Victoria’s 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program Details

TL;DR

• Program Open: Victoria’s skilled migration program for 2025–26 is now open for subclass 190 (permanent) and subclass 491 (provisional) visa nominations.
• Current Allocation: An interim quota has been set, 200 places for subclass 190 and 180 for subclass 491 with the full allocation to be announced soon.
• Eligibility: Applicants must meet Home Affairs and Victorian Government criteria, hold a valid skills assessment, score 65+ points, be under 45, and have Competent English.
• Application Steps: Submit an EOI via SkillSelect, then a Registration of Interest (ROI) on Live in Melbourne. If invited, apply for state nomination, then lodge your visa with Home Affairs.
• Next Steps: Prepare early, ensure all documents are accurate, points are verified, and your ROI reflects genuine intent to live and work in Victoria.

Have you ever wondered what it would take to call Victoria your home as a permanent skilled migrant? You’re not alone. Many professionals, both within Australia and overseas, dream of settling in a state known for vibrant cities, strong job opportunities and quality of life.

It’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty when thinking about migration. You may be asking: “Can I meet the requirements? Is now a good time to apply?” In this blog, we’ll walk you through Victoria’s 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program, what’s open now, how to apply, and how to check whether you can make the cut. Let’s get started in a way that’s clear, straightforward and totally doable.

Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

Understanding Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program

Victoria’s 2025-26 skilled visa nomination program (for subclasses 190 and 491) is now open.

Under this program, Victoria offers nomination for skilled professionals either living in Victoria or overseas under two main visa streams:

1. Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): This is a permanent visa. Once granted, you can live and work anywhere in Victoria without restriction.
2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): This is a temporary (5-year) visa. However, if you live and work in regional Victoria for at least 3 years, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence (via subclass 191).

As of now, the Victorian government has received a small interim allocation for 2025-26 for skilled immigration nomination:

1. Subclass 190: 200 places
2. Subclass 491: 180 places

Keep in mind: these are interim numbers. The full 2025-26 program allocation (for the entire year) will be revealed when the Australian Government confirms Victoria’s final quota.

These interim allocations may be limited, but they signal the start of new opportunities for skilled professionals ready to make Victoria their long-term home, so it’s the perfect time to prepare your documents and stay alert for the full program release.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you start an application, make sure you meet both the Australian Government (Home Affairs) rules and Victoria’s nomination rules. The two layers work together: Home Affairs sets the visa framework, while Victoria decides whom it will nominate from its own priorities. Below is a clear breakdown for each visa so you can check where you stand and what to prepare next.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

What this visa gives you:

1. It grants permanent residence in Australia.
2. You can live and work anywhere in Victoria.

Key nomination requirements for Victoria

You must satisfy both sets of requirements:

1. Federal (Home Affairs) requirements for subclass 190
2. Victoria’s nomination criteria

Who can apply?

1. You may be living in Victoria or overseas
2. You must show commitment to live and work in Victoria
3. Your Registration of Interest (ROI) must be selected
4. You must be under 45 years of age (at time of submission)
5. You need at least Competent English
6. You must hold a valid skills assessment in an occupation on Victoria’s eligible skilled occupation list
7. You must have 65 or more points under the Australian Government’s points test (for your EOI via SkillSelect)

That gives you a clear idea of what’s needed for subclass 190 under Victoria’s program.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

What this visa gives you

1. It’s valid for 5 years, as long as you live and work in a designated regional area of Victoria
2. After 3 years in regional Victoria, visa holders may apply for permanent residence (through subclass 191)

Victorian nomination criteria

1. Again: you must meet both Federal Home Affairs requirements and state requirements.

Who can apply?

1. You can be offshore (outside Australia), or
2. Be living and working in regional Victoria
3. You must commit to living and working in regional Victoria
4. You need your ROI selected
5. Be under 45 years old
6. Hold Competent English
7. Possess a valid skills assessment for an occupation on Victoria’s eligible list
8. Gain 65 or more points via your EOI in SkillSelect

You need to confirm you fit both the Home Affairs visa rules and Victoria’s nomination settings, keep your documents consistent across EOI and ROI, and be ready to prove every point you claim.

Victorian Skilled Visa Nomination Application Process

Here’s a clear, step-by-step view of how the nomination and visa application process works under Victoria’s 190 / 491 streams:

Step 1: Check eligibility

First, confirm you meet all federal (Home Affairs) requirements for your chosen visa subclass (190 or 491). Also ensure you satisfy Victoria’s specific nomination rules. If any requirement isn’t met (e.g. your occupation isn’t on the list), you’ll need to address that before proceeding.

Step 2: Submit or update your EOI (Expression of Interest)

Use SkillSelect (Department of Home Affairs system). Make sure your EOI is up to date and reflects your correct qualifications, work history and points.

Step 3: Submit ROI (Registration of Interest) on Live in Melbourne portal

Once you have an EOI number, create (or log into) an account on Live in Melbourne. Submit your ROI indicating your interest in Victorian nomination

Step 4: Receive invitation & submit nomination application

If your ROI is selected, Victoria will invite you to apply for nomination. Submit your nomination application via the Live in Melbourne portal, attaching all required documents

Step 5: Apply for the visa

If your nomination is approved, you’ll be invited to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Make sure all visa forms, medicals, police checks, etc. are completed accurately

Please note: Throughout this process, respond to any requests for additional documents promptly and accurately. Delays or missing paperwork can cause your nomination to lapse.

Once all is approved, you’ll hold a visa, either permanent (190) or provisional (491, with pathway to PR)  and then you can begin planning your life in Victoria.

Applying for a Victorian skilled visa can feel like a lot to handle — from EOIs and ROIs to eligibility proofs and documentation. That’s where Knowbal comes in. Our migration experts help you review your eligibility, prepare accurate documentation, and guide you through every step of the 190 or 491 application process.

Book a consultation with Knowbal today!

Final Thoughts

Victoria’s 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program presents a genuine opportunity for professionals who want to settle in this state. Even though the interim quota is small (200 places for subclass 190, 180 for subclass 491), preparing early can make all the difference. The key is to act methodically: check your eligibility, make sure your documents are complete, and ensure your EOI and ROI are perfectly aligned before selections open wider.

If you’re serious about making Victoria your long-term home, this is the right time to begin. Start preparing your paperwork, refine your points score, and get ready for the full program release. And if the process feels complex or you’d like expert guidance, Knowbal can help you plan each step confidently. Reach out today, let’s turn your migration goals into a solid, achievable plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the final allocation for Victoria’s 2025-26 program be released?

The Victorian Government is awaiting confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs. Once approved, the complete allocation will be announced on the official Live in Melbourne website.

2. Can someone already living in regional Victoria apply for subclass 491 nomination?

Absolutely. If you are currently living and working in a designated regional area, you can apply for a subclass 491 nomination — provided you meet all eligibility requirements.

3. If my ROI isn’t selected, can I apply again later?

Yes. Your EOI remains active, and you can submit new ROIs in later rounds if the program continues accepting applications. However, selection depends on occupation demand and available places, so early preparation helps.

4. Do I need to stay in Victoria after I receive my visa?

Yes. Part of the nomination condition is a genuine intention to live and work in Victoria (or regional Victoria for subclass 491). It’s best to demonstrate this through your career plans and personal statements.

5. How do I get permanent residence after holding a subclass 491 for three years?

After completing three years of residence and work in regional Victoria, and meeting any income or employment requirements, you can apply for the subclass 191 permanent residence visa. Always verify the latest eligibility rules on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!