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Victoria Australia Occupation List 2025–2026 Guide

immigration lawyers at NovenAI
May 13, 2026
6 min read
Official Info
#Victoria Australia occupation list
#skilled migration
#priority sectors
#190 visa
#491 visa
#state nomination
#EOI points
#NovenAI

Top Victoria Australia Occupation List 2025–2026: Complete Guide for Skilled Migration

TL;DR: Victoria’s occupation list determines which skilled workers can apply for state nomination (subclass 190 and 491 visas) to live and work in Victoria. As of 2025–2026, the Victorian Government uses a targeted approach—there is no single fixed occupation list. Instead, Victoria invites candidates from all skilled occupations on the relevant Australian Government skilled occupation lists but prioritises those in priority sectors. Use our free EOI Points Calculator to check your eligibility and see if your occupation is likely to be invited.


What is the Victorian Skilled Occupation List for 2025–2026?

Victoria does not publish a traditional closed occupation list in 2025–2026. Instead, the state uses a priority sector-based system under which any skilled occupation on the Australian Government’s skilled occupation lists (including the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List—MLTSSL, Short-term Skilled Occupation List—STSOL, and Regional Occupation List—ROL) can be nominated.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page (homeaffairs.gov.au), Victoria’s criteria focus on:

  • Priority sectors currently driving economic recovery and growth
  • Skilled migration to fill genuine labour shortages
  • Commitment to living and working in Victoria for at least two years

This means if your occupation aligns with Victoria’s priority areas, you have a strong chance.

Key Priority Sectors in Victoria 2025–2026

Victorian Government’s priority sectors include:

  • Health and medical research
  • Digital and technology (including cybersecurity, AI, data analytics, fintech)
  • Advanced manufacturing and engineering
  • Clean energy and sustainability
  • Education and early childhood teaching
  • Hospitality and tourism (regional visa pathways)

Note: Victoria also accepts skilled workers for a range of other occupations, but those in priority sectors receive faster processing and higher invitation probabilities.


Which occupations are most likely to be invited for Victorian state nomination?

Victoria prioritises occupations that directly support critical sectors. The highest-demand roles include:

Health and Medical

  • Registered Nurses (all specialities)
  • Medical Practitioners (GPs, specialists, surgeons)
  • Aged and Disability Carers (491 pathway)
  • Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists

Digital and Technology

  • Software and Applications Programmers
  • ICT Security Specialists
  • Data Scientists and Analysts
  • Systems Architects

Advanced Manufacturing

  • Engineering Managers, Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers
  • Electrical Engineers and Electronics Technicians
  • Production and Plant Managers

Clean Energy

  • Environmental Engineers
  • Hydrogeologists and Geotechnical Engineers
  • Project/Building Managers with sustainable construction experience

Where does your occupation sit in the Victoria 190 queue?

Enter your occupation to see the Victoria 190 pool and how much of this year's quota is already used.

Education

  • Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Special Education Teachers

Regional Victoria (491 visa)

  • Cooks, Chefs, and Bakers
  • Agricultural Technicians and Scientists
  • Hospitality Managers and Hotel/Motel Managers

How do I check if my occupation is on Victoria’s list?

You can check in two ways:

  1. Official Victorian Government website – Visit Live in Victoria’s skilled migration page for the most updated priority sector guidance.
  2. Use NovenAI’s free tools – Our Visa Success Predictor instantly analyses your occupation, points score, and experience against current Victoria nomination criteria.

The official list is updated quarterly. However, Victoria generally invites candidates from any occupation on the relevant Australian skilled occupation lists, so if your occupation appears on ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) and falls under a priority sector, apply proactively.

Check Your English Level First

One key requirement: you need Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) at minimum. For priority occupations like nursing and teaching, Proficient or Superior English may be required. Use our English Level Guide to confirm your score meets Victorian thresholds.


Do I need a job offer for Victoria nomination?

No, you generally do not need a job offer for Victoria nomination (subclass 190 or 491). However, having a confirmed job in a priority sector significantly strengthens your application.

Victoria assesses your:

  • Points score (minimum 65, though 85+ is more competitive)
  • Occupation and sector alignment
  • Commitment to live and work in Victoria for at least two years
  • Skilled employment history in your nominated occupation

Example Scenario: Maria, a Registered Nurse from the Philippines

  • Points score: 80 (age 30, English Proficient, 8 years overseas experience, bachelor’s degree)
  • Occupation on MLTSSL: Yes
  • Victoria priority sector: Health – High priority
  • Result: Invited for subclass 190 within 3 months of EOI submission

How does Victoria’s 2025–2026 system differ from other states?

Victoria stands out because:

  • No occupation cap – Unlike some states, Victoria does not limit the number of nominations per occupation
  • All skilled occupations eligible – As long as you’re on a federal skilled list and in strong demand
  • Priority-based invitations – Guarantees focus on genuine shortage areas
  • Online EOI system – Simply lodge an EOI via SkillSelect, select Victoria, and wait for an invitation

Which ICT occupation gets invited fastest?

Pick your occupation to compare tier, competition pressure and invitation volume across ICT codes.

According to State Migration Victoria’s official site (liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au), you must also demonstrate strong employment prospects and English ability.


What are the top tips to increase your chances?

  1. Maximise your points – Use our EOI Points Calculator to identify weak areas. Every point matters! If you’re below 80, consider improving English or gaining additional skilled experience.

  2. Target priority sectors – If your occupation is not in a priority sector, explore whether qualification recognition pathways exist. For example, an electrical engineer can pivot to clean energy projects.

  3. Apply for regional Victoria (491 visa) – If you can commit to regional living, Victoria grants easier access and lower point thresholds.

  4. Get a skills assessment as early as possible – Before submitting your EOI, ensure your skills are assessed by the relevant authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ANMAC for nurses, ACS for IT professionals).

  5. Stay updated with policy changes – Subscription-based alert platforms like NovenAI’s 24/7 AI migration mentor (US $39/month) notify you within minutes of any critical updates. You’ll never miss a rule change.


Conclusion

Victoria’s occupation list for 2025–2026 is more flexible than you think—any skilled occupation on the federal lists can qualify, but priority sectors get you there faster. Focus on health, tech, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing for the highest odds. Use our free tools to boost your points, predict your visa success, and check your English level.

Your pathway to Victoria starts today.
→ Start your assessment with NovenAI


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Last updated: May 13, 2026Reading time: 6 min
Tags: #Victoria Australia occupation list, #skilled migration, #priority sectors...
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