Victorian Points Test Explained: How Victoria Ranks 190 and 491 ROIs
Victoria uses the Victorian Points Test (VPT) to rank Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for subclass 190 and subclass 491 nomination. Understanding the seven scoring factors can help applicants see how their profiles are assessed.
The VPT is separate from the Australian Government’s SkillSelect points test. It determines an ROI’s ranking for Victorian nomination, rather than replacing federal visa eligibility requirements.
Victorian Points Test vs Skill Select Points
| Feature | Victorian Points Test | Australian Government Points Test |
| Purpose | Ranks ROIs for Victorian nomination | Determines points eligibility for a skilled visa |
| Minimum score | No fixed pass mark | At least 65 points |
| Information used | SkillSelect EOI and Victorian ROI | Information claimed in the SkillSelect EOI |
| Outcome | Helps determine nomination invitations | Forms part of visa eligibility |
Applicants must satisfy both federal visa requirements and Victoria’s nomination requirements. A high VPT score does not guarantee an invitation.
The Seven Victorian Points Test Factors
The following tables summarise the published scoring schedule.
- Age
Applicants aged 20–29 receive the highest age score: 300 points.
| Age | VPT Points |
| 18 | 265 |
| 19 | 282 |
| 20–29 | 300 |
| 30 | 286 |
| 31 | 270 |
| 32 | 256 |
| 33 | 240 |
| 34 | 226 |
| 35 | 210 |
| 36 | 196 |
| 37 | 180 |
| 38 | 166 |
| 39 | 150 |
| 40 | 136 |
| 41 | 106 |
| 42 | 76 |
| 43 | 46 |
| 44 | 16 |
- English Language
| English Level | VPT Points |
| Competent | 0 |
| Proficient | 100 |
| Superior | 200 |
Moving from Proficient to Superior English increases this component by 100 VPT points.
- Experience in the Nominated Occupation
| Experience | VPT Points |
| 0 years | 0 |
| 1 year | 20 |
| 2–3 years | 40 |
| 4–5 years | 60 |
| 6–7 years | 80 |
| More than 8 years | 100 |
Publication note: The official table currently says “More than 8 years” without separately identifying exactly eight years. Applicants in that situation should seek clarification from Victoria rather than assume a score.
- Educational Qualification
| Education Level | VPT Points |
| Other | 25 |
| Bachelor’s and Honours | 50 |
| Master’s | 75 |
| PhD | 100 |
- Occupation Skill Level
| Nominated Occupation’s Skill Level | VPT Points |
| Skill Level 1 | 50 |
| Skill Level 2 | 0 |
| Skill Level 3 | 0 |
This factor relates to the classification of the nominated occupation, rather than simply the qualification an applicant personally holds.
For example, holding a master’s degree does not automatically make a nominated occupation Skill Level 1. Applicants should check their exact occupation’s classification using the Home Affairs skilled occupation list linked from Victoria’s VPT page.
Receiving zero points under this factor does not, by itself, mean an applicant is ineligible.
- Partner’s Skills
Applicants receive 50 VPT points only if all three requirements are met:
- They have claimed 10 points for Partner Skills in their SkillSelect EOI.
- Their partner will be included in the state-nominated visa application.
- Their partner’s occupation is a current Victorian priority industry occupation.
Applicants who are single, have an Australian partner, or do not meet all these requirements receive zero points under this VPT factor.
This is a useful example of why applicants should calculate their Victorian score separately from their federal points.
- Annual Earnings From Current Skilled Employment in Victoria
| Annual Earnings (AUD) | VPT Points |
| $80,000–$84,999 | 8 |
| $85,000–$89,999 | 16 |
| $90,000–$94,999 | 24 |
| $95,000–$99,999 | 32 |
| $100,000–$104,999 | 39 |
| $105,000–$109,999 | 47 |
| $110,000–$114,999 | 55 |
| $115,000–$119,999 | 63 |
| $120,000–$124,999 | 71 |
| $125,000–$129,999 | 79 |
| $130,000–$134,999 | 87 |
| $135,000–$139,999 | 95 |
| $140,000–$144,999 | 103 |
| $145,000–$149,999 | 111 |
| $150,000–$154,999 | 118 |
| $155,000–$159,999 | 126 |
| $160,000–$164,999 | 134 |
| $165,000–$169,999 | 142 |
| $170,000 and over | 150 |
This factor concerns current skilled employment in Victoria. Applicants should follow Victoria’s Annual Earnings Estimation guidance when working out the amount they can claim.
Scoring tables: Victorian Government’s published VPT schedule, also supplied as source material for this article.
How Does Victoria Select ROIs?
Victoria describes two selection routes:
Most competitive: The highest-scoring ROIs across all eligible occupations in the pool are selected.
Priority industry: The highest-scoring ROIs within specified priority industries or industry subgroups are selected.
Priority status therefore does not remove the role of the VPT: applicants are still ranked within the relevant pool.
Example: Calculating a VPT Score
Consider this illustrative applicant:
| Factor | Applicant’s Circumstances | Points |
| Age | 28 | 300 |
| English | Superior | 200 |
| Nominated occupation experience | 4 years | 60 |
| Education | Master’s degree | 75 |
| Occupation skill level | Skill Level 1 | 50 |
| Partner’s skills | Single | 0 |
| Victorian skilled employment earnings | $100,000 annually | 39 |
| Total | 724 |
This example assumes that all claims meet the relevant requirements. 724 is an illustrative total, not an invitation threshold or prediction.
Is There a VPT Pass Mark?
No. Competitiveness depends on an applicant’s score relative to other ROIs and the nomination places available.
Victoria also states that it cannot prioritise invitations because of personal circumstances, such as an approaching visa or document expiry.
What Should Applicants Do Next?
Check each scoring factor against the information in your EOI and ROI, and make sure supporting evidence is available.
Applicants who submitted an ROI in a previous program year must submit a new ROI for 2026–27 when the program opens, according to Victoria’s published update.
As checked on 20 October 2026, Live in Melbourne states that the 2026–27 program will open soon, with eligibility criteria and further details to be published at opening.
Discuss Your Victorian Nomination Plans With EMK Global
Want to understand how the Victorian Points Test applies to your circumstances?
Contact EMK Global Education & Migration to review your profile and discuss the requirements relevant to your subclass 190 or 491 nomination plans.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Visa requirements and policies may change, and individual circumstances vary. Please seek advice from a registered migration agent or qualified professional before making any visa or immigration decisions.
Source: Live in Melbourne