The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs has officially confirmed the final allocation for Victoria’s 2025–26 skilled visa nomination program. This announcement provides essential clarity for skilled professionals and employers planning for migration opportunities in the new program year.
Victoria has been allocated a total of 3,400 skilled visa nomination places. This total is distributed between the two primary state-nominated skilled visas:
| Visa Subclass |
Allocation |
Purpose |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (190) |
2,700 places |
Permanent visa allowing you to live and work anywhere in Victoria. |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (491) |
700 places |
Five-year provisional visa requiring residence in regional Victoria, with a pathway to permanent residency. |
For full details, visit Victoria’s official Skilled Visa Nomination Program page.
Why This Program Is Especially Competitive
With a modest total of 3,400 places, the 2025–26 program is expected to be highly competitive. This allocation represents a tightening of opportunities, demanding precision and strategic planning from applicants.
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- Limited Places: The total allocation is lower than in previous years, increasing competition for every spot.
- High Demand: Victoria remains one of Australia’s most sought-after states for skilled migrants globally.
- Priority Sectors: Invitations are likely to be heavily weighted toward key industries, including:
-
Health and Social Services
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Education (especially Early Childhood, Secondary, and Special Education)
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Construction
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New Energy and Advanced Manufacturing
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Digital Economy and ICT (often linked to STEM)
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application for Victorian state nomination follows a structured process. Here’s how to prepare and apply:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge or update your EOI through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system.
- Lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI): Use your EOI ID to submit your ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal.
- Await Invitation: The Victorian Government issues invitations periodically to the most competitive applicants.
- Apply for Nomination: If invited, submit your full application with supporting documents via the Live in Melbourne portal.
- Apply for Your Visa: Once your nomination is approved, lodge your final visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
How Questra Migration Can Help
The complexity and competitiveness of the 2025–26 program highlight the value of expert migration support. At Questra Migration, we focus on strengthening your submission to maximise your chance of selection.
- Comprehensive eligibility reviews and points analysis.
- EOI & ROI preparation and optimisation, ensuring accuracy and compelling evidence.
- Document audits and evidence checks for full compliance.
- Strategic planning for occupation targeting based on Victoria’s priorities.
Would you like to know more about the specific requirements for the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa? Contact our team to discuss your eligibility and next steps today.
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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.