Learn how the Victorian Points Test (VPT) ranks skilled visa applicants for subclass 190 and 491 nomination in 2026–27. Explore the seven ranking factors, scoring tables, invitation pathways and priority industry selection process.
VETASSESS has announced an upcoming increase to its Professional Skills Assessment fees, effective 9 September 2026.
According to VETASSESS, the fee adjustment is being made in line with movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and has been reviewed in accordance with Australian Government guidance.
For applicants currently preparing a skills assessment, the upcoming change is an important deadline to be aware of.
Key Information at a Glance
| Key Information | Details |
| Fee increase effective from | 9 September 2026 |
| Applications received before 9 September 2026 | Current fees will apply |
| Applications received from 9 September 2026 | Updated fees will apply |
| Trade Occupation Assessments | Not affected |
Which Services Will Be Affected?
The fee increase will apply to Professional Skills Assessments and a number of related services.
These include Priority Processing (PP), Skills Assessment Support (SAS), Chinese Qualification Verification (CQV), Non-Migration Skills Assessments and Administration fees.
Importantly, VETASSESS has confirmed that the fee update does not apply to assessments for trade occupations.
Important Deadline: 9 September 2026
One of the most important points for applicants is that applications received by VETASSESS before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates.
Applications received from 9 September 2026 onwards will be subject to the updated fees.
Therefore, applicants who are already ready to proceed with their assessment should carefully consider their application timeline and ensure their application is properly prepared before lodging.
Current Published VETASSESS Fees
VETASSESS currently lists the following fees for selected professional assessment services:
| Service | Applying from within Australia | Applicant outside Australia |
| Full Skills Assessment | AUD $1,205.60 | AUD $1,096 |
| Priority Processing* | AUD $907.50 | AUD $825 |
| Points Test Advice | AUD $342.10 | AUD $311 |
| 485 Skills Assessment | AUD $457.60 | AUD $416 |
*Priority Processing is an additional fee on top of the Full Skills Assessment fee. Fees shown by VETASSESS may include or exclude GST depending on the applicant’s Australian tax residency status.
Applicants should check the official VETASSESS fee schedule before lodging, particularly around the 9 September 2026 fee change.
What Is a VETASSESS Skills Assessment?
A Skills Assessment is an important part of the professional occupation recognition process for people seeking to migrate to Australia.
VETASSESS assesses qualifications and employment experience to determine whether an applicant has the skills and knowledge required for their nominated occupation.
VETASSESS assesses a wide range of professional occupations across areas including:
- Business and Finance
- Arts and Education
- Construction and Manufacturing
- Hospitality and Retail
- Science, Health and Agriculture
Why Is a Skills Assessment Important for Skilled Migration?
For several skilled migration pathways, applicants need to provide information about their skills assessment as part of the SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
The Department of Home Affairs states that applicants for skilled visas such as subclass 189, 190 and 491 need to submit an EOI before they can be invited to apply. Applicants also need a skills assessment in their nominated occupation before submitting their EOI.
However, having a positive skills assessment does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant. The Department of Home Affairs also makes clear that meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation, as invitation outcomes depend on the relevant program and selection process.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If you are considering a skilled migration pathway and your occupation is assessed by VETASSESS, it is worth reviewing your situation before the fee change takes effect.
You should consider:
- Checking whether VETASSESS is the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- Reviewing the qualification and employment requirements for your occupation.
- Preparing your supporting documents carefully.
- Checking that your employment history and qualifications can be properly evidenced.
- If you are ready to lodge, being aware of the 9 September 2026 fee-change deadline.
Keep Your Migration Strategy Up to Date
A skills assessment is only one part of the overall skilled migration process. Your occupation, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, points score and other circumstances can all affect your potential pathway.
The Department of Home Affairs also recommends keeping your EOI information up to date if your circumstances change, such as gaining additional work experience, obtaining a new qualification, improving your English proficiency or receiving a new skills assessment.
Need Help With Your Skills Assessment?
Planning your skills assessment carefully can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that your qualifications and employment experience are presented appropriately.
📩 Contact EMK Global Education & Migration for assistance with reviewing your profile, understanding your potential skills assessment pathway and planning your next steps towards skilled migration in Australia.
Important: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. VETASSESS assessment requirements, fees and Australian migration policies may change. Applicants should always check the latest information directly with VETASSESS and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Source: VETASSESS
Australia has introduced new processing priorities for certain skilled visa applications under Ministerial Direction 119 (MD119), which came into effect on 25 July 2026.
The new Direction replaces Ministerial Direction 105 (MD105) and introduces an important change to how skilled visa applications are prioritised: the Department of Home Affairs now considers both the applicant’s occupation and their location at the time of application.
For skilled migrants and employers, particularly those considering employer-sponsored or skilled migration pathways, understanding the new priority system can be important when planning their next steps.
What Is Ministerial Direction 119?
Ministerial Direction 119 determines the order in which the Department of Home Affairs processes nomination and visa applications for a range of skilled visa subclasses.
According to Home Affairs, MD119 applies to all applications currently on hand, including applications lodged before 25 July 2026 that have not yet been finalised.
The new Direction also covers the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), which was not previously included under MD105.
What Are the New Processing Priorities?
Under MD119, skilled nomination and visa applications are processed according to five priority groups:
| Priority | Applications |
| Priority 1 – Highest | Law enforcement or defence-related occupations where the applicant was in Australia at the time of application |
| Priority 2 | Law enforcement or defence-related occupations where the applicant was outside Australia at the time of application |
| Priority 3 | Construction, healthcare and teaching occupations where the applicant was in Australia at the time of application |
| Priority 4 | Other skilled applications where the applicant was in Australia at the time of application |
| Priority 5 | Other skilled applications where the applicant was outside Australia at the time of application |
This means that an applicant’s location at the time of application now plays an important role in determining processing priority.
What Does This Mean for Healthcare, Teaching and Construction Workers?
Construction, healthcare and teaching remain identified as priority occupation groups under MD119.
However, there is an important distinction.
Applicants in these occupations receive Priority 3 only where they were in Australia at the time of application.
For example, a nurse, teacher or construction professional who was in Australia when their application was lodged may fall within Priority 3.
By comparison, an applicant in the same occupation who was outside Australia when the application was lodged does not receive the same Priority 3 treatment. Unless they fall within the law enforcement or defence categories, offshore applications are processed under Priority 5.
Importantly, this does not mean offshore healthcare, teaching or construction professionals are no longer eligible for skilled migration.
MD119 determines processing priority. It does not, by itself, change the eligibility criteria for the relevant visa.
Which Skilled Visas Are Affected?
MD119 applies to a broad range of skilled migration visas, including:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191)
- Skills in Demand / Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)
It also covers several other skilled and legacy visa subclasses specified by Home Affairs.
The inclusion of the Skills in Demand subclass 482 visa is particularly notable, as Home Affairs confirms that it was not previously included under MD105.
Does Higher Priority Guarantee Faster Processing?
Not necessarily.
A higher priority means the Department gives the application a higher position in its processing order. It does not guarantee a particular processing timeframe or a successful visa outcome.
Actual processing times can still depend on factors such as whether the application is complete, requests for additional information, health and character checks, application complexity, application volumes and Migration Program planning levels.
Home Affairs also notes that skilled visa applications are not necessarily processed in the order in which they are received.
In simple terms:
Processing priority ≠ visa eligibility ≠ guaranteed visa grant.
What About Applications Already Lodged?
MD119 applies to all applications currently on hand.
This means that applications lodged before 25 July 2026 but still awaiting processing may now be prioritised according to the new Direction.
Applicants with pending skilled visa applications should therefore be aware of where their application may sit within the new processing priority framework.
What Should Skilled Visa Applicants Do?
The introduction of MD119 highlights the importance of considering more than just visa eligibility when planning a skilled migration pathway.
Applicants should understand:
- whether their visa subclass is covered by MD119;
- which processing priority may apply to their circumstances;
- whether their occupation falls within a priority occupation group; and
- how their location at the time of application affects processing priority.
It is also important to ensure that applications are properly prepared and supported by the required evidence, as processing priority does not replace the requirement to satisfy all relevant visa criteria.
Need Help Understanding Your Skilled Migration Options?
Australia’s skilled migration framework continues to evolve, and changes to processing priorities may affect how applicants plan their next steps.
Contact EMK Global Education & Migration for assistance with reviewing your circumstances, understanding your potential skilled or employer-sponsored migration pathways, and planning your next steps.
Important: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. Visa requirements, processing priorities and migration policies may change. Applicants should always check the latest information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs or seek professional advice relevant to their circumstances.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Choosing between the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) is one of the biggest decisions for skilled migrants planning permanent residency in Australia.
Both visas require state or territory nomination, both use the SkillSelect points system, and both can lead to Australian permanent residency.
However, they are designed for different applicants.
The Subclass 190 visa provides permanent residency immediately, while the Subclass 491 visa is a provisional regional visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting regional living and income requirements.
The right choice depends on your:
- Points score
- Occupation demand
- State nomination availability
- Willingness to live in regional Australia
- Long-term migration goals
This guide explains the key differences between the 190 visa vs 491 visa in 2026 and helps you decide which pathway may suit your profile.
What Is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Once granted, applicants become Australian permanent residents.
Key Features of the 190 Visa
- Permanent residency from visa grant
- Requires state or territory nomination
- Requires an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Provides 5 additional points for nomination
- Applicant must meet occupation and eligibility requirements
- Applicants are generally expected to live in the nominating state for a period after arrival
The 190 visa is highly competitive because it offers immediate permanent residency.
Many states prioritise applicants with:
- Higher points scores
- Australian study or work experience
- In-demand occupations
- Strong English ability
- Skills shortages matching state needs
What Is the Subclass 491 Visa?
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is designed for skilled migrants who are willing to live and work in regional Australia.
It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa after meeting the required conditions.
Key Features of the 491 Visa
- Valid for up to 5 years
- Requires state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship
- Provides 15 additional points for nomination
- Requires living and working in a designated regional area
- Can lead to permanent residency through Subclass 191
The 491 visa is often a strategic option for applicants who do not have enough points for a competitive 190 invitation.
190 Visa vs 491 Visa: Key Differences
| Feature | Subclass 190 Visa | Subclass 491 Visa |
| Visa type | Permanent visa | Provisional regional visa |
| PR status | Granted immediately | Apply through Subclass 191 later |
| Points benefit | +5 points | +15 points |
| Regional requirement | No | Yes |
| Living requirement | State commitment | Regional area commitment |
| Competition | Higher | Generally lower |
| Best suited for | High-point applicants | Applicants needing extra points |
The Points Difference: Why 491 Can Change Your Chances
The biggest difference between the two pathways is the points advantage.
The 190 visa provides:
+5 points
The 491 visa provides:
+15 points
That additional 10 points can completely change an applicant’s competitiveness.
For example:
An applicant with:
- 70 points → may struggle for 190 invitations
- 85 points after 491 nomination points → becomes much more competitive
For many applicants, the 491 is not a backup option — it is the pathway that makes state nomination achievable.
Who Should Consider the 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 may be the better option if:
- You already have a strong points score
- Applicants with competitive points may have better chances of receiving invitations without needing the additional regional points.
- You want permanent residency immediately
- The biggest advantage of the 190 visa is receiving PR directly instead of transitioning from a provisional visa.
- Your occupation is available on state nomination lists
- If your occupation is actively selected by states, the 190 pathway may provide a faster route.
- You prefer living in metropolitan areas
- Although state commitments apply, the 190 provides more flexibility compared with regional obligations.
Who Should Consider the 491 Visa?
The Subclass 491 may suit you if:
- Your points score is not high enough for 190
- Applicants around the 65–75 point range often benefit significantly from the additional 15 points.
- Your occupation is available through regional pathways
- Some occupations have stronger opportunities through regional nomination than metropolitan state programs.
- You are open to regional Australia
Regional Australia includes many attractive locations such as:
- Adelaide
- Perth
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Darwin
- Gold Coast
- Newcastle
- Wollongong
Regional areas can offer strong employment opportunities, lower living costs, and migration pathways.
You want more invitation opportunities
Regional nomination programs often have different competition levels compared with major metropolitan pathways.
Can You Apply for Both 190 and 491 Visa?
Yes.
Applicants can include both visa preferences in their SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI).
Many applicants use a dual strategy:
- Submit interest for both 190 and 491
- Apply for state nomination opportunities
- Accept the strongest pathway available
This approach is common for applicants who want to maximise their chances.
491 Visa Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many applicants worry because the 491 is not permanent residency immediately.
The pathway generally looks like this:
- Submit EOI
- Receive state nomination
- Apply for Subclass 491 visa
- Live and work in regional Australia
- Meet eligibility requirements
- Apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency
The 491 pathway takes longer than 190, but it can provide a realistic route for applicants who cannot secure immediate PR.
How Occupation Demand Affects Your Choice
Your occupation is just as important as your points score.
Different states have different priorities depending on workforce shortages.
Commonly selected fields include:
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Construction
- Education
- Trades
- Community services
Before choosing between 190 and 491, applicants should review:
- Current state occupation lists
- Invitation trends
- Offshore/onshore preferences
- Available nomination places
Latest 2026 Considerations for Skilled Migrants
In 2026, Australian skilled migration continues to focus on:
- Filling critical skills shortages
- Supporting regional workforce needs
- Selecting applicants who match state priorities
Because invitation rounds and occupation demands change regularly, the “best” visa depends on your personal profile rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is 190 better than 491?
Not always. The 190 is better for applicants who qualify because it provides immediate permanent residency. The 491 may be better for applicants who need additional points or have stronger regional opportunities.
- How many points are required for 190 and 491?
The minimum points requirement is 65 points, but receiving an invitation depends on occupation, state demand, and competition.
- Can I move to Sydney after getting a 491 visa?
491 visa holders must live, work, or study in a designated regional area while meeting visa conditions. Moving to non-regional areas before meeting requirements may affect your pathway.
- Does 491 lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Eligible applicants may transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting requirements.
Which visa is faster: 190 or 491?
The 190 is generally faster because it provides PR directly. However, some applicants may receive a 491 invitation sooner due to lower competition.
Final Verdict: 190 vs 491 Visa — Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the 190 visa if:
✔ You have a competitive points score
✔ Your occupation is in demand
✔ You want PR immediately
Choose the 491 visa if:
✔ You need the extra 15 points
✔ Your occupation has stronger regional opportunities
✔ You are willing to live in regional Australia
For many applicants, especially those between 65–80 points, applying for both pathways is the most practical strategy.
The best migration pathway depends on your occupation, points score, and current state nomination opportunities. Getting the right advice before applying can help you avoid wasting time on a pathway that does not match your profile.
Fresh Interim Allocation & Updated Priority Attributes Announced
The Tasmanian Government has released a significant November 2025 update to its Skilled Migration State Nomination Program. While the Australian Government is yet to confirm the full annual quota for 2025–26, Tasmania has received an additional interim allocation of 450 nomination places, opening new doors for skilled professionals and graduates seeking permanent residency in Australia.
This update ensures that Tasmania continues to attract qualified migrants who can contribute to the state’s growing industries, particularly in construction, healthcare, education, and regional development.
New Interim Allocation for November 2025
| Visa Subclass | Number of Places (Nov 2025 Interim) | Purpose |
| Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa | 300 | Permanent residency pathway for skilled workers nominated by Tasmania |
| Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | 150 | Temporary regional visa leading to PR after 3 years of residence and work |
This additional 450 places will allow the state to resume weekly invitation rounds, with invitations expected to be issued across all Gold, Green, and Orange Pass categories.
Weekly updates will be posted on the official Migration Tasmania website, detailing:
- Number of ROIs (Registrations of Interest) invited
- Lowest scores invited
- Nomination places available
- ROIs currently on hand
Tasmania’s final allocation for the 2025–26 migration year will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Comparison: 2024–25 vs 2025–26 (Interim)
| Program Year | Total Allocation | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | Invitation Frequency | Key Notes |
| 2024–25 | 2,300 | 1,350 | 950 | Monthly Rounds | Full-year confirmed quota |
| 2025–26 (Interim) | 450 | 300 | 150 | Weekly Rounds | Awaiting full quota confirmation |
Key Difference:
While the interim allocation is smaller than 2024–25, weekly rounds mean faster processing and more consistent invitations for eligible candidates.
Key Clarifications from Migration Tasmania
Claiming Multiple Priority Attributes
Residency-Based Priority Attributes
Example:
– If you’ve lived in Tasmania for four years, you can only claim the attribute:
– “You have lived in Tasmania continuously for at least four but less than five years.”
– You cannot claim shorter-duration attributes (such as 3–4 years).
Choosing the Right Pathway
If you qualify under multiple migration pathways (e.g., Skilled Graduate and Established Resident), submit an ROI under the pathway with the highest attribute score.
Migration Tasmania does not prioritize one pathway over another — invitations are purely score-based.
Website Updates & Policy Clarifications (November 2025)
Migration Tasmania recently updated several nomination requirements to ensure clarity and fairness across all pathways.
Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathway – Subclass 190
| Criteria | 2024 Requirement | 2025 Update |
| Minimum residence while studying | 1 year | 2 years |
| Qualification level | Cert III or higher | Cert III or higher |
| Work experience requirement | Not mandatory | Not mandatory |
Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway
Applicants who have worked for at least 6 months in a role directly related to their skills assessment or Tasmanian study can now claim the priority attribute, even if their income is below the salary threshold.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Minimum Employment Period | 6 months |
| Income Threshold | Below $57,000/year or $28.85/hour |
| Qualification | Certificate III or higher |
| Correction | The earlier 12-month limit has been removed |
Employment Not Related to Skills Assessment – Updated Attribute
| Employment Duration | Salary Requirement | Attribute Eligibility |
| 3–9 months | $57,000/year or $28.85/hr | ✅ Eligible |
| 9 months–2 years | Same threshold | ✅ Higher-Scoring Attribute |
| Over 2 years | Not applicable | ❌ Not claimable |
This ensures fairer scoring for all candidates and rewards consistent employment in Tasmania.
Why This Update Matters
The November 2025 update highlights Tasmania’s continued efforts to streamline migration pathways, particularly for:
- Onshore international graduates
- Skilled professionals in high-demand sectors
- Regional residents contributing to Tasmania’s workforce
These updates align with the state’s broader goal to attract long-term residents who can fill critical skill shortages and contribute to Tasmania’s economic development.
Key Takeaways
- Tasmania adds 450 interim nomination places (300 for Subclass 190, 150 for Subclass 491).
- Weekly invitation rounds across Gold, Green, and Orange Passes.
- Updated priority attributes for both skilled and established residents.
- Clearer eligibility for work experience and residency duration.
- 2-year minimum study period for the Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathway (Subclass 190).
Final Thoughts
Tasmania’s 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program update offers a transparent and accessible PR pathway for skilled professionals, international graduates, and regional workers.
With weekly invitations, clear scoring rules, and expanded eligibility for local employment, this interim allocation strengthens Tasmania’s position as one of the most welcoming and progressive states for skilled migration in Australia.