Victoria will charge fees for Registrations of Interest (ROIs) and nomination applications for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas from the 2026–27 program year. Live in Melbourne announced the change on 13 October 2026. Until now, both steps have been free.

The fees are modest, but they change how you should plan. Here is what you will pay, when you pay it, and what to do before the 2026–27 program opens.

The new 2026–27 fees

An ROI costs $60 and a 190 or 491 nomination application costs $180, plus GST if you are in Australia when you pay.

All amounts are in Australian dollars. Source: Live in Melbourne program update, 13 October 2026.

What this means for you

If you are in Australia and get invited, Victoria’s fees will total $264. Offshore, the same path costs $240.

• GST depends on where you are. The 10% GST applies only if you are in Australia when you pay. It is worked out when you complete the form.
• You only pay for nomination if you are invited. The $180 nomination fee applies only when Victoria invites you and you submit a nomination application. If your ROI is not selected, the ROI fee is all you pay.
• The ROI fee is charged once per program year. If you withdraw your ROI and submit a new one in the same program year, you will not be charged again. This matters if your earnings, partner points or visa subclass change.
• These are Victorian Government fees only. They are separate from the Department of Home Affairs visa application charge and any professional fees.

Already lodged an ROI in a previous year?

Your old ROI will not carry over. To be considered in 2026–27, you must log in to the Live in Melbourne portal and submit a new ROI once the program opens, and the new ROI fee will apply.

This is a change from 2025–26, when ROIs from the previous year stayed valid without resubmitting.

How ROIs are selected

Live in Melbourne has now published how much weight each factor carries in its Victorian Points Test, plus the priority industries it considers when choosing who to invite. Read it before you pay for an ROI, so you know where you stand.

In 2025–26, ROIs were ranked on age, English level, years of experience, education, occupation skill level, partner skills and, for onshore applicants, salary. Priority sectors included health, social services, education, construction, new energy and advanced manufacturing. Check the Victorian Points Test page on Live in Melbourne for the 2026–27 settings, as these may differ.

An ROI is not an application, and submitting one does not mean you will be invited.

What to do before the program opens

The 2026–27 program has not opened yet, and Live in Melbourne has not given a date. Use the time to get ready so your ROI fee is well spent.

1. Check your skills assessment and English test are valid, and note when each expires.
2. Make sure your SkillSelect EOI is accurate and up to date, including where you live.
3. Read the Victorian Points Test and priority industry information on Live in Melbourne.
4. Budget $66 for the ROI if you are in Australia ($60 if offshore), plus the nomination fee if you are invited.
5. If you had an ROI last year, plan to submit a new one as soon as the program opens.

How Southern Stone can help

We can review your EOI, check how you are likely to rank under the Victorian Points Test, and prepare your ROI and nomination application. Book a consultation at southernstone.com.au/contact-us or call 1300 188 999.

General information only, not migration advice. Fees and program settings can change, so check Live in Melbourne before acting.

Sources

Live in Melbourne, “Update: Victorian skilled visa nomination program 2026–27”, email to registered agents, 13 October 2026

Live in Melbourne: Registration of Interest for Victorian skilled visa nomination (2025–26 settings)