Australia remains one of the top destinations for skilled professionals worldwide. Among the most promising state-sponsored pathways to permanent residency is the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program, which offers a valuable opportunity for qualified overseas workers to live and work in Victoria, Australia.
As of early 2026, the Victorian Government is accepting applications under this program, with a deadline set before the end of 2026. This makes it urgent for skilled individuals considering migration to act promptly.
In this article, we explore the details of the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program—who it is for, how the application process works, and why Victoria is a prime destination for talented migrants.
What Is the Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program?
The Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program is part of Australia’s broader General Skilled Migration (GSM) scheme. Under this program, the state of Victoria nominates skilled individuals whose occupations align with the state’s economic needs. A nomination from Victoria significantly improves your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for an Australian skilled visa.
Two primary visa subclasses supported by Victoria’s nomination program include:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): A temporary five-year visa leading to permanent residency after three years, provided certain conditions are met.
Both visas require a nomination from the Victorian Government and an invitation from the Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs.
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Why Is Victoria Opening Its Program?
As part of Australia’s migration strategy, states like Victoria are expected to fill skilled labor shortages in key industries. The deadline before the end of 2026 aligns with government intake targets and processing timelines.
Victoria aims to attract highly skilled professionals in sectors such as:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Construction
- Education
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Science and Research
- Trade occupations
Early application cycles help ensure smoother visa processing and faster employment outcomes, coinciding with the closing quarter of the financial year.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify, applicants must meet both federal and Victorian state requirements:
- Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List: Your nominated occupation must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List and match Victoria’s priority workforce needs.
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, demonstrating your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English through an approved test such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. Required scores vary by occupation and visa subclass.
- Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test for Subclass 190 or 491 visas. Higher scores increase your chance of receiving an invitation.
Points are awarded based on:
- Age
- English language ability
- Skilled work experience
- Educational qualifications
- State nomination
- Partner’s skills (if applicable)
For Subclass 491 applicants, a commitment to live and work in regional Victoria for at least three years is required.
Application Process:
- Check Eligibility: Verify your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and that you meet all federal and Victorian criteria.
- Skills Assessment: Apply to the relevant assessing authority to confirm your professional qualifications.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs online system, indicating interest in Victoria nomination.
- Register with Victoria: After submitting your EOI, register your interest with Live in Melbourne, the Victorian Government’s skilled migration portal.
- Wait for Nomination Invitation: If your profile matches Victoria’s needs, you will be invited to apply for nomination.
- Apply for Nomination: Submit your nomination application within 14 days, including supporting documents such as passport, English test results, skills assessment, and evidence of work experience.
- Receive State Nomination: If approved, Victoria will issue a nomination letter, improving your chances of receiving a visa invitation.
- Apply for Visa: After receiving the invitation from the Department of Home Affairs, lodge your visa application within 60 days.
Benefits:
- Priority Processing: State-nominated applications receive faster processing compared to independent applications.
- Permanent Residency Pathway: Subclass 190 offers direct PR, while Subclass 491 provides a pathway after fulfilling regional work and residency conditions.
- Access to Growing Job Markets: Victoria actively recruits skilled professionals in high-demand industries.
- Family Inclusion: You can include your spouse and dependent children in your nomination and visa applications.
Industries in High Demand in Victoria:
The Victorian Government’s priority occupations list highlights sectors with significant labor demand:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, aged care workers, midwives, physicians, general practitioners.
- Construction and Engineering: Civil engineers, structural engineers, construction project managers.
- Education: Early childhood and secondary teachers (especially STEM subjects).
- Information Technology: Software developers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts.
- Science and Research: Biotechnologists, chemists, food scientists.
- Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics.
Applicants with experience and qualifications in these areas have a competitive edge.
Top Websites:
Conclusion:
The Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination Program offers an excellent opportunity for talented professionals seeking a secure and rewarding future in Australia. With the 2026 application deadline approaching, now is the time to prepare your documents, assess your eligibility, and take the first step toward permanent residency in Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes. You may apply whether you are inside or outside Australia at the time of application.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
You may need to wait for the next nomination cycle or intake period, depending on program availability.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
No. While a job offer strengthens your application, it is not mandatory for Subclass 190 or 491 nominations.
