Victoria State Nomination Update: The Government Issued the Last Invitation Round on 1 May 2026
The latest update from the Victoria’s Government announced that it conducted the last invitation round for the 2025-26 state nomination program on 1 May 2026. It emphasised that candidates who have not received any communications mean their ROi have not been selected, but the Victorian Government will consider these candidates for future invitation rounds.
What does 01 May 2026’s Invitation Round Imply?
The Victorian Government emphasised the following points regarding the invitation round conducted on 01 May 2026:
- The Victorian Government will directly contact candidates whose ROI were invited.
- Candidates who have not received any communication from the Victorian Government mean they have not been invited for this round
- Candidates who have not been invited will continue be considered for future invitation round
Victoria’s 2025-26 Allocation Now Nearly Fully Used
For the current program year, the Australian Government allocated these numbers for the Victoria state nomination program:
- 2,700 places for subclass 190 visa
- 700 places for subclass 491 visa
- Total: 3,400 nomination places
Due to the overwhelming demand, the Government of Victoria confirmed that the number of ROIs submitted has significantly exceeded available nomination places.
However, the Government of Victoria will continue to consider all submitted ROIs for the remaining nomination places until they’re all used.
What This Means for Skilled Visa Applicants
This update will have a significant impact on applicants, particularly those targeting Victoria for state nomination.
If you have not been invited, there’s no action to take other than to keep your ROI updated, so the Victorian Government would consider you in the next invitation round. Other than that, you may consider other available options, such as considering other state nominations or other visa programs.
If you have been invited, you can continue the process according to the guidance given by the Victorian Government, including submitting your visa application within the given deadline.
What to Do If You Haven’t Been Invited to Victoria’s State Nomination
If you haven’t been invited, consider exploring other available migration options, such as:
Option 1: Explore Other States
Victoria is not your only pathway. You can consider other states, such as NSW, Western Australia, South Australia, or Tasmania.
Each state has different occupation lists, priorities, and chances of invitation.
Exploring other states can also be your backup plan.
Option 2: Explore Other Visa Pathways
You can also consider alternative visa options, such as employer-sponsored visas, which do not rely on state nomination.
This pathway may be suitable if you have relevant work experience and can secure an employer willing to sponsor you in Australia.
Click here to learn more about sponsored visas, including the available subclasses.
Option 3: Start Preparing for the Next Financial Year
While waiting for Victoria to reopen, this is the perfect time to evaluate and strengthen your profile. Assess how competitive your background is. If it’s not strong enough yet, start preparing early to improve your chances once the program opens again.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Improve your points score (e.g., English test, additional qualifications).
- Strengthen your employment profile with more relevant experience.
- Ensure your occupation is aligned with current demand.
- Prepare all required documents in advance.
The better prepared you are now, the higher your chances will be when the Victoria State nomination opens again.
Why Many Applicants Still Don’t Get an Invitation
Even if you submitted your ROI, it doesn’t guarantee you an invitation. Here’s the reality:
- The number of applicants far exceeded the available places
- Not all occupations are equally prioritised
- Points alone do not guarantee an invitation
In 2026, state nomination is no longer just about eligibility; it’s about competitiveness and strategy.
Best Strategy If You Haven’t Received an Invitation
If you have submitted EOI and ROI but have not heard back, here’s some strategy to consider:
- Don’t wait passively: waiting without a backup plan only means losing your time.
- Build a multi-pathway strategy: instead of waiting for 1 state to invite for 1 specific visa, consider other states and other visa options, including employer-sponsored visas that provide PR pathways.
- Improve your profile: increase your English score, gain more relevant work experience, and review occupation alignment.
- Be ready for next program year: prepare early for the 2026-27 intake and avoid last-minute submissions.
Click here to build your strategy for the next program year!
Why This Update Matters More Than Ever
The closure of Victoria state nomination reflects a broader trend in 2026:
- Increased competition for skilled migration
- Limited state nomination quotas
- Higher expectations for applicants
Missing this window could delay your migration plan by at least 6-12 months.
Final Thoughts
Victoria’s early closure of its state nomination program is a strong signal that the skilled migration landscape is tightening and timing is now critical.
Whether you’ve already submitted your ROI or not, this is the moment to:
- Reassess your position
- Strengthen your strategy
- Avoid relying on a single pathway
If you’re unsure whether your ROI is competitive, what your chances are in Victoria, or which alternative pathways you should consider, this is where a proper strategy can make a significant difference.
Instead of waiting and hoping for an invitation, you may want to understand your realistic options before the program closes. Our Registered Migration Agents are more than ready to assist you with your concerns. Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 session:
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