Top 10 Victoria 190 Visa Requirements [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Your complete guide to the Victoria 190 visa for 2025. Learn the 10 key requirements, state nomination criteria, and how to craft a winning application for skilled migration to Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Slug: victoria-skilled-nominated-190-visa-guide

TL;DR
To secure a Victoria State Nomination (Subclass 190) visa, you must first receive an invitation from the Victorian government based on your skills meeting their economic priorities. According to the Department of Home Affairs, you need a valid skills assessment, competent English, and a minimum of 65 points on the points test. Success hinges on aligning your occupation with Victoria’s in-demand sectors, such as healthcare, tech, or advanced manufacturing, and submitting a targeted Registration of Interest (ROI).

What is the Victoria Subclass 190 Visa?

The Victoria 190 visa is a permanent skilled visa that requires nomination by the Victorian Government. It’s a points-tested visa that allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Victoria permanently. The key difference from the federal 189 visa is that Victoria selects candidates who can contribute to its specific economic and demographic goals. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, a state-nominated 190 visa grants you five extra points, boosting your chances in a competitive system. To navigate this complex points system effectively, using a precise tool like the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator can help you accurately assess your score before applying.

1. How Do I Check If My Occupation Is Eligible for Victoria 190?

Your occupation must be on Victoria’s skilled occupation list for the 190 visa. Victoria does not simply use the federal Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Instead, it publishes its own Skilled Visa Nomination Occupation List for Victoria, which is updated annually and targets specific sectors critical to the state’s economy.

• First, check Victoria’s list: Your nominated occupation must appear on Victoria’s current list. The state prioritises sectors like health, social services, STEM, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy.
• Then, ensure federal eligibility: Your occupation must also be on an eligible skilled occupation list for the Subclass 190 visa as per Home Affairs.
• Have a valid skills assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This assessment must be valid at the time of your visa application.

2. What Are the Basic Eligibility Requirements I Must Meet?

Beyond your occupation, you must meet several baseline criteria set by both the Australian government and the Victorian state.

• Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.
• Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the skilled migration points test. Remember, a Victoria 190 nomination adds 5 points.
• English Language: You must have at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). Some occupations may require higher proficiency.
• Health and Character: You and your family members must meet health and character requirements.
• Commitment to Victoria: You must genuinely intend to live and work in Victoria for at least your first two years. Tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor can analyse your profile against Victoria’s historical nomination data to gauge your chances based on these core requirements.

3. What Is the Victoria 190 Application Process Step-by-Step?

The process involves multiple stages with both the Victorian and Australian governments.

1. Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Create an EOI in SkillSelect, indicating your interest in the Subclass 190 visa and selecting Victoria as your nominating state.
3. Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) to Victoria: This is a separate, critical step. You must submit an ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal during an open nomination round. Victoria only invites candidates who have submitted an ROI.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply for Nomination: If Victoria selects your ROI, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for state nomination.
5. Apply for Victorian Nomination: Submit the full nomination application with supporting documents to the Victorian government.
6. Receive State Nomination: If successful, you will be nominated in SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply for the visa from Home Affairs.
7. Lodge Your Visa Application: Apply for the Subclass 190 visa with the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days.

4. How Does Victoria Select Candidates from the ROI Pool?

Victoria uses a selective, invitation-based model. They are not obligated to invite every eligible candidate. Selection is based on how well your skills and experience align with Victoria’s economic and workforce priorities.

• Targeted Sectors: Your occupation and work experience in Victoria’s priority sectors significantly increase your chances.
• Salary: For applicants living in Victoria (onshore), your current salary should be at least at the relevant market salary rate for your occupation in Victoria.
• Experience in Priority Sectors: Relevant experience in your field, especially within Victoria or in a comparable international market, is highly valued.
• English Proficiency: Higher English scores (Proficient or Superior) can make your application more competitive.
• Points Score: While 65 is the minimum, a higher points score improves your competitiveness in the ROI pool.

5. What Are the Key Documents Needed for the Victoria Nomination?

Preparing thorough documentation is crucial for a successful nomination application.

• Proof of Skills Assessment: A copy of your positive skills assessment.
• Proof of English Ability: Test results from IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge English.
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume: A detailed CV highlighting your experience, especially in priority sectors.
• Proof of Work Experience: Employment references, payslips, tax documents.
• Commitment Statement: A personal statement outlining your genuine intention to live and work in Victoria, your research into the local job market, and how your skills will contribute to the state.
• For Onshore Applicants: Evidence of current employment in Victoria, including job contracts and payslips showing market salary rate.

6. What Are the Most Common Reasons for Victoria 190 Refusals?

Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid them.

• Occupation Not Aligned with Priorities: Applying with an occupation that is not in high demand in Victoria.
• Insufficient or Unproven Commitment: Failing to convincingly demonstrate your intent to live in Victoria.
• Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Submitting documents that don’t meet the specified requirements or are poorly translated.
• Not Meeting the Salary Threshold (Onshore): For applicants working in Victoria, earning below the market salary rate for their occupation.
• Low Competitiveness: Having only the minimum points score and English level in a highly competitive ROI pool for your occupation.

7. Can I Apply If I Am Living Overseas or in Another Australian State?

Yes, Victoria accepts applications from both offshore (overseas) and onshore (in Australia) candidates. However, the criteria differ slightly.

• Offshore Applicants: You must have an occupation on Victoria’s skilled occupation list and demonstrate how your skills meet Victoria’s needs. Your commitment statement is vital.
• Onshore Applicants (in Victoria): You must be working in your nominated occupation or a closely related field in Victoria at the required market salary rate.
• Onshore Applicants (in another state): It is very difficult to secure a Victoria 190 nomination if you are living and working in another Australian state, as you must prove a genuine commitment to move to Victoria.

8. How Long Does the Entire Victoria 190 Process Take?

Processing times are variable and depend on several factors.

• ROI Waiting Period: After submitting your ROI, you may wait weeks or months for an invitation, depending on nomination round schedules and competition.
• State Nomination Processing: Victoria aims to process nomination applications within 12 weeks, but this can vary.
• Visa Processing: According to the Department of Home Affairs’ global visa processing times guide, 75% of Subclass 190 visa applications are processed within 8 months, and 90% within 10 months. These times are indicative and change quarterly.
• Total Timeline: From EOI/ROI to visa grant, the entire process can typically take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Staying updated on policy changes is critical; platforms like NovenAI provide instant policy alerts to keep applicants ahead of any shifts in state nomination criteria or processing priorities.

9. What Are the Costs Involved in the Victoria 190 Visa Pathway?

Budgeting for the visa is an essential step.

• Skills Assessment: Varies by assessing authority (typically AUD $400 - $1,200).
• English Language Test: Approximately AUD $300 - $400.
• Victorian State Nomination Application Fee: Currently AUD $0 for the nomination application itself.
• Visa Application Charge: The main cost. For the primary applicant, it is currently AUD $4,640. Additional charges apply for partners and dependent children.
• Health Checks and Police Certificates: These can cost several hundred dollars per person.
• Migration Agent/Lawyer Fees (Optional): If you use professional help, fees can range from AUD $2,000 to $7,000+.

10. What Happens After I Get My Victoria 190 Visa?

The 190 visa is a permanent resident visa, granting you significant rights and responsibilities.

• Initial Stay: You can stay in Australia indefinitely.
• Travel Facility: You get a 5-year travel facility. After this, you need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if you wish to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
• Path to Citizenship: After living in Australia for four years, including at least one year as a permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
• Commitment to Victoria: While a legal requirement to live in Victoria is only for the first two years (which is monitored), it’s expected you have a genuine long-term commitment to the state.

Securing a Victoria 190 visa is a strategic process that rewards candidates who meticulously align their skills with the state’s economic vision. From ensuring your occupation is targeted to crafting a compelling commitment statement, each step requires careful attention. While the path has many requirements, the reward—permanent residency in one of Australia’s most vibrant states—is life-changing.

Don’t navigate this complex journey alone or with outdated information. NovenAI provides the most current, AI-powered guidance, from calculating your exact points with its EOI Calculator to predicting your nomination chances and offering 24/7 expert advice at a fraction of traditional consultancy costs.

Ready to start your Victorian future? Let NovenAI’s migration mentor guide your first step.