Victoria PR 2026: What January’s Invitations Really Mean for You
Victoria conducted a skilled migration invitation round in mid-January 2026, continuing its approach of intermittent, non-scheduled invitation rounds for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nominations.
Applicants who were selected received email invitations to proceed to the nomination stage. Those who were not invited remain eligible for future rounds, provided their EOI and ROI stay valid, accurate, and up to date.
What Happened in the 15 January 2026 Round?
Victoria’s first major round of 2026 strongly favoured onshore applicants—those already living, working, or studying in Victoria. Based on industry insights and applicant-shared outcomes, around 80% of invitations went to onshore candidates, with approximately 20% offshore.
The reason is simple: onshore applicants can contribute to the Victorian workforce immediately.
Successful profiles were not just about very high points. Most invited candidates sat within 85–100 points (including state nomination points) and showed a balanced profile, including:
Strong English results (Proficient or higher)
Australian and Victorian work experience
Partner skill points
Competitive salaries aligned with their occupation
Indicative Outcomes by Occupation (Based on Industry Feedback)
| Job Category | Points Needed | Example Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|---|
| IT/Tech | 95–100 | $95,000–$155,000 |
| Engineering | 90–100 | $90,000–$145,000 |
| Nursing/Health | 85–95 | $80,000–$115,000 |
| Teaching | 85–95 | $75,000–$110,000 |
| Business/Finance | 90–100 | $85,000–$160,000 |
Priority Sectors Victoria Is Targeting
Victoria continues to select occupations based on genuine local skill shortages. Key focus areas include:
Health – especially nursing and medical roles
Digital and ICT – software developers, data and cyber specialists
Education – teachers across multiple levels
Manufacturing and Engineering – infrastructure and industry support
It’s estimated that around 30% of January invitations went to health roles alone.
State Updates: December 2025 Nomination Activity
The Department of Home Affairs has released data showing how many state and territory nominations were used in December 2025 (between 30 November and 31 December).
| State/Territory | Subclass 190 (Permanent) | Subclass 491 (Regional) |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | 68 | 24 |
| NSW | 192 | 1 |
| NT | 63 | 55 |
| QLD | 101 | 38 |
| South Australia | 170 | 97 |
| Tasmania | 165 | 29 |
| Victoria | 480 | 99 |
| WA | 39 | 26 |
What this shows:
Victoria remains one of the most active states nationally, particularly for Subclass 190. This confirms strong demand—but also explains why selection standards are high and competition is intense.
How to Build a Competitive Profile
Victoria’s selections make one thing clear: points alone are not enough. Your profile must show clear alignment with what the state needs.
Key areas to strengthen include:
English ability (Superior English delivers a major advantage)
Relevant work experience, particularly in Australia or Victoria
Partner skills, where applicable
Onshore ties such as employment or study
Keep your EOI and ROI updated regularly, as invitation rounds occur without warning. For Subclass 491 applicants, a genuine commitment to regional Victoria remains essential and can be a more achievable pathway to permanent residence.
What’s Next and What You Should Do Now
Australia’s overall migration cap remains at 185,000 places, which means states like Victoria are becoming more selective, not more generous. Further invitation rounds are expected in 2026, but success will depend on preparation rather than timing.
Your Action Plan:
Review and update your EOI and ROI now
Ensure your occupation, points, and documents are current
Strengthen onshore ties where possible
Monitor official updates closely—rounds are unscheduled
The Simple Truth
Victoria does not invite everyone who applies.
It invites those who best match what the state needs right now.
Permanent residency is about fit, strategy, and preparation—not luck.
If you want to improve your chances, your profile needs to be reviewed and refined, not just resubmitted.
📩 Contact us for a professional migration assessment and personalised strategy.
