligibility and prepare their supporting information.
Which Occupations Are Being Prioritised in Victoria for 2026–27?
Victoria has identified specific occupations within several industries for priority consideration.
The following are examples from the government's published list, rather than a complete list of eligible occupations.
1. Healthcare Occupations
Healthcare remains a priority industry for Victoria's skilled nomination program.
Examples of occupations listed include:
- Registered Nurses
- Midwives
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech Pathologists
- Medical Diagnostic Radiographers
If you work in healthcare, check your specific ANZSCO occupation code and the relevant skills assessing authority before deciding which visa pathway to pursue.
2. Education and Teaching Occupations
Victoria has also identified selected teaching occupations as priorities.
These include:
- Secondary School Teachers
- Middle School Teachers
- Special Needs Teachers
- Early Childhood Teachers
An important detail applies to early childhood teaching. Victoria indicates that ROIs for this occupation with at least one year of relevant work experience and Proficient or Superior English will receive priority consideration.
Applicants should check how their qualifications, skills assessment and employment experience align with the listed occupation.
3. Construction and Trade Occupations
Construction is another priority area in the 2026–27 nomination program.
Selected occupations include:
- Carpenters
- Bricklayers
- Wall and Floor Tilers
- Solid Plasterers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Construction Project Managers
This may be relevant to skilled tradespeople currently working in Victoria or considering an eligible state-nominated pathway.
However, completing a trade course alone does not establish eligibility for permanent residency.
Applicants must meet the applicable occupation, skills assessment and visa requirements.
4. Social Assistance Occupations
Victoria's priority list includes selected social assistance occupations such as:
- Social Workers
- Welfare Workers
- Clinical Psychologists
- Educational Psychologists
Your job title alone may not confirm the correct migration occupation. The actual duties, qualifications and assessment requirements need to be considered.
5. New Energy and Advanced Manufacturing
Selected occupations in new energy and advanced manufacturing are also included in Victoria's priority arrangements.
Applicants working in these sectors should check the official occupation list rather than assume that every technical, engineering or manufacturing role receives priority.
6. Hospitality and Tourism for Regional Victoria
Certain hospitality and tourism occupations are prioritised under the regional Subclass 491 nomination arrangements.
The applicable priorities can depend on whether an applicant is living in Australia or overseas.
This distinction matters because regional nomination rules and occupation priorities may differ from those applying to Subclass 190 applicants.
You can check the official Victorian Points Test and priority occupation list for the specific occupations and selection details.
Does Having a Priority Occupation Guarantee a Victorian Nomination?
No.
Being in a priority occupation may help an applicant receive consideration through Victoria's priority-industry selection process, but it does not guarantee an invitation.
Victoria uses the Victorian Points Test (VPT) to rank eligible Registrations of Interest.
Applicants are considered through two selection approaches:
Overall competitiveness: ROIs with the highest VPT totals across eligible occupations may be selected.
Priority-industry selection: ROIs within identified priority occupations or industry groups are also ranked against other applicants in those groups.
This means applicants outside the priority industries may still be considered if they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
The final outcome depends on the applicant's circumstances, ranking and available nomination places.
How Does the Victorian Points Test Work in 2026–27?
The Victorian Points Test is used to rank applicants seeking Victorian state nomination.
It considers seven factors:
Victoria's ranking system is separate from the Australian Government's SkillSelect points test.
For Subclass 190 and 491 visas, applicants must meet the federal minimum points threshold of 65.
However, the Victorian Points Test does not have a fixed passing score. Your competitiveness depends on your VPT total relative to other candidates.
Before making a visa decision, you can estimate your federal points using the CG Migration Skilled Migration Points Calculator.
Remember that this calculator provides an indicative federal points score, not a Victorian ROI ranking or invitation prediction.
Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491: Which Visa Is Suitable?
Both visas involve skilled migration, but they have different conditions.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency pathway for eligible skilled workers who receive state or territory nomination.
Successful applicants can live and work in Victoria, including metropolitan Melbourne.
Eligible state nomination contributes five additional points under the Australian Government's points test.
Read more about the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa designed for eligible skilled workers who intend to live, work and study in designated regional areas.
A state nomination contributes 15 additional points under the federal points test.
Eligible visa holders may later qualify for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 pathway, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
Metropolitan Melbourne is not a designated regional area for this visa. Applicants considering Victorian state nomination under Subclass 491 need to understand the regional location requirements.
Explore the Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491.
What Are the New Victoria Skilled Nomination Fees for 2026–27?
The Victorian Government announced new fees on 13 October 2026.
| Application type | Excluding GST | Including GST |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Interest (ROI) | $60 | $66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
GST applies where the applicant is in Australia at the time of payment.
The nomination application fee is only payable if the applicant is invited to apply for nomination and submits that application.
These fees are separate from Australian Government visa application charges and any professional migration advice fees.
The Victorian Government also states that applicants with ROIs from previous program years must submit a new ROI when the 2026–27 program opens.
What Should You Do Before Victoria's 2026–27 Program Opens?
If you're considering Victorian state nomination, start by reviewing your actual eligibility rather than relying only on occupation headlines.
Check that:
- Your nominated occupation appears on the relevant eligible occupation list.
- You have a suitable and valid skills assessment.
- Your English language evidence meets the applicable requirements.
- Your SkillSelect Expression of Interest contains accurate information.
- Your work experience and qualifications support your claimed points.
- You understand the difference between Subclass 190 and 491 nomination requirements.
It is also important to check your current visa status if you're already in Australia.
Submitting an EOI or ROI does not grant a visa or automatically extend your lawful stay.
How Can Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne Help?
State-nominated migration involves requirements from both the Australian Government and the Victorian Government.
Understanding your occupation eligibility, points claims, skills assessment and nomination options can be particularly important when you're considering more than one visa pathway.
If you're looking for Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne, CG Migration Services provides assistance with skilled migration planning and visa applications.
CG Migration Services is led by Registered Migration Agent Gurpreet Cheema (MARN 2217773) and provides migration advice from Caroline Springs, Melbourne.
The team assists applicants with reviewing eligibility, preparing supporting documents, understanding state nomination requirements and planning suitable visa pathways.
Explore the available Skilled Migration Services or speak with the team about your circumstances.
Speak With CG Migration Services in Melbourne
If you're planning to apply for Victorian skilled migration in 2026–27, reviewing your occupation and points before submitting an ROI can help you understand your options.
CG Migration Services provides professional migration assistance for skilled applicants, including Subclass 190 and 491 visa pathways.
Book a Migration Consultation
Contact CG Migration ServicesCG Migration Services
Registered Migration Agent: Gurpreet Cheema (MARN 2217773)
Office: CS Hub, Office 7, Level 1/34 Commercial Road, Caroline Springs VIC 3023
Phone: +61 450 409 940
Website: www.cgms.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Which occupations are prioritised for Victoria's 190 visa in 2026–27?
Victoria has identified selected occupations in healthcare, social assistance, education, construction, new energy and advanced manufacturing. Applicants should check their exact occupation against the government's published priority list.
Can I apply for Victorian state nomination if my occupation is not on the priority list?
Potentially, yes. Applicants in other eligible occupations may still be considered through the overall competitiveness selection process, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Is 65 points enough for Victoria's Subclass 190 or 491 visa?
65 points is the federal minimum threshold, but it does not guarantee a nomination invitation. Victoria separately ranks ROIs using the Victorian Points Test.
Is Victoria's 2026–27 skilled migration program open?
As of 24 October 2026, the program has not yet opened for new ROIs. Applicants should check the Live in Melbourne website for the confirmed opening date.
Can a registered migration agent help with Victorian nomination?
Yes. A registered migration agent can review your eligibility, points claims and supporting documents and assist with relevant nomination and visa processes.