As many states and territories have opened skilled migration programs in recent days, now Victoria has also opened its migration program 2025-26 for applicants who live in Victoria and overseas. It is offering interim places for two subclasses: the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Here is the detailed breakdown of this program: 

Program Details and Interim Allocation 

The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs has provided Victoria with a small interim allocation for the 2025–26 skilled visa nomination program. The current allocation includes: 

200 places for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) 

180 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) 

Candidates with Existing ROI 

If you are currently holding the active Registration of Interest (ROI), then it is valid for the 2025-26 program, but if any details are changed, then you are required to submit a new one. 

Visa Pathways for New Applicants 

If you are a new applicant, then you can apply through any of these subclasses by meeting the following eligibility criteria: 

Common Eligibility Criteria (for both subclass 190 and subclass 491) 

To be considered for Victorian visa nomination under either visa subclass, you must: 

Had your Registration of Interest (ROI) selected by the Victorian Government. 

Be under 45 years of age. 

Have at least Competent English. 

Hold a valid Skills Assessment in an occupation on the eligible skilled occupation list for the relevant visa. 

Have achieved at least 65 points on the Australian Government’s points test for your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. 

Subclass 190 Specific Requirements  

You must be either: 

Living in Victoria (onshore), or 

Living overseas (offshore) 

Onshore applicants must not be living in other Australian states or territories 

Case-by-case exceptions may apply for border community residents. 

Subclass 491 Specific Requirements 

You must be either: 

Living overseas, or 

Living and working in regional Victoria, which includes designated areas such as Geelong, Pakenham, and the Mornington Peninsula 

Border community residents may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Once the visa is granted, you and your dependents must live, work, and study in a designated regional area. 

Conclusion 

Victoria’s skilled migration program 2025-26 remains mostly the same as last year, with a strong focus on attracting high-quality, skilled candidates. It is keeping less focus on location duration compared to other states. 

So, if you are living in Victoria, then without getting tensed for the living duration, you can apply for both subclasses, in which 190 is eligible for the entire state, while 491 is specific to designated regional areas. 

Additionally, if you require any guidance, contact Growmore Immigration today and maximise your chances of nomination success. 

Visit: growmore.one 

Call: +61 3 8764 3334 

WhatsApp: +61 434 202 021 

Mail: info@growmore.one 

Source: Victoria’s 2025–26 skilled migration program now open