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Victoria Skilled Nomination 2026-27: The New Victorian Points Test (VPT)

John Hu Migration Consulting Group > Blog > Australia > Victoria Skilled Nomination 2026-27: The New Victorian Points Test (VPT)
  • At a glance: Victoria will rank 2026–27 skilled-nomination ROIs using its Victorian Points Test (VPT), with a maximum of 950 points across seven factors. Age and English can contribute up to 500 points combined. There is no fixed state VPT pass mark; the federal minimum points threshold for points-tested skilled visas is currently 65, and meeting it does not guarantee an invitation or waive other visa requirements. No opening date had been announced as at 15 October 2026; previous-year ROI applicants must submit a new ROI after the program opens.

    What is changing for Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled nomination program?

    On 13 October 2026, the Victorian Government updated its 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program. Applicants will be ranked through the Victorian Points Test (VPT), which considers seven factors. Age and English carry the greatest combined weight. Victoria had not announced an opening date as at 15 October 2026, so applicants can use the published criteria to check their profile and prepare supporting evidence.

    1. Five points applicants should know

    1. ROIs are ranked by VPT; there is no fixed state pass mark. Invitations depend on the pool and round. A high score does not guarantee an invitation.
    2. Age and English are worth up to 500 points combined. Applicants aged 20–29 can score 300 age points; Superior English is worth 200.
    3. Priority industries have a separate ranking route. Healthcare, social assistance, education and construction occupations may be ranked within their industry.
    4. Victorian skilled earnings are worth up to 150 points. This factor is for eligible onshore applicants working in Victoria; offshore applicants do not need to claim it.
    5. Previous-year ROIs must be resubmitted. Victoria’s 13 October update says applicants with an ROI from the previous program year who want to be considered for 2026–27 must submit a new ROI after the program opens.

    2. The seven VPT factors (maximum 950 points)

    FactorMaximumScoring overview
    Age30020–29: 300; age 30: 286; age 35: 210; age 40: 136; age 44: 16.
    English200Competent: 0; Proficient: 100; Superior: 200.
    Victorian skilled earnings150Calculated using the official earnings bands and calculator; the top band is A$170,000 or more.
    Experience in the nominated occupation1000 years: 0; 1 year: 20; 2–3 years: 40; 4–5 years: 60; 6–7 years: 80; more than 8 years: 100. The official table does not list a separate band for exactly 8 years; check the full rules applicable at the time.
    Education100Other qualification: 25; bachelor’s/honours: 50; master’s: 75; doctorate: 100.
    Occupation skill level50Skill Level 1: 50; Skill Levels 2–3: 0.
    Partner skills50All specified requirements must be met, including partner points claimed in the EOI, the partner being included in the application and their occupation being on the current priority list.
    Age points also vary year by year: age 18 scores 265; 19 scores 282; ages 20–29 score 300; age 31 scores 270; 32: 256; 33: 240; 34: 226; 35: 210; 36: 196; 37: 180; 38: 166; 39: 150; 40: 136; 41: 106; 42: 76; 43: 46; and 44: 16. For exact VPT scores and definitions, refer to the Victorian Government’s VPT page.

    3. How do ROI invitations work?

    • Applicants submit an ROI, which Victoria ranks using the VPT.
    • An ROI may compete in both the “most competitive” route and the “priority industry” route; applicants in a priority industry are ranked within that industry.
    • Victoria selects higher-ranked applicants from each pool in an invitation round. There is no fixed VPT pass mark.
    • Victoria says it cannot predict an individual applicant’s likelihood of invitation. Submitting an ROI or receiving a high score is not a guarantee.
    Important distinction: The VPT ranks ROIs for Victorian nomination; it is separate from federal SkillSelect points. The absence of a state VPT pass mark does not remove federal points thresholds or other visa criteria. The federal minimum threshold for points-tested skilled visas is currently 65 points; meeting it does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants must still meet the applicable Home Affairs requirements for the visa subclass.

    4. Priority industries for 2026–27

    • Healthcare: medical specialists, surgeons, nurses and midwives, pharmacists, allied health and dental technician occupations.
    • Social assistance: psychologists, social workers and welfare workers.
    • Education: middle-school, secondary and special-needs teachers. Early-childhood teachers must meet Victoria’s stated experience and English requirements.
    • Construction: construction project managers, surveyors, geotechnical engineers and a range of construction trades.
    This is a summary, not the full ANZSCO list. Check occupation codes, eligibility and priority arrangements against Live in Melbourne’s official information.

    5. Earnings points: important for onshore applicants

    • Earnings points are based on pre-tax pay excluding superannuation. The score follows official salary bands, up to 150 points.
    • Which pay components count, and the evidence required, are set out in Victoria’s earnings calculator and guidance. Do not estimate points using a simple average increment.
    • Offshore applicants do not need to claim earnings points. Onshore subclass 190 applicants must meet Victoria’s work-location requirements; onshore subclass 491 applicants must live in regional Victoria and work for an employer located in regional Victoria.
    • If invited, applicants may need to provide an employment contract, employer reference, position details, recent payslips and superannuation records. Incorrect or overstated claims can affect nomination and visa outcomes.

    6. What can Hong Kong applicants do now?

    1. Check occupation and qualifications: confirm your nominated occupation, skills assessment and relevant experience.
    2. Review age and English points: identify any areas to improve and check that the English test result meets the official definition.
    3. Organise verifiable evidence: gather qualification records, employment references and English results, plus earnings and super evidence if relevant.
    4. Monitor the program opening: Victoria had not announced the date as at 15 October 2026. Previous-year ROI applicants must submit a new ROI after opening if they want to be considered for 2026–27.
    5. Compare the broader visa options: start with JHM’s guide to Australian skilled migration and assess subclasses 190, 491 and other routes against your circumstances.

    Frequently asked questions

    How is the VPT different from SkillSelect points?

    The VPT is Victoria’s method for ranking state-nomination ROIs. SkillSelect is part of the federal EOI and points-tested visa process. No fixed VPT pass mark does not waive the federal minimum of 65 points for points-tested skilled visas; meeting that threshold does not guarantee an invitation or waive other visa requirements.

    Can older applicants still submit an ROI?

    Age points change with age, and Victoria says it will not prioritise an ROI because of age or visa expiry. Feasibility depends on the other VPT factors and the visa’s separate age and eligibility rules.

    When will Victoria open the 2026–27 ROI program?

    As at 15 October 2026, no specific opening date had been published. Follow Live in Melbourne for announcements. Applicants with a previous-year ROI need to submit a new ROI after opening to be considered for the new program year.

    Explore your Australian skilled-migration options

    JHM’s migration team can review your occupation, age, English, qualifications and family circumstances to help compare potential pathways and preparation steps. Each assessment is individual.Hotline: (852) 3568 1436　WhatsApp: (852) 9178 8523　Book a free assessmentInformation current as at 15 October 2026 and provided for general information only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee nomination, invitation or visa approval. Policies, nomination arrangements and visa criteria may change; consult the latest Victorian Government and Australian Department of Home Affairs information. Outcomes depend on each applicant’s circumstances, evidence and official assessment.

    Official sources

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