Victoria Opens 2025–26 Skilled Migration — Limited Spots Available!
The Victorian Government has officially opened its 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program, giving skilled professionals another chance to settle in one of Australia’s most vibrant states.
This program allows qualified overseas and onshore applicants to apply for state nomination, a key step toward obtaining a Skilled Visa through the Australian Government.
What’s new this year?
For the start of the 2025–26 program year, the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs) has given Victoria an interim allocation — a small, temporary batch of visa nomination places while full numbers are being finalised later in the year.
Here’s what Victoria has been allocated so far:
200 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) – a permanent visa that lets you live and work anywhere in Victoria.
180 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – a temporary visa (5 years) that allows you to live, work and study in regional Victoria, with a pathway to permanent residency later.
Because this is only an interim number, places are limited — meaning competition will be high until the full program allocation is confirmed.
Understanding the Skilled Migration Pathway
Victoria’s skilled nomination program runs within Australia’s national migration system, helping the state select workers who can fill key skill gaps. To join the program, you must register your interest with Victoria before applying for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs.
For Existing ROI Holders:
If you already submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI) last year and it’s still active, it will automatically carry over to the 2025–26 program. You only need to submit a new one if your circumstances have changed (for example, new qualifications or updated English results).
For New Applicants
If you’re applying for the first time, here’s how it works:
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system.
Complete a Registration of Interest (ROI) with Victoria to show you want their nomination.
Wait for an invitation if your skills match the state’s current priorities.
Tip: The EOI expresses your interest in migrating to Australia, while the ROI tells Victoria you’d like to be considered specifically for their nomination. Submitting early and keeping your information accurate increases your chance of selection.
Who can apply?
Victoria’s program is open to both:
Skilled workers currently living in Victoria, and
Skilled professionals living overseas who have experience in high-demand occupations.
To qualify, you’ll need to:
Hold a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
Demonstrate competent English (for example, an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or equivalent)
Be under 45 years old when invited
Meet the points requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs
Victoria gives priority to applicants whose skills align with critical industry needs such as healthcare, engineering, education, information technology, and construction.
What This Means for Skilled Professionals
Victoria continues to be one of Australia’s most popular destinations for skilled migrants — and for good reason. The state offers:
Strong job growth across key sectors like healthcare, technology, construction, and education.
World-class universities and training institutions.
A high standard of living with cultural diversity, safety, and access to public services.
Regional opportunities for those considering the 491 pathway, with affordable living and career growth in emerging regional centres.
For those already living in Australia on temporary visas (such as student or graduate visas), the program can also serve as a natural next step toward permanent residency.
Next Steps — Preparing for Nomination
If you’re thinking about applying under Victoria’s skilled program, here’s what to do next:
Check your occupation against Victoria’s in-demand list.
Gather key documents — such as your skills assessment, qualifications, and work references.
Update your EOI with accurate and complete information.
Stay alert for future announcements regarding the full program allocations.
The skilled migration system rewards those who prepare ahead of time. By having your paperwork and points profile ready, you’ll be well-positioned when new nomination places open later in the program year.
Final Thoughts
The reopening of Victoria’s 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program signals renewed opportunities for individuals seeking to contribute their talents to one of Australia’s most dynamic states.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to take the next step toward permanent residency — this is it.
With limited interim places available and a highly competitive selection process, early preparation is crucial. Whether you’re a healthcare worker, IT specialist, teacher, engineer, or trade professional, now is the time to assess your eligibility and get your documents ready.
Call to Action
Our team can help you navigate the process — from checking your eligibility and assessing your points to preparing your Expression of Interest and state nomination application.
We stay updated on the latest policy changes so you don’t have to. Together, we can help you move closer to achieving your migration goals in Victoria.
Get in touch today to discuss your eligibility and application strategy.
