[02/10/2025]

____________________________________________________________________ Victoria has officially opened its 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program, welcoming applications from both onshore and offshore candidates. Program Places The Department of Home Affairs has provided Victoria with an interim allocation for this program year: 200 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) 180 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) The full program allocation is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Updates will be shared on the Skilled Migration Program webpage and through the Live in Melbourne newsletter. For Existing Applicants If you have already submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI), it will remain valid for the 2025–26 program year. A new ROI is only required if your circumstances or details have changed. For New Applicants New candidates can apply under two visa pathways: Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) To be considered, applicants must submit both a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) and a Registration of Interest (ROI) with the Victorian Government. Comparison: Subclass 190 vs Subclass 491 (Victoria 2025–26) Criteria Skilled Nominated (190) Skilled Work Regional (491) Residency (Onshore) Must be living in Victoria (ROIs from other states not considered; border exceptions apply). Must be living in regional Victoria (some outer Melbourne suburbs are regional; border exceptions apply). Residency (Offshore) Eligible offshore; must be committed to living and working in Victoria. Eligible offshore; must relocate to and live, work and study in regional Victoria once visa granted. Employment Not required. Can claim earnings in ROI if employed in skilled work for an employer physically located in Victoria. Must be working in skilled employment for an employer physically located in regional Victoria; must claim earnings in ROI. Offshore applicants do not claim earnings. Commitment Must commit to living and working in Victoria. Nomination not transferable to another state. Must commit to living and working in regional Victoria. Nomination not transferable to another state. ROI ROI required and must be selected before nomination application; selection not guaranteed. ROI required and must be selected before nomination application; selection not guaranteed. Age Under 45 at time of nomination. Under 45 at time of nomination. English Minimum Competent English; test must have =12 weeks validity at submission. Minimum Competent English; test must have =12 weeks validity at submission. Skills Assessment Valid skills assessment in eligible occupation matching EOI; =12 weeks validity. AHPRA required for health professions. Valid skills assessment in eligible occupation matching EOI; =12 weeks validity. AHPRA required for health professions. Points Minimum 65 points (includes 5 points for state nomination). Minimum 65 points (includes 15 points for state nomination).