Victoria opens 2026–27 skilled visa nomination with 900 subclass 190 places and new fees

Victoria's skilled visa nomination program for 2026–27 opened on 26 October with 900 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), while the subclass 491 regional pathway stays closed until its allocation is finalised.

Victoria's 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program opened for Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 26 October 2026, but only for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), the Victorian Government's Live in Melbourne site announced.

For 2026–27, Victoria has been given 900 nomination places for the subclass 190 visa. The Philippine Times reported that this is a 67% drop from the 2,700 places allotted in 2025–26.

Victoria's places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) have not yet been finalised, and ROIs for subclass 491 nomination are not currently being accepted. Live in Melbourne said more information will be published once those places are confirmed.

New fees

Applying for an ROI and state nomination in Victoria had been free for many years, The Philippine Times reported. From the program's opening, applicants pay:

• ROI fee: $60 (plus GST for onshore applications)
• Subclass 190 or 491 nomination application: $180 (plus GST for onshore applications)

The ROI fee is charged once per financial year, even if an applicant submits more than one ROI or withdraws and resubmits within the same year.

How candidates are selected

Besides meeting the minimum of 65 points on the migration points test, candidates compete within the ROI pool on their Victorian Points Test score, which ranks age, English ability, work experience, qualifications, occupation skill level, partner qualifications and local earnings from skilled work in Victoria. One selection pathway targets the highest-ranked candidates across all occupations, and another targets those in priority industries such as healthcare, social assistance, education (including early childhood teachers) and construction.

Subclass 190 applicants must be under 45, have at least Competent English and a valid skills assessment in their nominated occupation, and be living in Victoria or overseas and committed to living and working in Victoria. The Philippine Times said monthly invitation rounds are planned, with the first expected in November 2026.

Live in Melbourne also flagged a possible payment provider issue causing some payments to be declined, which it said it was working to resolve.

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