State nomination programs
Registration of Interest (ROI) for State Nomination
Some Australian states ask skilled workers to submit a Registration of Interest before they will consider nominating them. A strong ROI can be the difference between waiting and being selected.
About the Registration of Interest (ROI) for State Nomination
A Registration of Interest (ROI) is a state-run step used by some states and territories, such as Victoria, to decide who they will invite to apply for state nomination. It is separate from your SkillSelect EOI, and you usually need both.
Each state sets its own criteria, which can include your occupation, work experience in the state, residency, and how well your skills match local workforce needs. Selection is at the state's discretion, and submitting an ROI does not guarantee nomination.
What a strong ROI shows
- Your occupation matches the state's current priorities
- Your work experience and skills in detail
- Your connection to the state, such as living or working there
- Your commitment to living and working in that state
Things to know
- ROI and EOI are separate: keep both accurate and consistent
- Each state has different rules, which can change during the year
- Being selected to apply is not the same as being nominated
- You must meet the state's criteria and the visa criteria
ROI and Nomination by State and Territory
Every state and territory runs its own nomination program for the Skilled Nominated visa (190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (491). Some ask you to lodge a separate Registration of Interest, while others select directly from SkillSelect EOIs. Here is how each one works:
| State or territory | How selection works | Official website |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | No separate ROI for the 190. NSW selects the highest-ranking SkillSelect EOIs in occupations on the NSW Skills Lists. The 491 has three pathways, including invitation (Pathway 2) and direct application pathways for people living and working in regional NSW. | nsw.gov.au |
| Victoria | You lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI), ranked by the Victorian Points Test. See the 2026–27 details below or use our VPT calculator. | liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au |
| Queensland | Queensland runs its own selection process through Migration Queensland, alongside your SkillSelect EOI. | migration.qld.gov.au |
| South Australia | You lodge a Registration of Interest through the Skilled and Business Migration portal. South Australia invites selected ROIs to apply for nomination. | migration.sa.gov.au |
| Western Australia | Western Australia selects from SkillSelect EOIs that name WA, under its General and Graduate streams and occupation lists. | migration.wa.gov.au |
| Tasmania | You lodge a Registration of Interest through the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway, under its pathways. Invitation rounds run regularly once the program opens. | migration.tas.gov.au |
| Australian Capital Territory | The ACT ranks applicants using the Canberra Matrix, which rewards factors such as living and working in Canberra. Your occupation must be on the ACT list. | act.gov.au/migration |
| Northern Territory | The NT accepts nomination applications through its own online portal, with streams for people living in the NT and selected offshore applicants. | theterritory.com.au |
Each state and territory sets its own rules, occupation lists and opening dates every program year, and programs open and close during the year. Always check the official website for the current status, or ask our team.
Victoria's ROI Process for 2026–27
Victoria has announced changes to its Skilled Visa Nomination Program for 2026–27. If you want Victorian nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (190) or the Skilled Work Regional visa (491), here is what you need to know.
| 2026–27 fee | Excluding GST | Including GST |
|---|---|---|
| Registration of Interest (ROI) | $60 | $66 |
| Subclass 190 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
| Subclass 491 nomination application | $180 | $198 |
GST applies only if you are in Australia when you pay. The ROI fee is charged once per program year, and the nomination fee only if you are invited and apply.
Every ROI is ranked using the Victorian Points Test (VPT), based on seven weighted factors: age, English, years of experience in your nominated occupation, education, occupation skill level, partner skills and annual earnings from skilled employment in Victoria. There is no fixed pass mark.
In each round, Victoria invites the highest-ranked ROIs across all eligible occupations (most competitive), and the highest-ranked ROIs within each priority industry.
Healthcare, Social assistance, Education (Teachers and Early Childhood) and Construction (Professionals and Trades).
ROIs from previous program years do not carry over. Submit a new ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal when the 2026–27 program opens.
Victoria will publish the 2026–27 opening date and eligibility criteria on the Live in Melbourne website when the program opens.
Read our full guide: Victoria Skilled Visa Nomination 2026–27: New Fees, VPT Points and Priority Occupations. Official source: Live in Melbourne, Victorian Points Test.
Prepared by our team from official government guidance (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
More in EOI, ROI & State Nomination
Registration of Interest (ROI) for State Nomination FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
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No. An EOI is lodged in SkillSelect with the federal Department of Home Affairs. An ROI is a separate step run by some state governments to select candidates for nomination.
Some states and territories, such as Victoria, use an ROI process. Requirements change, so we check the current process for the state you are targeting.
No. States select candidates at their discretion based on their workforce priorities.
Yes. We help you choose the right state, prepare a strong ROI and keep it consistent with your EOI.
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