Victoria has released the detailed weightings for its Victorian Points Test (VPT) for the 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program, bringing greater clarity to how candidates will be ranked for state nomination under Subclass 190 and Subclass 491.
The update also introduces fees for submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) and a nomination application. The 2026–27 program has not yet opened, so applicants should use this period to prepare their profiles.
What is changing?
- A separate points test for Victorian nomination
Victoria will rank eligible Registrations of Interest using seven factors:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- Work experience in the nominated occupation
- Educational qualifications
- Occupation skill level
- Partner’s skills, where applicable
- Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria, where applicable
This is separate from the Australian Government’s SkillSelect points test. Applicants must still meet the relevant federal visa eligibility requirements, including the minimum 65 points under the Australian points test.
- English proficiency carries significant weight
Under the published Victorian Points Test:
- Competent English: 0 points
- Proficient English: 100 points
- Superior English: 200 points
A higher English proficiency level can make a substantial difference to an applicant’s ranking.
- Age and qualifications matter
Applicants aged 20–29 receive the highest age score of 300 points. The score decreases with age thereafter.
Educational qualifications are also weighted:
- Bachelor’s degree or Honours: 50 points
- Master’s degree: 75 points
- PhD: 100 points
Applicants with more than eight years of experience in their nominated occupation can receive 100 points for experience.
- Skilled employment in Victoria can provide additional points
Applicants currently working in skilled employment in Victoria may receive points based on their annual earnings. The published scale begins at AUD 80,000 and reaches 150 points for earnings of AUD 170,000 or more.
Eligible applicants may also receive 50 points for partner skills, subject to specific requirements.
- Priority industries will have an additional selection pathway
Victoria will consider candidates through two pathways:
- Most competitive: Candidates with the highest VPT scores across eligible occupations.
- Priority industry: Candidates with the highest VPT scores within designated priority industries.
The published 2026–27 priority industries include healthcare, social assistance, education and construction.
- New fees for ROI and nomination applications
The published fees are:
- Registration of Interest (ROI): AUD 60, excluding GST
- Subclass 190 nomination application: AUD 180, excluding GST
- Subclass 491 nomination application: AUD 180, excluding GST
These charges are separate from the Australian Government’s visa application fees.
Applicants with an ROI from a previous program year will need to submit a new ROI when the 2026–27 program opens if they wish to be considered again.
What does this mean for Australia PR applicants?
The new framework reinforces the importance of looking beyond the minimum points required for visa eligibility. Your age, English proficiency, qualifications, relevant experience and occupation can all influence your competitiveness for Victorian nomination.
However, a higher VPT score does not guarantee an invitation. Selection will depend on the competing pool of candidates and the nomination places available.
Our recommendation: Do not rely on your total SkillSelect points alone. Review your occupation, skills assessment, English score and state nomination options together before deciding on your migration strategy.
At Hodophiles Xplore Visas Pvt. Ltd., we help skilled professionals evaluate their profiles and explore suitable Australian skilled migration pathways based on their individual circumstances.
