Victoria remains a fantastic and popular destination for skilled migrants, attracting talented professionals with its strong and varied economy. The state nomination program is a key tool the Australian Government uses to fill critical skills gaps and support economic growth.
According to the Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report for the period ending 30 June 2025, Victoria granted 15,890 primary skilled visa applications. This is a significant 31.8% increase compared to the previous year, showing the state's ongoing need for skilled professionals.
The Victorian Government is focused on attracting people who can contribute to key sectors, such as new energy, the digital economy, healthcare, and infrastructure. This creates great opportunities, but the program is very popular. A successful nomination application requires a clear understanding of the specific eligibility requirements and ranking factors.
What Skilled Visas Can You Apply for in Victoria?
Choosing the right visa is the most important step. The main pathways for skilled migrants wanting to live and work in Victoria are:
Subclass 190 – The Skilled Nominated Visa
This permanent visa is a popular option that requires a nomination from the Victorian Government. To be eligible, your occupation must be on the relevant skills list, and you must meet all other criteria, including having a valid skills assessment and competent English. The Australian Government's points test assesses your profile based on factors like age, education, and work experience.
Subclass 491 – The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
This is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled professionals willing to live and work in designated regional areas of Victoria. It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific requirements. This is an excellent choice for those looking for opportunities outside of Melbourne. You also get additional points on the points test for being nominated for a Subclass 491 visa.
Unsure which visa fits your skills? Our team can help explain the options. Chat with us today.
Skills Assessments, EOIs, and ROIs: What's the Difference?
Before you can be nominated, you must complete a few key steps.
A skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is a core requirement. This step verifies that your qualifications and experience meet the Australian standard for your nominated occupation.
After a positive skills assessment, you must submit two things:
- An Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government's SkillSelect system.
- A Registration of Interest (ROI) directly with the Victorian Government.
The Application Flow
You might wonder why there are two steps. The ROI is an initial step just for Victoria. The EOI is the official Australian Government profile used by all states. The Victorian Government reviews your ROI first. If you are successful, they will invite you to apply for state nomination. You must submit this nomination application within a specific timeframe.
Victoria's Most In-Demand Jobs and Industries (June 2025)
The June 2025 report clearly shows which industries have the highest demand for skilled professionals. These key sectors represent over 70% of all skilled nominations in Victoria.
- Accommodation and Food Services: This sector saw a massive surge with 2,790 grants (a 147.4% increase).
- Other Services: A broad category that accounted for 2,370 grants (up 60.7%).
- Health Care and Social Assistance: A pillar of the economy, this sector had 2,240 grants (a 3.0% increase).
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: This sector grew to 2,080 grants (a 12.9% increase).
- Manufacturing: This industry continues to grow, with 1,310 grants (a 27.0% increase).
- Construction: Reflecting Victoria's infrastructure boom, this sector had 900 grants (a 41.7% increase).
The report also identifies the specific occupations that received the most grants. This list is a valuable guide to where your skills are needed.
- Chef: With 1,950 grants (up 202.6%), chefs are in extremely high demand.
- Motor Mechanic (General): A total of 670 grants (a 49.1% increase) shows the need for skilled trades.
- Software Engineer: This role saw 480 grants (a 10.6% decrease), highlighting the competitive tech industry.
- Resident Medical Officer: This critical role had 390 grants.
- ICT Business Analyst: This occupation received 380 grants (an 8.5% increase).
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager: There were 360 grants, (a 77.3% rise).
This data confirms Victoria's strong demand for professionals in hospitality, healthcare, ICT, education, and various trades.
Need help documenting your work experience for the ROI? Our registered migration agents can review your evidence.
Understanding Regional Victoria (Subclass 491 & 191)
This is a key point: for migration, all of Victoria is considered 'regional' except the Melbourne metropolitan area. This is a crucial distinction for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).
The Subclass 491 visa is a great incentive for individuals to settle outside of major cities. Securing this nomination gives you 15 points on the Australian Government's points test, which can be a game-changer. After holding this 5-year visa for three years and meeting the requirements, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191).
Tip: To be eligible for the subclass 491 visa, your employer must be physically located in regional Victoria. The government has clarified that remote work for a Melbourne-based company, or working from a virtual office, does not meet this requirement.
To be eligible for the 491, you must:
- Meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements.
- Have a valid, positive skills assessment.
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Have at least competent English.
- Meet the minimum 65-point threshold in your EOI.
How Your Skilled Employment Impacts Your Application
Your work experience is a key part of your application. When you submit your ROI to the Victorian Government, you will be asked for an estimated annual earnings figure. This is one of the main factors used to rank your application against others.
It is vital to provide accurate information when you submit your EOI and ROI. Any discrepancies between the information you provide and the evidence you submit later could result in a refusal.
Tip: When you submit your Registration of Interest (ROI), you must provide an estimated annual earnings figure. This is a key factor Victoria uses for ranking, so be accurate and realistic!
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Where Are Victoria's Skilled Migrants From?
Victoria welcomes talent from around the globe. The Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report shows the top citizenship countries for visa grants:
- India: Leading with 3,960 grants (a 59.7% increase).
- Philippines: A strong 1,790 grants.
- United Kingdom: 1,330 grants.
- Ireland: 840 grants (an 8.4% increase).
- Nepal: A remarkable 830 grants (a 232.8% increase).
This diversity enriches the local economy and community, making Victoria a vibrant cultural hub.
How to Stand Out in Victoria's Popular Program
The Victorian skilled visa program is very popular, and securing an invitation means preparing a strong application. The Victorian Government considers several ranking factors, including your occupation, skilled employment experience, and your annual earnings.
From experience, applicants with employment in high-priority sectors like health, social services, education, and the new energy/digital economy are often looked upon favourably. Your English language level and education level are also considered. The entire process is strategic, and you must submit a strong application.
How We Can Help Your Victorian Visa Application
The Victorian skilled visa process has many steps: the EOI, the ROI, the nomination application, and finally, the visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. You also have to meet other requirements like health and character checks.
Our team of registered migration agents is here to provide clear, accurate advice. We can help you build a strong EOI and navigate every step of your Victorian nomination. Contact Australian Migration Agents today to get started.
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