Victoria is one of Australia’s most popular destinations for skilled migrants due to its thriving economy, great employment opportunities, robust education sector and multicultural lifestyle.
Victoria has nomination pathways for Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa and the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa — both popular visa options, especially for skilled workers wishing to obtain Australian permanent residency.
An area that confuses many applicants is what an EOI (Expression of Interest) is versus an ROI (Registration of Interest). They function as different pieces of the puzzle that makes up the Victorian skilled migration process, but both are important components.
In this guide, you will learn how Victorian skilled migration works, the difference between EOI and ROI, eligibility criteria and the different nomination pathways available as well as some tips about improving your chances of obtaining a Victorian state nomination.
What is Victorian Skilled Migration?
Victoria is one of the largest state nomination programs in Australia for skilled migrants wishing to live and work permanently or regionally in Victoria.
Victorian skilled migration is administered by the Victorian Government and provides state nomination for independent overseas skilled workers intending to live and work in Victoria. Victoria mainly nominates applicants under:
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
The program helps Victoria attract and retain workers with training in the valuable fields that are needed for Victoria’s workforce and economy.
What is an EOI?
Applicants have to first submit an Expression of Interest through Australia’s official SkillSelect migration system before they can receive invitations for skilled migration pathways.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online profile made via Australia’s SkillSelect system. This is also includes some information, as listed above, but it is the first step in the process for skilled migration.
- Skilled occupation
- English language results
- Employment history
- Qualifications
- Claimed migration points
An EOI (Expression of Interest) is not a visa application. It only reflects your interest in skilled migration options. Subsequently, before applicants can be offered Victorian state nomination they should have submitted a valid Expression of Interest (EOI).
What is ROI in Victoria?
The ROI is an online application form that assists the Victorian Government to identify skilled migrants who are interested in applying for Victorian state nomination under skilled visa programs.
The ROI assists Victoria in determining if your occupation, qualifications and employment profile aligns with the workforce shortages and economic priorities of the state. The ROI does not guarantee an invitation, but it is a critical requirement for many candidates seeking Victorian nomination.
Under the ROI system, Victoria identifies individuals with skills and training who can fill roles in key sectors and occupations throughout the state.
What is ROI in Visa Applications?
ROI is a frequently asked question by many applicants in the visa process. ROI in the context of Victorian skilled migration is to be taken as Registration of Interest that an applicant is required to complete in order for their application to be considered for state nomination by Victoria.
The Victorian Government assesses ROI submissions and, in accordance with migration priorities at that time, invites selected candidates to apply for state nomination. Normally to be nominated and given access to any Victorian nomination pathways, an applicant would need to have a valid EOI as well as a ROI.
Its ROI system enables Victoria to prioritise applicants whose skills and work experience align most closely with the economic needs of the state.
Difference Between EOI and ROI
As a EOI (Expression of Interest) and ROI (Registration of Interest) are both two systems needed at various stages in the Victorian skilled migration process, understanding the difference is all the more important.
| Feature | EOI | ROI |
| Full Form | Expression of Interest | Registration of Interest |
| Managed By | Australian Government | Victorian Government |
| Purpose | Skilled migration interest | Victorian nomination interest |
| Visa Application? | No | No |
| Required for Victoria Nomination | Yes | Usually Yes |
In simple terms:
- An EOI is your profile for national skilled migration.
- The ROI is Victoria’s invitation and nomination selection process.
Victorian State Nomination Pathways
There are two skilled visa nomination pathways offered to applicants wanting to live in metropolitan areas of Victoria, as well as those looking for opportunities outside the metropolitan area.
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 190 visa is permanent resident visa subclass and it is designed for those skilled migrants who have been nominated from direct Victorian Government.
Key Benefits
- Permanent residency
- Medicare access
- Pathway to citizenship
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members
Basic Eligibility
Applicants generally need:
- An eligible occupation
- Positive skills assessment
- Required points score
- Competent English or higher
- Commitment to living in Victoria
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a pathway for regional skilled migration (Subclass 491) if applicants are willing to live and work in designated regional areas of Victoria.
Key Benefits
- Additional nomination points
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Access to regional opportunities
Basic Eligibility
Applicants generally require:
- Eligible occupation
- Skills assessment
- Required points score
- Commitment to regional Victoria
Eligibility Requirements for Victorian Skilled Migration
There are several key requirements that all applicants must meet before they can be eligible for Victorian skilled migration nomination pathways and invitation rounds. Basic Requirements for Applicants:
- Be under 45 years old
- Hold a valid skills assessment
- Meet English language requirements
- Have an eligible occupation
- Achieve the minimum migration points score
- Show commitment to living and working in Victoria
Victoria may also consider factors such as:
- Skilled employment
- Salary level
- Regional work or study
- Qualifications in priority sectors
Step-by-Step Victorian Skilled Migration Process
The Victorian skilled migration process is a multi-step process; the first step having to do with eligibility assessment, while the last step includes submitting visa application after nomination approval.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Check your occupation eligibility, English language requirements, migration points score age requirements and skills assessment criteria before applying for a Victorian skilled migration.
Review your occupation, English requirement, points score and skills assessment eligibility.
Step 2: Submit a SkillSelect EOI
In order to be considered for skilled migration and Victorian state nomination pathways, applicants must create an Expression of Interest through Australia’s SkillSelect system.
Then, you create an EOI and select Victoria as your state.
Step 3: Submit a Victorian ROI
Once you submit your SkillSelect EOI, you may also be required to complete a Victorian Registration of Interest for consideration of direct offers for invitations to apply for state nomination.
Applying for the Registration of Interest through Victoria’s migration portal.
Step 4: Wait for Invitation
Victoria assesses ROI submissions from candidates interested in working, living and settling in Victoria based on demand; high-priority occupations for skilled migration; the availability of nominated work. Before inviting selected candidates to apply, Victoria reviews data-driven workforce demand against each occupation.
Victoria processes the ROI, and nominated submissions receive an invitation from Victoria to proceed with applying for nomination.
Step 5: Apply for State Nomination
You are required to gather supporting documents and make the official state nomination application within the time limit set by Victoria if you receive an invitation.
Provide evidence to Victoria upon invitation.
Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application
After receiving approval from Victorian nomination, applicants can now submit their skilled visa application to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Once nomination is approved, apply for visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
Factors That Influence Victorian Nomination Invitations
Victoria implements a competitive selection process where you are evaluated against current workforce demands and nomination priorities rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. Factor that might affect the results of invitation include:
- Occupation demand
- Skilled employment experience
- Salary level
- STEMM or technology skills
- Healthcare sector experience
- Regional Victoria work or study
- Victorian qualifications
The migration program year is when the invitation priorities may change.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
One of the most common mistakes among the skilled migration applicants is choosing an occupation that would leave them with zero chances from receiving Victorian nomination invitations, and eventual visa grant later.
Incorrect Points Claims
Other applicants misrepresent their migration points for work experience, English language results or qualifications with no supporting evidence available to assess at any stage.
Asserting points that have no evidence for them can lead to serious refusal issues down the line.
Expired Documents
Expiry dates for documents such as English language test results or skills assessments required by Victorian skilled migration applicants are sometimes ignored by applicants.
An expired English test or skills assessment may impact your eligibility.
Confusing EOI and ROI
Most applicants out there confuse the SkillSelect EOI system with Victoria’s ROI process, which contributes to application confusion and delays.
It is one of the other processes that many applicants confuse with each other.
Ignoring Regional Pathways
While there are trained skilled migrants who base their job search exclusively in metropolitan Melbourne, many overlook regional Victoria pathways that have a greater chance of nomination and career opportunities.
Applicants who have pathways to Regional Victoria can expect better nomination chances.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Victorian Nomination
Applicants with stronger profiles are generally more competitive in Victoria’s skilled migration system, especially in high-demand occupations and priority sectors.
- Improve your English test score
- Gain more skilled work experience
- Keep your EOI updated
- Target priority occupations
- Consider regional Victoria pathways
- Maintain accurate documentation
Conclusion
Now Victorian skilled migration provide golden chance for the overseas workers to fetch their Australian Permanent Residency in state nomination pathways of Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.
By differentiating between EOI and ROI, one can better prepare a robust migration plan and increase the nomination competitiveness. Educated applicants need to keep their documentation, other than work experience to study in Victoria smarter, boost their results in English Language proficiency and work exposure further align their profiles with the workforce priorities of victoria.
Applicants cannot glean much from the current points in Time that are being issued, as nomination requirements & invitation priorities can change throughout a migration program year and it is best for individuals to keep tabs on official migration updates regularly if seeking professional advice when required.
A registered migration agent in Melbourne can help applicants understand what they have to meet regarding eligibility, The nomination pathways and how you prepare the documentation for Victorian skilled migration applications.
