Victoria has officially introduced its Skilled Migration Program for the 2025-26 year, creating a vital avenue for skilled professionals both domestically and internationally. The Australian Government has allocated an interim quota of 200 spots for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and 180 spots for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). These visa options provide routes to permanent residency and temporary regional employment opportunities, respectively.

The system automatically considers candidates who have previously submitted a valid Registration of Interest (ROI). In contrast, Victoria’s program requires new applicants to submit both an Expression of Interest (EOI) and an ROI that meet its criteria. The Department of Home Affairs expects to announce the complete program allocation in the upcoming weeks. This initiative opens up opportunities for individuals to engage with Victoria’s vibrant economy and desirable way of life.

Update on Skilled Migration Programs in Other Australian States

While Victoria has launched its program ahead of schedule, other states in Australia are at different points in their skilled migration processes for the 2025-26 period:

• New South Wales has exhausted its quota for the Subclass 190 visa for the 2024-25 year, but is still accepting applications for the regional Subclass 491 visa.
• Queensland initiated its program earlier with an initial allocation and has made significant adjustments to relax certain work eligibility criteria.
• Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania are primarily functioning under temporary allocations aimed at processing outstanding applications, with new program openings pending full federal approval.

This staggered and regulated approach aligns with the Australian Government’s overall migration strategy, which has established a national cap of 185,000 places for the 2025-26 program, with around 71% allocated to skilled migration.

Insights from Experts on the Launch of Victoria’s Program

The initial rollout of Victoria’s program underscores its strategic focus on drawing skilled migrants to bolster essential economic sectors, including healthcare, education, technology, and construction. This provisional allocation enables the processing of applications to commence while the state anticipates the complete official quota, thereby addressing pressing skills shortages that align with national workforce needs.

Experts advise potential applicants to take prompt action by submitting comprehensive and precise applications to enhance their prospects in a competitive nomination landscape. It is strongly recommended to seek guidance from registered migration agents or immigration lawyers to effectively navigate the specific criteria, occupation lists, and federal visa regulations.

Your Future Actions

Victoria’s Skilled Migration Program presents a remarkable chance for talented individuals looking to establish their careers in one of Australia’s most prosperous states. Although other states will unveil their programs soon, Victoria is presently open for applications and evaluating potential candidates.

If you wish to determine your eligibility and embark on your skilled migration journey to Victoria, get in touch with us today. Our knowledgeable team offers personalized guidance and extensive support throughout the entire process. Contact us now via our form to initiate your pathway to skilled migration in Australia.