Victoria Announces New Skilled Migration Fees for 2026 27 What Applicants Need to Know

Australian Immigration News | Visas Avenue

Planning to move to Australia through Victoria’s skilled migration program? There is an important update to keep in mind for the 2026–27 program year.

The Victorian Government has announced new service fees for applicants submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) and those applying for state nomination under the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

For skilled professionals hoping to settle in Australia, understanding these fees and the selection process can help with planning ahead.

What Are the New Victoria Skilled Migration Fees?

From the 2026–27 program year, applicants will need to pay a fee to submit their Registration of Interest. Those who receive an invitation to apply for Victorian state nomination will also need to pay a separate nomination application fee.

Here is a breakdown of the announced fees:

Application type	Fee excluding GST	Fee including GST*
Registration of Interest (ROI)	AUD 60	AUD 66
Subclass 190 nomination application	AUD 180	AUD 198
Subclass 491 nomination application	AUD 180	AUD 198

GST of 10% applies if the applicant is in Australia when making the payment. The applicable fee will be calculated during the application process.

There is also some good news for applicants who need to resubmit their ROI. The registration fee will be charged only once per program year. If you withdraw your ROI and submit a new one during the same program year, you will not have to pay the registration fee again.

However, the nomination application fee is payable if you receive an invitation and proceed with submitting your nomination application.

How Will Victoria Select Applicants for State Nomination?

Paying the registration fee does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants will still need to be competitive under Victoria’s selection process.

The Victorian Government has provided further information about the factors considered when selecting candidates, including:

• Factors assessed under the Victorian Points Test.

• Priority industries identified by Victoria.

• Additional industry-related factors that may influence selection.

If you are planning to apply, it is worth reviewing these criteria before submitting your Registration of Interest. Understanding how your occupation, points score and professional background fit the selection requirements can help you make a more informed decision.

Already Submitted an ROI? You May Need to Apply Again

If you submitted a Registration of Interest in an earlier program year, do not assume it will automatically remain eligible for consideration in 2026–27.

According to the Victorian Government, applicants who want to be considered for nomination in the new program year must log in to the Live in Melbourne portal and submit a new ROI once the program opens.

The good news is that the ROI fee will not be charged again if you withdraw and resubmit your registration within the same program year.

When Will Victoria's 2026–27 Program Open?

The Victorian Government has confirmed that further information about the opening of the 2026–27 program will be announced when available.

In the meantime, prospective applicants can use this period to review their eligibility, check their nominated occupation, prepare relevant documents and understand the selection criteria.

Preparing early can help you avoid last-minute confusion when the program opens.

Subclass 190 or Subclass 491: Which Pathway Should You Consider?

Both visas offer skilled migration opportunities, but they serve different purposes.

The subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency pathway for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.

The subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for eligible skilled workers intending to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. It may lead to permanent residency if the applicant meets the relevant requirements.

The right option depends on your occupation, eligibility, points score, work experience and willingness to live in the relevant location. It is important to assess your circumstances rather than choose a pathway based on the visa name alone.

How Can Visas Avenue Help?

Australian skilled migration can involve several requirements, and state nomination is not guaranteed simply because an applicant meets the basic eligibility criteria.

At Visas Avenue, we help applicants understand the available migration pathways, assess their profiles against relevant requirements and prepare for the application process.

If you are considering Victoria's subclass 190 or subclass 491 pathway, reviewing your profile in advance can help you understand the requirements and plan your next steps.

Disclaimer: Immigration fees, eligibility requirements and nomination selection criteria may change. Always refer to official government sources for the latest information before applying.

- Cathlin