Victoria remains an important destination for skilled migrants seeking opportunities to live and work in Australia. For the 2026–27 skilled migration program, applicants interested in Victorian state nomination should understand how the Victorian Points Test (VPT) works, which factors influence their ranking, what industries and occupations receive priority, and what fees apply when submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) or nomination application.
The Victorian Points Test is used to rank ROIs for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). It considers several aspects of an applicant’s profile, including age, English language proficiency, experience in the nominated occupation, educational qualifications, occupation skill level, partner skills and annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria.
Understanding these factors can help skilled migrants identify their strengths, review their eligibility and prepare more strategically before submitting an ROI.
At 7 Stars Global Migration, we assist clients in understanding skilled migration pathways and assessing their circumstances against the applicable migration and state nomination requirements.
1. What is the Victorian Points Test?
The Victorian Points Test is a ranking mechanism used by the Victorian Government to select ROIs for potential state nomination.
It is important to understand that the VPT is different from the Australian Government’s SkillSelect points test.
The Australian Government’s points test is used to assess eligibility for relevant points-tested skilled visas. By contrast, Victoria uses the VPT to rank applicants who have expressed an interest in obtaining Victorian nomination.
According to the published Victorian guidance, ROIs are ranked from highest to lowest based on their VPT totals. Invitations may be issued to the most competitive applicants across eligible occupations and to applicants in designated priority industries.
Does Victoria have a fixed VPT pass mark?
No. The VPT does not operate with a fixed pass mark that guarantees an invitation.
Your competitiveness depends on your score relative to other applicants in the relevant invitation round, the composition of the applicant pool and the availability of nomination places.
Consequently, an applicant should not assume that achieving a particular VPT score will automatically result in an invitation.
2. The seven factors considered under the Victorian Points Test
The VPT uses seven weighted factors to calculate an applicant’s ranking. These are discussed below using the scoring figures supplied for the 2026–27 program.
Factor 1: Age — up to 300 points
Age is one of the major components of the Victorian Points Test.
The supplied scoring table includes the following allocations:
| Applicant’s age | VPT points |
|---|---|
| 18 years | 265 |
| 19 years | 282 |
| 20–29 years | 300 |
| 30 years | 286 |
| 35 years | 210 |
| 40 years | 136 |
| 41 years | 106 |
| 44 years | 16 |
Applicants aged between 20 and 29 receive the maximum age allocation of 300 points under this table. The score decreases as age increases.
For example, an applicant aged 28 may receive 300 age points, while an applicant aged 40 receives 136 points.
What should applicants consider?
Age is not a factor that can be improved through additional qualifications or work experience. Applicants should therefore review their overall eligibility, timing and other available ranking factors rather than focusing on age alone.
The figures above are selected examples, not a complete age-scoring table. Refer to the official Victorian Points Test for the full age allocations and applicable rules.
Factor 2: English language proficiency — up to 200 points
English language proficiency can make a substantial difference to an applicant’s VPT score.
The supplied table allocates points as follows:
| English proficiency | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 100 |
| Superior English | 200 |
An applicant who demonstrates Superior English may receive 200 points in this category, compared with 100 points for Proficient English.
This makes English proficiency an important consideration when reviewing a skilled migration profile.
Practical considerations for applicants:
- Check the English language level required for the intended visa and Victorian nomination pathway.
- Ensure that your English test results meet the applicable validity and evidence requirements.
- Consider whether further preparation could help you achieve a higher result.
- Ensure that your SkillSelect EOI and ROI accurately reflect your circumstances.
A higher English score may improve your VPT ranking, but it does not guarantee an invitation.
Factor 3: Skilled work experience — up to 100 points
Relevant work experience in your nominated occupation is another factor used in the VPT.
The supplied table lists the following allocations:
| Experience in nominated occupation | VPT points |
|---|---|
| 0 years | 0 |
| 1 year | 20 |
| 1–3 years | 40 |
| 3–5 years | 60 |
| 6–8 years | 80 |
| More than 8 years | 100 |
Applicants with substantial experience in their nominated occupation may receive a higher score under this category.
However, applicants should not assume that every period of employment automatically qualifies.
Your employment history should be reviewed against the applicable occupation, evidence and program requirements. Employment dates, duties, work arrangements and supporting records may be relevant when establishing the claimed experience.
Important: The supplied experience ranges overlap at some boundaries. Confirm the correct category and applicable calculation rules using the official Victorian guidance before determining your score.
Factor 4: Educational qualifications — up to 100 points
Your highest educational qualification can contribute to your VPT ranking.
The supplied scoring table provides:
| Educational qualification | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Other qualifications | 25 |
| Bachelor’s degree or Honours | 50 |
| Master’s degree | 75 |
| PhD | 100 |
A higher qualification may contribute to a stronger overall profile.
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications are accurately represented in their SkillSelect EOI and Victorian ROI and that the relevant supporting documents are available if requested.
The points shown above relate to the supplied VPT table. They should not be confused with the separate criteria that may apply to a skills assessment, visa eligibility or other qualification requirements.
Factor 5: Occupation skill level
The occupation skill level is another component of the VPT.
The supplied table allocates:
| Occupation skill level | VPT points |
|---|---|
| Skill Level 1 | 50 |
| Skill Level 2 | 0 |
| Skill Level 3 | 0 |
This factor makes it important to understand the classification of your nominated occupation.
A job title alone may not establish the relevant occupation classification. Applicants should review the appropriate occupational classification and ensure that their nominated occupation is consistent with their skills assessment and SkillSelect EOI.
An applicant should also check whether their occupation meets the eligibility requirements for the intended visa and the relevant Victorian nomination pathway.
Factor 6: Partner skills — up to 50 points
Eligible applicants may receive 50 VPT points for partner skills if all the specified conditions are satisfied.
Under the supplied criteria, the requirements include:
- The applicant has claimed 10 partner skill points in their SkillSelect EOI.
- The partner will be included in the state-nominated visa application.
- The partner’s occupation is a current priority industry occupation.
Applicants who are single, have an Australian partner or do not meet the specified requirements receive zero points under this VPT category.
It is important to distinguish between partner points under the Australian Government’s SkillSelect points test and partner-skills points under the Victorian Points Test. These are separate calculations, and satisfying one set of criteria does not automatically establish eligibility under the other.
Applicants should verify the current requirements before making a partner-skills claim.
Factor 7: Annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria — up to 150 points
Annual earnings from current skilled employment in Victoria can contribute significantly to the VPT score.
The supplied table includes the following examples:
| Annual earnings (AUD) | VPT points |
|---|---|
| $80,000–$84,999 | 8 |
| $90,000–$94,999 | 24 |
| $100,000–$104,999 | 39 |
| $110,000–$114,999 | 55 |
| $120,000–$124,999 | 71 |
| $130,000–$134,999 | 87 |
| $140,000–$144,999 | 103 |
| $150,000–$154,999 | 118 |
| $160,000–$164,999 | 134 |
| $170,000 and above | 150 |
Under the supplied table, the earnings category begins at $80,000, with the maximum allocation of 150 points for earnings of $170,000 or above.
The published Victorian guidance directs applicants to the Annual Earnings Estimation Guide to understand how annual earnings are assessed. Applicants should review that guidance before entering an earnings estimate in their ROI.
What should applicants do?
- Review their current Victorian skilled employment.
- Check the applicable method for estimating annual earnings.
- Ensure the earnings information provided is accurate and supportable.
- Avoid assuming that salary alone determines eligibility or guarantees an invitation.
The earnings category is only one component of the overall VPT ranking.
3. Which industries are prioritised for the 2026–27 program?
The information supplied for this article identifies the following priority industries:
- Healthcare
- Social assistance
- Education
- Construction
Priority industry selection is intended to support Victoria’s skills needs. ROIs may be ranked within their relevant priority industry or industry subgroup, with the highest-ranking applicants considered for invitations.
However, working in one of these industries does not automatically guarantee an invitation. The applicant’s occupation, eligibility, VPT score and the relevant program settings remain important.
Applicants should check the current official Victorian Government list of priority industries and occupations before submitting an ROI, as the applicable classifications and priorities may be more specific than a broad industry label.
4. How are applicants selected for an invitation?
The Victorian nomination process involves several stages.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before preparing an ROI, check the requirements for your intended visa pathway, including the relevant Australian Government visa requirements and Victorian nomination criteria.
The subclass 190 and subclass 491 have distinct visa characteristics and requirements. Applicants should not assume that meeting the criteria for one automatically establishes eligibility for the other.
Step 2: Submit or update your SkillSelect EOI
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system.
Your EOI should contain accurate information about your nominated occupation, skills assessment, English proficiency, qualifications, experience and other relevant details.
Step 3: Submit your Victorian ROI
Once you have the relevant SkillSelect EOI details, you can use the Live in Melbourne portal to submit an ROI, subject to the program being open and the applicable requirements being met.
An ROI is an expression of interest in Victorian nomination. It is not a nomination application and does not itself provide a guarantee of selection.
Step 4: Wait for an invitation
Victoria ranks ROIs and issues invitations to selected applicants through invitation rounds.
There is no guaranteed invitation date for an individual applicant. A high score may improve competitiveness, but the outcome depends on the relevant invitation round and the applicant pool.
Step 5: Submit the nomination application if invited
If invited, the applicant must submit a nomination application within the period specified in the invitation and provide the required information and supporting evidence.
Applicants should ensure that the claims made in their ROI can be substantiated. Inaccurate or unsupported claims may create problems during the nomination assessment.
Step 6: Apply for the visa if nomination is successful
If Victorian nomination is approved, the applicant must then follow the relevant Australian Government visa application process and meet the applicable visa requirements.
State nomination is an important stage, but it does not itself guarantee that the visa will be granted.
5. Victoria skilled migration fees for 2026–27
One important change for the 2026–27 program is the introduction of fees for submitting an ROI and a Victorian nomination application.
The Victorian Government’s published fee schedule lists the following charges.
| Fee type | Excluding GST | Including GST* |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Interest (ROI) | $60 | $66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
All amounts are in Australian dollars.
Registration of Interest fee
The ROI fee is $60 excluding GST, or $66 including GST where applicable.
The fee is charged once per program year. According to the Victorian Government’s published fee guidance, if you withdraw an ROI and submit a new one within the same program year, you will not be charged the ROI fee again.
An ROI is valid only for the program year in which it is submitted. A program year generally runs from on or after 1 July until 30 June of the following calendar year, although the program may close to new submissions earlier.
Subclass 190 nomination application fee
The nomination application fee for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is:
- $180 excluding GST.
- $198 including GST where applicable.
This fee is payable only if the applicant is invited to apply for nomination and submits a nomination application.
Subclass 491 nomination application fee
The nomination application fee for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is:
- $180 excluding GST.
- $198 including GST where applicable.
As with the subclass 190, this fee is payable only if the applicant receives an invitation and submits a nomination application.
When does GST apply?
The Victorian Government states that 10% GST applies if the applicant is in Australia at the time of payment. GST is calculated and applied when the application form is completed.
Are the Victorian nomination fees refundable?
The published Victorian fee guidance states that ROI and nomination application fees are generally non-refundable.
For example, a refund is generally not available merely because:
- An ROI does not result in an invitation.
- A nomination application is unsuccessful.
- An applicant withdraws an ROI or nomination application.
- An invited applicant decides not to proceed.
- An applicant changes their mind.
Refunds may be considered in limited circumstances, including certain administrative or technical errors or situations where the service cannot be provided. Applicants should read the official refund policy before making a payment.
How can applicants pay?
The Victorian Government’s published fee information states that payments are accepted by Visa and Mastercard. Additional bank fees may apply where payments are processed outside Australia or in a foreign currency.
Applicants should confirm the current payment instructions and terms on the official Victorian Government website.
Are these fees the same as the visa application charge?
No. The Victorian ROI and nomination fees are separate from the Australian Government’s visa application charge.
If you are successfully nominated and subsequently apply for a visa, the applicable Department of Home Affairs visa application charge will be payable separately.
Applicants should therefore budget for the relevant state nomination fees as well as any applicable visa application charges and other costs associated with their circumstances.
6. What should applicants do before submitting an ROI?
Preparation is important because your ROI should accurately represent your circumstances.
Consider the following checklist before submitting or updating your information.
Occupation and eligibility
- Confirm the nominated occupation and relevant classification.
- Check the applicable skills assessment requirements.
- Review the eligibility requirements for the intended subclass.
- Check the current priority industry and occupation information.
English and qualifications
- Confirm your English test results and applicable requirements.
- Ensure your highest qualification is correctly recorded.
- Keep relevant qualification evidence available.
Employment and earnings
- Review your employment history and relevant experience.
- Ensure that your claimed experience is properly documented.
- Check the Victorian annual earnings estimation rules if applicable.
- Verify the accuracy of your employment and salary information.
Partner skills
- Review the applicable SkillSelect partner points claim.
- Confirm that the partner will be included in the visa application.
- Check the relevant priority occupation requirements.
Fees and timing
- Check that the program is open to new ROIs.
- Review the current ROI and nomination fees.
- Understand that an ROI fee does not guarantee an invitation.
- Be aware of the nomination application deadline if invited.
- Keep the relevant supporting evidence ready for the nomination stage.
Applicants should also remember that an ROI may need to be withdrawn and resubmitted if important information changes. The Victorian Government’s instructions should be followed when updating details, as an existing ROI may not be directly editable after submission.
7. Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming a high VPT score guarantees an invitation
The VPT is a ranking mechanism, not a guarantee of selection. Applicants should not rely on a particular score as a fixed invitation threshold.
Confusing the VPT with the SkillSelect points test
These are separate systems serving different purposes. Applicants must understand both the Australian Government visa eligibility criteria and the Victorian nomination selection process.
Claiming employment experience without adequate evidence
Employment history should be accurately documented. Applicants should not assume that every role or period of employment will qualify for the claimed category.
Entering incorrect information in an ROI
The information in the EOI and ROI should be accurate and consistent. Unsupported or inaccurate claims can affect the assessment of a nomination application.
Overlooking the new fees
Applicants should budget for the ROI fee, the relevant nomination application fee if invited, and the separate visa application charge where applicable.
Relying on outdated information
Program settings, occupation priorities, scoring information, fees and submission arrangements can change. Always verify the current official information before proceeding.
8. Frequently asked questions
What is the Victorian Points Test?
The VPT is used to rank ROIs for potential Victorian nomination under the subclass 190 and subclass 491 skilled visa pathways.
Is there a fixed pass mark for the VPT?
No. The VPT ranks applicants relative to others in the relevant selection pool. A particular score does not guarantee an invitation.
How many points can an applicant receive for Superior English?
The supplied 2026–27 scoring table allocates 200 VPT points for Superior English. Applicants should verify the applicable criteria and evidence requirements before claiming points.
How much does it cost to submit a Victorian ROI?
The published 2026–27 fee is $60 excluding GST or $66 including GST where applicable.
How much is the Victorian nomination application fee?
The published fee is $180 excluding GST or $198 including GST where applicable for either the subclass 190 or subclass 491 nomination application.
Do I pay the nomination fee when I submit my ROI?
No. The nomination application fee is payable only if you are invited to apply for nomination and submit a nomination application. The ROI fee is a separate charge.
Does paying the ROI fee guarantee an invitation?
No. Payment allows you to submit an ROI, subject to the applicable requirements. It does not guarantee selection or an invitation.
Are the Victorian nomination fees refundable?
The published fee policy states that fees are generally non-refundable, subject to limited exceptions. Review the current official refund policy for details.
Does Victorian nomination guarantee a visa grant?
No. Nomination and visa grant are separate stages. Applicants must meet the applicable Australian Government visa requirements, and the Department of Home Affairs makes the visa decision.
9. Official resources
For the latest requirements, scoring information and fees, consult the following Victorian Government resources:
- Victorian Points Test: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/vpt
- Fees for Victorian skilled migration: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/fees
- Registration of Interest: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/registration-of-interest-for-victorian-state-visa-nomination
- Skilled migration visas: https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas
Applicants should also consult the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for the relevant visa criteria and current visa application charges.
Conclusion: Prepare your Victorian skilled migration profile carefully
The Victorian Points Test is an important consideration for skilled migrants seeking state nomination in the 2026–27 program year.
Age, English proficiency, relevant work experience, qualifications, occupation skill level, partner skills and annual earnings can all contribute to the VPT ranking. Understanding these factors can help applicants review their circumstances and identify areas requiring attention.
The introduction of ROI and nomination application fees also makes it important to understand the process and potential costs before submitting an application.
Most importantly, a high VPT score does not guarantee an invitation, and Victorian nomination does not guarantee a visa grant. Applicants should verify the current criteria, ensure their information is accurate and assess their circumstances against the applicable requirements.
Need assistance with your skilled migration pathway?
7 Stars Global Migration can assist you in understanding relevant skilled migration pathways, reviewing your profile and identifying the applicable eligibility considerations.
7 Stars Global Migration — Precision in Every Decision.
Mian M. Z. Rafi | MARN: 2519146
Registered Migration Agent
🌐 Website: https://www.7starsgm.com.au
📧 Email: consult@7starsgm.com.au
📞 +61 449 090 009
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute migration, legal or professional advice. Information is based on published guidance and the details available at the time of writing and may change. Applicants should verify the latest requirements, fees and program settings through official Australian and Victorian Government sources before making decisions or submitting applications. Individual eligibility and outcomes depend on the applicant’s circumstances. No invitation, nomination or visa grant is guaranteed.