Victoria’s Skilled Visa Nomination Program for 2026–27 has opened for Registration of Interest (ROI) applications for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). The Victorian Government announced the opening on 26 October 2026, giving eligible skilled migrants another opportunity to seek state nomination for Australian permanent residency.
The program has introduced fees for submitting an ROI and a separate nomination application. Applicants must also understand the Victorian Points Test, which ranks ROIs using a combination of factors, including age, English language ability, work experience, qualifications and other relevant information.
Victoria has been allocated 900 nomination places for subclass 190 in 2026–27. However, the state has not finalised its subclass 491 allocation, and it is not currently accepting new ROIs for that visa.
If you are searching for the Victoria ROI opening date, application process or costs, this guide explains the current program status and what you should prepare before submitting an ROI.
Is Victoria ROI Open for 2026–27?
Yes. As of 29 October 2026, Victoria is accepting Registrations of Interest for the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa.
The official opening announcement was published on 26 October 2026. Applicants interested in Victorian nomination should check the eligibility requirements, prepare their SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) and submit an ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal.
The subclass 491 position is different. Victoria has not finalised its 2026–27 nomination places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, so new subclass 491 ROIs are not currently being accepted.
Victoria’s 2026–27 program status
| Program detail | Current position |
|---|---|
| Program year | 2026–27 |
| Subclass 190 ROI | Open |
| Subclass 190 opening date | 26 October 2026 |
| Subclass 190 nomination allocation | 900 places |
| Subclass 491 ROI | Not currently accepting applications |
| Subclass 491 allocation | Not yet finalised |
| ROI fee | AUD 60, plus GST where applicable |
| Subclass 190 nomination application fee | AUD 180, plus GST where applicable |
These are the published program details at the time of writing. Check the official Live in Melbourne website for further updates, eligibility rules and any changes to application dates or fees.
Official update: Victoria’s 2026–27 Skilled Visa Nomination Program.
What Is Victoria ROI?
ROI stands for Registration of Interest. It is the process through which an eligible skilled migrant tells the Victorian Government that they wish to be considered for state nomination.
Submitting an ROI is not the same as applying for a visa or receiving nomination. It allows Victoria to consider your information for an invitation to submit a nomination application.
The Victorian process generally involves three separate stages before the Australian visa application:
- Submit or update your Expression of Interest through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system.
- Submit a Victorian Registration of Interest using your EOI details.
- If Victoria invites you, submit the state nomination application.
If the nomination application is successful, you can then proceed with the relevant visa application to the Department of Home Affairs, subject to the visa requirements.
An ROI does not guarantee an invitation, state nomination or visa grant.
Victoria ROI Opening Date 2026–27
Victoria’s 2026–27 subclass 190 ROI process opened on 26 October 2026.
Applicants should not rely on older articles stating that the opening date has yet to be announced. Earlier program updates were published before the opening announcement, so the newest official information should take priority.
The subclass 491 ROI process remains unavailable at the time of writing. Its opening depends on Victoria finalising the relevant nomination allocation and publishing further information.
There is no reason to assume that the subclass 491 process will open on the same date as subclass 190. Applicants considering subclass 491 should monitor the official website rather than submit an application based on an expected date.
What if you submitted a Victoria ROI in a previous year?
A previous year’s ROI does not automatically carry over into the 2026–27 program.
If you want to be considered this program year, you must submit a new ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal. Before doing so, review your EOI details, occupation, claims and supporting information to ensure they remain accurate.
Official source: Registration of Interest for Victorian skilled visa nomination.
How Much Does Victoria ROI Cost in 2026–27?
The Victorian Government has introduced fees for service for the 2026–27 program. Unlike the 2025–26 program, when these services were free, applicants must now pay an ROI fee and may later need to pay a separate nomination application fee.
The published fees are:
| Service | Excluding GST | Including 10% GST, where applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Interest | AUD 60 | AUD 66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | AUD 180 | AUD 198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | AUD 180 | AUD 198 |
GST applies if the applicant is in Australia at the time of payment. The GST-inclusive amount is calculated when the application form is completed. All fees are in Australian dollars.
The ROI fee is charged once per program year. If you withdraw and submit a new ROI during the same program year, the ROI fee is not charged again under the published fee rules.
The nomination application fee is different. It is payable only if you receive an invitation to apply for nomination and submit that application.
Was Victoria ROI free before?
Yes. The Victorian Government’s published 2025–26 program information stated that ROI and nomination services were free of charge. For the 2026–27 program, service fees have been introduced.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on old guides that describe the Victoria ROI process as free.
Does paying the ROI fee guarantee an invitation?
No. Payment only covers the relevant service. It does not guarantee that Victoria will select your ROI, invite you to apply for nomination or approve your nomination application.
The selection process is competitive, and available nomination places are limited.
Are Australian visa application fees included?
No. The Victorian ROI and nomination fees are separate from the Australian Government’s visa application charges. Other expenses may also apply, including skills assessments, English language testing, document preparation and professional assistance if used.
Always check the current Victorian fee page and Department of Home Affairs pricing before budgeting for the complete process.
Official fee information: Victoria skilled visa nomination fees.
Victoria Subclass 190 Visa: What Does It Offer?
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent skilled visa. State nomination is an important part of the pathway, but applicants must still satisfy the Australian Government’s visa criteria.
Victoria’s nomination process is intended for skilled migrants who meet the relevant state and federal requirements. The appropriate occupation and eligibility criteria depend on the current program rules and the applicant’s circumstances.
State nomination does not replace the requirements for a valid skills assessment, an eligible occupation, English language ability, the points test or an invitation where required.
Does Victoria nomination guarantee permanent residency?
No. Victorian nomination is one stage of the process. If Victoria approves the nomination, the applicant must still lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs and meet the applicable visa requirements.
A successful ROI is not a nomination, and a nomination is not a visa grant.
Victoria Subclass 491 Visa: Is ROI Open?
No. Victoria is not currently accepting new subclass 491 ROIs for 2026–27 because the state’s nomination allocation for this visa has not yet been finalised.
Subclass 491 is a provisional regional skilled visa. It has different requirements from subclass 190 and may be relevant to eligible applicants who meet the regional nomination or family sponsorship criteria.
Applicants should not assume that the subclass 491 ROI process is open just because subclass 190 is accepting registrations. Monitor the official Victorian program page for an announcement about the subclass 491 allocation and application process.
If you are considering subclass 491, you can prepare your documents and review the federal visa criteria while waiting for further state information. Do not submit an ROI for a subclass that is not accepting registrations.
How Does Victoria Select ROI Applications?
Victoria uses the Victorian Points Test (VPT) to rank ROIs for selection. The state compares applications and invites candidates according to their ranking and the nomination places available.
The published factors include:
- Age
- English language ability
- Years of experience in the nominated occupation
- Educational qualifications
- Occupation skill level
- Partner’s skills, where applicable
- Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria, where applicable
The Victorian Points Test is separate from the Australian Government’s federal skilled migration points test. Applicants must meet the federal visa eligibility criteria as well as the Victorian nomination requirements.
Victoria ranks ROIs from higher to lower VPT totals. An applicant’s position depends on the information supplied and the competitiveness of the pool at the time of selection.
There is no guarantee that a particular ROI score will result in an invitation. Applicants should also be aware that Victoria may prioritise specified industry sectors to address skills needs, as described in its current program information.
Official source: Victorian Points Test.
How to Apply for Victoria ROI in 2026–27
If you are interested in subclass 190 nomination, follow the current official process.
Step 1: Check the eligibility requirements
Read Victoria’s subclass 190 nomination criteria and confirm that your occupation and circumstances meet the relevant requirements. Also check the federal visa criteria before paying any fees.
Step 2: Submit or update your SkillSelect EOI
You need an Expression of Interest through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system. Make sure your occupation, points claims, skills assessment details and other information are accurate.
Step 3: Create or access your Live in Melbourne account
Use the EOI number received from SkillSelect to access the Victorian visa nomination portal. Follow the current instructions for creating an account or logging in.
Step 4: Submit your ROI
Complete the Registration of Interest with accurate information. Review your details before submission because you cannot simply edit an ROI after it has been submitted. If your information changes, you may need to withdraw and submit a new ROI.
Pay the applicable ROI fee as instructed by the portal.
Step 5: Wait for a possible invitation
Victoria conducts invitation rounds throughout the program year. There are no fixed invitation dates, and submitting an ROI does not guarantee selection.
If you are invited, follow the invitation instructions and deadline carefully. You cannot submit a nomination application without the required invitation.
Step 6: Submit the nomination application
If invited, complete the state nomination application and provide the evidence required to support your claims. Pay the applicable nomination application fee.
Your evidence must match the information supplied in your EOI and ROI. Unsupported or inaccurate claims can put the application at risk.
Step 7: Apply for the visa if nominated
If Victoria approves your nomination, you can proceed with the relevant visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. You must meet the federal visa requirements and pay the separate visa application charge.
What Should You Prepare Before Submitting an ROI?
Preparation can help you avoid errors and delays. Before submitting an ROI, review the following:
- Your SkillSelect EOI number and current EOI details
- Your nominated occupation and skills assessment status
- English language test results, where applicable
- Qualifications and employment history
- Evidence for any points or partner-skill claims
- Details of skilled employment and annual earnings in Victoria, if applicable
- Supporting documents for your nomination claims
- Current contact information and email address
- Funds for the ROI fee and any later nomination application fee
Not every applicant will need the same documents. Follow the current Victorian subclass 190 requirements and the relevant federal visa instructions.
Do not claim points or employment details that you cannot substantiate. The information in your EOI and ROI should be accurate and up to date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants can weaken their chances or delay the process by making avoidable mistakes. Common issues include:
- Assuming the 2025–26 ROI carries over automatically to 2026–27
- Using an outdated opening date
- Assuming subclass 491 ROI is open because subclass 190 is open
- Treating the ROI as a visa application
- Believing payment guarantees an invitation
- Confusing the Victorian Points Test with the federal points test
- Submitting inaccurate occupation, earnings or partner information
- Failing to update an ROI after important information changes
- Missing the deadline in an invitation to apply for nomination
- Forgetting that federal visa application charges are separate
The safest approach is to review the current official rules before submitting the EOI, ROI or nomination application.
How GIEC Global Can Help
Victoria’s state nomination process involves both state-level selection and federal visa eligibility. Applicants need to understand how their occupation, skills assessment, English language results, experience and other factors fit the relevant pathway.
GIEC Global can help you understand the published process, organise your information and identify the requirements that need to be checked for your circumstances.
Before engaging anyone to provide Australian immigration assistance, confirm that they are authorised to provide that assistance under Australian law. No adviser can guarantee an ROI invitation, state nomination or visa outcome.
Discuss your Australian skilled migration options: Contact GIEC Global
Frequently asked questions
Is Victoria ROI open for 2026–27?
Yes. Victoria opened Registrations of Interest for the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa on 26 October 2026. The subclass 491 ROI process is not currently accepting applications.
What is the Victoria ROI opening date for 2026–27?
The official opening date for subclass 190 ROIs was 26 October 2026.
How much does Victoria ROI cost in 2026–27?
The ROI fee is AUD 60 excluding GST, or AUD 66 including GST where applicable. A separate nomination application fee may apply if you are invited.
Was Victoria ROI free before?
Yes. Victoria's published 2025–26 program information stated that ROI and nomination services were free. Fees apply to these services for the 2026–27 program.
How much is the Victoria subclass 190 nomination fee?
The nomination application fee is AUD 180 excluding GST, or AUD 198 including GST where applicable. It is payable if you are invited to apply for nomination and submit the application.
Is the Victoria ROI fee refundable?
Check the Victorian Government's current payment terms and refund policy before paying. The fee rules and the circumstances of payment determine whether a refund may be available.
How many subclass 190 nomination places does Victoria have in 2026–27?
Victoria has been allocated 900 nomination places for the subclass 190 visa in 2026–27.
Is Victoria accepting subclass 491 ROIs?
No. The subclass 491 allocation has not yet been finalised, and Victoria is not currently accepting new ROIs for this visa.
What is a Victoria ROI application?
A Registration of Interest is a submission to Victoria expressing interest in state nomination. It is not a visa application or a guarantee of nomination.
Do I need a SkillSelect EOI before submitting a Victoria ROI?
Yes. You must submit or update your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and use the resulting EOI number when submitting your Victorian ROI.
Does submitting an ROI guarantee Victorian nomination?
No. Victoria ranks ROIs and invites selected applicants to apply for nomination. Selection and nomination are not guaranteed.
What is the Victorian Points Test?
The Victorian Points Test ranks ROIs using factors such as age, English language ability, skilled work experience, qualifications, occupation skill level, partner skills and Victorian skilled employment earnings where applicable.
Is the Victorian Points Test the same as the Australian PR points test?
No. The Victorian Points Test is used to rank ROIs for state nomination. Applicants must separately satisfy the Australian Government's visa eligibility and points test requirements where applicable.
Can I reuse my previous year's Victoria ROI?
No. Applicants who want to be considered in 2026–27 must submit a new ROI, even if they submitted one in a previous program year.
Can I edit my Victoria ROI after submission?
You cannot directly update a submitted ROI. If relevant information changes, you may need to withdraw it and submit a new ROI in accordance with the current rules.
Will I be charged the ROI fee again if I resubmit during the same program year?
The published Victorian fee rules state that the ROI fee is charged once per program year, so withdrawing and resubmitting within the same program year does not incur another ROI fee.
Are Home Affairs visa fees included in the Victoria ROI fee?
No. Victorian ROI and nomination fees are separate from the Australian Government's visa application charges.
How does Victoria select applicants for subclass 190 nomination?
Victoria ranks ROIs using the Victorian Points Test and invites selected applicants according to the ranking, available nomination places and current program settings.
Where can I check the official Victoria ROI status?
Check the Live in Melbourne website for the current program status, ROI instructions, fees and announcements about subclass 190 and subclass 491.
