Victoria Skilled Migration Program (2025–26 Update)

Victoria recently updated its nomination settings for the 2025–26 program, and we want to ensure you have a clear understanding of the current requirements.

Victoria Skilled Migration Program – 2025–26 Update

The Victoria Skilled Migration Program is open to applicants living in Victoria and to skilled migrants applying from overseas. The program continues to support both permanent and provisional visa pathways through the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas.

While the program remains open, the eligibility settings and priority sectors have changed compared to previous years.

Main updates for the 2025–26 program

• Offshore applicants continue to be eligible to apply.
• There is no requirement for onshore applicants to work in a STEMM field or target sector.
• Onshore applicants must be employed and working in Victoria.
• All occupations listed on the eligible skilled occupation list are being considered.

Registration of Interest (ROI)

All applicants must submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) to be considered for Victorian nomination. SkillSelect submissions alone are not enough — an ROI is mandatory each program year.

EOIs and ROIs remain competitive, and meeting minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. Invitations are issued based on points, skills, employment, Victorian labour market needs and the quality of the application.

Two nomination pathways

Victoria nominates skilled migrants under two visa subclasses:

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – a permanent residency visa allowing migrants to live and work anywhere in Victoria.
• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – a provisional visa for migrants who wish to live and work in regional Victoria.

The 491 visa also provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).

Priority sectors for the 2025–26 year

While all eligible occupations are being considered, Victoria continues to give priority to applicants with experience in:

• Healthcare and social services
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
• Advanced manufacturing, digital and innovation industries
• Hospitality and accommodation (including cooks, chefs, hospitality managers) for the 491 visa
• Early childhood, secondary and special education teaching

What’s your plan?

Victoria’s skilled migration settings offer strong opportunities for both onshore and offshore applicants — but navigating the requirements can be overwhelming. If you would like tailored advice and a clear migration strategy based on your circumstances, our Registered Migration Agents are here to help.

Book a consultation with Questra Immigration to start your personalised migration plan.

Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.