Victoria Skilled Migration January 2026 Update: 190 & 491 Invitation Trends, Salary Signals, Points Behaviour, and the 2026 Outlook

Victoria’s 15 January 2026 Skilled Migration invitation round further strengthens the trend, the state is prioritising onshore, economically active candidates with strong points composition, not just high total scores.

Beyond occupation and salary alignment, January outcomes clearly highlight the growing importance of how points are built, particularly partner points, English proficiency, and skilled work experience.

With 200,000+ applicants guided toward their Australian dreams, Aussizz Group analyses the January 2026 Victorian invitations, compares them with December 2025, and explains what these trends realistically indicate for the 2026 migration outlook.

Victoria January 2026: Overall Invitation Pattern

The January round remained heavily weighted toward Subclass 190, with Subclass 491 used selectively. Invitations were predominantly issued to onshore applicants, most of whom were:

• Working in their nominated occupation
• Earning market-aligned salaries
• Claiming multiple points components, not relying on a single factor

Victoria’s approach suggests a shift away from “points total only” thinking toward points quality and balance.

Key Occupations Invited – January 2026

Key Occupations Observed in January 2026 Invitations

These selections closely mirror December 2025, confirming continuity rather than change in Victoria’s occupational priorities.

Points Composition: What Victoria Is Actually Selecting

While headline points scores matter, January outcomes show that how points are structured is just as important as the final number.

Points vs Occupation – January 2026 (Inclusive of State Nomination)

However, deeper analysis shows that many successful applicants shared similar points profiles, particularly in three areas: partner points, English, and experience.

Partner Points: A Quiet but Powerful Differentiator

Partner points continue to play a decisive role in competitive Victorian rounds.

In January 2026:

• Many invited applicants claimed 5–10 partner points
• Skilled or competent-English partners were common
• Applicants without partners often compensated with higher English and experience points

Trend insight:

Partner points are not mandatory, but in tightly contested occupations, they often provide the final edge.

English Points: Superior English Is Becoming the Norm

English proficiency remains one of the strongest controllable factors.

January invitations show a clear skew toward candidates with:

• Proficient English (10 points)
• Superior English (20 points)

Applicants relying solely on Competent English were far less common in competitive occupations like ICT, engineering, and business roles.

This trend was visible in December 2025 and becomes more pronounced in January 2026.

Experience Points: Relevant Australian Experience Matters Most

Experience points – particularly Australian skilled employment – continue to heavily influence selection.

January outcomes indicate:

• Strong preference for applicants with 5–10 points from skilled experience
• Higher weight on experience in the nominated occupation
• Less reliance on overseas-only experience in high-demand roles

Applicants already working in Victoria appear better positioned due to immediate workforce contribution.

Salary Figures: Reinforcing Employment Credibility

Although salary is not a formal points factor, it frequently correlates with:

• Skilled experience
• Employer confidence
• Long-term settlement potential

Salary Figures Observed by Occupation Group (AUD, Indicative)

These figures reinforce Victoria’s preference for economically established candidates, particularly under Subclass 190.

January 2026 vs December 2025: Points & Profile Comparison

December 2025 vs January 2026 – Victoria Invitation Trends

January does not mark a policy shift – it sharpens selection criteria already forming in December.

Why Points Structure Matters More in 2026

Victoria’s nomination behaviour reflects broader pressures:

• Limited state allocations
• Rising onshore competition
• Employer demand for experienced professionals
• Cost-of-living pressures requiring stable employment outcomes

As a result, Victoria appears to favour well-rounded profiles over applicants maximising a single points category.

2026 Outlook for Victoria Skilled Migration

Based on December 2025 and January 2026 combined, applicants should expect:

• Continued onshore preference
• Strong demand for ICT and engineering
• Health roles remaining steady but selective
• Superior English and partner points becoming more decisive
• Experience points carrying greater weight than age alone

In short, balanced profiles will outperform raw points chasers in 2026.

Important Disclaimer

Disclaimer:

The trends discussed in this article are based on invitation outcomes observed among applicants guided through Aussizz Group. These insights are indicative only and do not represent official selection criteria or guarantee future invitations. Nomination outcomes may vary based on labour market conditions, state priorities, and program allocations.

FAQs: Victoria 190 & 491 Invitations

Q1. Is Victoria still issuing 190 and 491 invitations in 2026?

Yes. Victoria continues to issue invitations for both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 under the 2025–26 General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Invitation activity in January 2026 confirms that the state remains active in nominating skilled migrants, although the number and frequency of invitations depend on available allocations, labour market needs, and program planning throughout the year.

Q2. Does a higher salary improve chances of nomination?

There is no formal salary threshold or requirement for Victorian nomination. However, applicants earning market-aligned or competitive salaries often demonstrate stronger employment relevance and economic contribution. This can support an overall profile by showing workforce stability, employer confidence, and reduced settlement risk, especially in highly competitive occupations.

Q3. Are offshore applicants excluded from Victoria nomination?

No. Offshore applicants remain eligible for Victorian state nomination. That said, recent invitation rounds indicate a strong preference for onshore candidates, particularly those already working in Victoria in their nominated occupation. This preference reflects workforce retention priorities rather than a formal exclusion of offshore applicants.

Q4. Can January invitation trends change later in 2026?

Yes. Invitation trends are indicative, not fixed, and may change during the program year. Factors such as shifting labour market demand, remaining nomination allocations, policy adjustments, and economic conditions can all influence how Victoria issues invitations later in 2026.

Q5. Is Superior English becoming essential for Victoria nominations?

Superior English is not a formal requirement, but it has become increasingly common among successful applicants, especially in occupations such as ICT, engineering, and business roles. Higher English proficiency improves employability, communication capability, and long-term settlement potential, which aligns well with Victoria’s workforce-driven nomination strategy.

Q6. Does Australian work experience matter more than overseas experience?

Yes. While overseas experience is still recognised, relevant Australian skilled employment often carries greater practical weight in nomination decisions. Australian experience demonstrates immediate workforce readiness, familiarity with local standards, and lower settlement risk, making such profiles more attractive in state nomination rounds.

Final Takeaway

The January 2026 Victorian invitation round confirms a clear reality:

Victoria is selecting for balanced, employable, and economically secure profiles – not just high totals.

Salary alignment, partner points, strong English, and relevant experience are now working together to shape selection outcomes.

With 200,000+ applicants supported, Aussizz Group continues to help migrants understand not just how many points they have, but how to structure them for success.

Book a consultation with Aussizz Group to secure your Australian Dreams!