All invitations went to onshore applicants — not a single offshore candidate was invited. Victoria has once again made it clear that it prioritises professionals already working locally.

In this round of invitations, healthcare occupations dropped to the low 70s, more than 10 points lower than the 189 pathway. Meanwhile, IT and accounting occupations remain fiercely competitive — for example, Analyst Programmer reached 100+5 points, matching last year’s record-high intensity. Notably, professionals in the Information & Organisation Professionals category reported average annual salaries between AUD 130,000 and 150,000, meaning that these high-scoring candidates are also high earners. This clearly shows Victoria’s strategy of prioritising high-skilled, well-paid, and currently employed professionals, with strong ongoing demand for mid- to senior-level talent in the state.

Because the threshold for state-nominated skilled migration is getting higher across all states, the focus is no longer just on your academic qualifications or study background, but rather on your actual performance in the Australian job market — Are you working in your nominated occupation? What is your job level? Is your salary in line with the market standard?

It’s fair to say that “occupational relevance + high salary” has now become the defining standard. In the future, staying in Australia will not depend on your degree, but on whether you have truly established yourself in your professional field.

So — don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Start sending out your resumes, attend interviews, and build your experience. Because the real migration race starts the day your 485 visa is granted.