Victoria’s New Points Test (VPT) for 190 and 491 Visas: Full Points Table and New Fees 2026-27

Last checked: 13 October 2026

Victoria, Australia, now uses a new ranking system called the Victorian Points Test (VPT) to choose applicants for state nomination under the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). On 13 October 2026, Victoria also announced new fees for the 2026-27 program. Here is everything Pakistani applicants need to know.

Note: Dream Visa Guide is a free informational website. We do not process visa or nomination applications. Always check the official Live in Melbourne website before applying.

What Is the Victorian Points Test?

The VPT is Victoria’s own scoring system. It is separate from the Australian Government’s 65-point SkillSelect test. You still need at least 65 points in your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI), but Victoria then uses the VPT to rank everyone who submits a Registration of Interest (ROI).

• All ROIs are ranked from the highest VPT score to the lowest.
• There is no fixed pass mark. Your chances depend on how your score compares with other applicants.
• A high score does not guarantee an invitation.

Full VPT Points Table

1. Age (up to 300 points)

2. English Language (up to 200 points)

• Competent English: 0 points
• Proficient English: 100 points
• Superior English: 200 points

3. Experience in Your Nominated Occupation (up to 100 points)

• No experience: 0 points
• 1 year: 20 points
• 1–3 years: 40 points
• 3–5 years: 60 points
• 6–8 years: 80 points
• More than 8 years: 100 points

Check the official VPT page for the exact boundaries between experience bands.

4. Education (up to 100 points)

• Other qualifications: 25 points
• Bachelor’s or Honours degree: 50 points
• Master’s degree: 75 points
• PhD: 100 points

5. Occupation Skill Level (up to 50 points)

• Skill level 1 occupation: 50 points
• Skill level 2 or 3 occupation: 0 points

6. Partner’s Skills (up to 50 points)

You get 50 points only if you claimed 10 partner points in your SkillSelect EOI, your partner is included in your nomination application, and your partner’s occupation is in a current priority industry. Single applicants, or applicants with an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner, get 0 points.

7. Salary in Victoria (up to 150 points, onshore only)

Only applicants who are currently working in a skilled job in Victoria can claim salary points.

• AUD 80,000 – 84,999: 8 points
• AUD 100,000 – 104,999: 39 points
• AUD 120,000 – 124,999: 71 points
• AUD 150,000 – 154,999: 118 points
• AUD 170,000 and above: 150 points

(Points increase in steps of about 8 points for every AUD 5,000. See the official page for the full table.)

Example: How to Calculate Your VPT Score

An applicant living in Pakistan who is 32 years old, has Proficient English, 5 years of experience, a Master’s degree and a skill level 1 occupation, and is single:

Key point: Age and English carry the most weight. Moving from Proficient to Superior English adds 100 points, which can make a big difference for offshore applicants.

New Fees for 2026-27 (Announced 13 October 2026)

For the first time, Victoria will charge fees:

• Registration of Interest (ROI): AUD 60 (AUD 66 including GST)
• Subclass 190 nomination application: AUD 180 (AUD 198 including GST)
• Subclass 491 nomination application: AUD 180 (AUD 198 including GST)

• GST (10%) applies only if you are in Australia when you pay.
• The ROI fee is charged once per program year. Withdrawing and resubmitting in the same year does not cost extra.
• The nomination fee is paid only if you are invited.
• These fees are separate from the Australian Government’s visa application fee.

Old ROIs Will Not Carry Over

If you submitted an ROI in a previous program year, it will not be considered for 2026-27. You must log in and submit a new ROI when the 2026-27 program opens. The opening date had not been announced as of 13 October 2026.

How Victoria Sends Invitations

Each ROI is considered in two ways:

1. Most competitive: The highest VPT scores across all eligible occupations are invited.
2. Priority industry: The highest scores within each priority industry are invited.

The 2026-27 priority industries are healthcare, social assistance, education and construction.

How to Apply: Step by Step

1. Get a positive skills assessment for your occupation.
2. Take an approved English test (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
3. Submit an EOI in SkillSelect with at least 65 points.
4. When the program opens, create an account on the Live in Melbourne portal and submit an ROI (AUD 60).
5. If invited, submit a nomination application (AUD 180).
6. If nominated, you will receive a visa invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

Tips to Improve Your VPT Score

• Improve your English: Superior English gives 100 more points than Proficient.
• Apply early: Age points drop every year after 29, and fall sharply after 40.
• Count your experience correctly: Only experience in your nominated occupation counts.
• Partner skills: If your partner works in a priority industry, you may gain 50 points.

For more about Australian visas, see our Australia Visa Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the VPT the same as the 65-point SkillSelect test?
No. You still need 65 points in SkillSelect. The VPT is Victoria’s separate system for ranking ROIs.

What is the pass mark for the VPT?
There is no fixed pass mark. Victoria invites the highest-ranked applicants.

Can applicants in Pakistan claim salary points?
No. Salary points are only for people currently working in a skilled job in Victoria.

Do I need to submit a new ROI?
Yes. ROIs from earlier years do not carry over to 2026-27.

Read more updates in our Visa Guides section.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is based on information published on the official Live in Melbourne website as of 13 October 2026. Points, fees, priority industries and eligibility can change, and the 2026-27 eligibility criteria had not yet been published. Always confirm the latest details on liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au before applying. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with the Victorian or Australian Government.