Skilled Migration Allocation Update for the 2025–26 Program Year

Australia’s skilled migration program for 2025–26 is taking shape as states and territories begin releasing their allocation numbers. The Australian Government, through the Department of Home Affairs, sets the overall skilled migration program and allocates nomination places to each state and territory. Several jurisdictions have now confirmed their skilled visa places, and, as of the most recent updates, all states and territories, including Western Australia and South Australia, have now received their final allocations for the year. For applicants planning a pathway through the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visas, understanding these updates is essential to shaping a realistic and strategic migration plan.

The total skilled migration allocation is divided between different visa subclasses, such as Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. Nomination allocations determine the number of nominations states and territories can make, but do not guarantee visa grants. The skilled migration program is part of Australia’s permanent migration program. Meeting nomination criteria, including demonstrating relevant skills and obtaining a positive skills assessment, is crucial for a successful application. Submitting a current and competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) is also an important step in the nomination process.

For context, the national total for state and territory nomination places in 2025 to 26 is 20,350, made up of 12,850 places for the Subclass 190 and 7,500 places for the Subclass 491. This sits within Australia's overall permanent Migration Program for 2025-26, which totals 185,000 places across all streams, with the skilled stream, including state and territory nominated, employer sponsored, and points-tested independent visas, making up the majority of that figure.

In this article, Australian Migration Lawyers outlines the latest announcements across New South Wales, the ACT, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.

NSW Skilled Migration Allocations

New South Wales has confirmed a total allocation of 3,600 places for the 2025–26 program year. The Department of Home Affairs provides the full allocations to NSW for state nomination each year.

• 2,100 places – Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
• 1,500 places – Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491)

These are the full allocations for the 2025–26 program year.

Applicants must meet specific nomination requirements for NSW state nomination.

These figures were confirmed by the Migration Institute of Australia. NSW is expected to release further detail on invitation schedules, occupation priorities and eligibility settings once internal planning is finalised.

NSW historically remains one of the most competitive states, and applicants are encouraged to submit a well-prepared Expression of Interest (EOI) and to closely monitor upcoming announcements and official updates.

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ACT Skilled Migration Allocations

The Australian Capital Territory has received 1,600 skilled migration places for the 2025–26 year. The ACT is a separate jurisdiction within Australia, and it operates its own skilled migration program with a specific nomination allocation and unique nomination criteria.

• 800 places – Subclass 190
• 800 places – Subclass 491

The ACT Government is currently scheduling its next invitation round, with details to be published on its website once confirmed. As always, the ACT will operate through regular invitation rounds, offering clear ongoing guidance throughout the year.

Applicants should stay informed by regularly checking the ACT Government’s migration website for updates on nomination allocation, nomination criteria, and invitation trends.

WA Interim Skilled Migration Allocations

Western Australia's final allocation for 2025 to 26 has now been confirmed at 3,400 total places, one of the largest allocations of any state. This was confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs on 18 November 2025. With its full allocation now in hand, WA has moved to issuing invitations monthly rather than through a single interim round, and held a major invitation round on 5 December 2025, issuing 1,058 Subclass 190 and 742 Subclass 491 invitations in that round alone.

Applicants should continue monitoring WA’s official migration website for updates on final allocations, invitation schedules and any changes to eligibility criteria. Further details on final allocations and upcoming invitation rounds will be published on the official website.

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Tasmania Skilled Migration Allocation

Tasmania has confirmed 1,850 skilled migration places for 2025–26 as part of its annual nomination allocation. This allocation is available to skilled professionals both within Tasmania and overseas, providing opportunities for international applicants as well.

• 1,200 places – Subclass 190
• 650 places – Subclass 491

Migration Tasmania has already begun issuing invitations to skilled professionals through weekly nomination rounds as part of its nomination process. Weekly invitations are issued and updates published online will include:

• Number of ROIs invited
• Lowest scores
• Remaining nomination places
• ROIs currently on hand

With the program now active, applicants can expect regular and transparent reporting.

Tasmania received an additional 450 interim places, 300 for the Subclass 190 and 150 for the Subclass 491, ahead of these weekly rounds being confirmed, and its transparent weekly reporting model has since become a useful benchmark for how other states publish invitation round data.

Northern Territory Skilled Migration Allocations

The Northern Territory has confirmed 1,650 skilled migration places, reflecting a 50-place increase from the previous program year. The Department of Home Affairs allocates these skilled migration places to the Northern Territory, influencing the number of available visas each year.

• 850 places – Subclass 190
• 800 places – Subclass 491

The NT Government has also announced that its nomination program will open on 24 November 2025 for all onshore and offshore streams. Full program details and eligibility guidance are now available through the NT Government’s migration portal. Applicants must meet specific nomination requirements for the Northern Territory’s skilled migration program.

Separately from these skilled visa nomination places, the Northern Territory also operates its own Designated Area Migration Agreement, offering employer sponsored concessions to standard 482, 494 and 186 visa requirements for eligible NT employers. This is a distinct pathway from the state nomination places discussed here, and applicants interested in an NT employer sponsored option should look into the NT DAMA separately.

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South Australia Interim Skilled Migration Allocation

South Australia's final allocation for the 2025 to 26 General Skilled Migration Program has been confirmed at 2,250 total nomination places, up from the earlier interim figures.

• 1,350 places, Subclass 190
• 900 places, Subclass 491

Victoria Skilled Migration Allocations

Victoria has finalised its allocation, confirming 3,400 skilled migration places for 2025–26. Victoria’s allocation is aimed at attracting skilled migrants through skilled visas such as Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. Applicants must complete a skills assessment as part of the nomination process.

• 2,700 places – Subclass 190
• 700 places – Subclass 491

Victoria has confirmed that existing ROIs remain valid for consideration in the new program year. Applicants only need to submit a new ROI if the information in their existing submission has changed. Updated guidance on invitation schedules will be released by the Victorian Government in due course.

Queensland Skilled Migration Allocations

Queensland has now opened its State Nominated Migration Program with 2,600 places for 2025–26, more than double the previous year’s allocation. Queensland’s nomination allocation is designed to attract skilled professionals with in-demand skills to support the state’s economic growth.

• 1,850 places – Subclass 190
• 750 places – Subclass 491

This substantial increase in nomination allocation aims to address shortages across key sectors including construction, healthcare, manufacturing and regional industries.

Applicants should review:

• Queensland nomination pathways
• Queensland Skilled Occupation Lists
• Eligibility requirements for Subclass 190 and 491
• Queensland’s nomination criteria and ensure their skills match the requirements

If you have previously submitted an ROI for Subclass 491 but also meet Subclass 190 criteria, you may lodge a new ROI for Subclass 190. Only your most recent ROI will be considered in selection rounds.

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Here is how the state and territory allocations compare against the national total.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which states have released their final skilled migration allocations?

All states and territories have now confirmed their final numbers for the 2025 to 26 program year, including Western Australia and South Australia, both of which finalised their allocations shortly after initially operating on interim figures.

The nomination allocation refers to the number of skilled migration places each state can nominate for the program year.

2. Can I submit a new ROI if I already lodged one last year?

This depends on the state. For example, Victoria does not require a new ROI unless your information has changed. Queensland allows new ROIs if you now meet Subclass 190 requirements.

Keep in mind that submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is required for state nomination, and your EOI must meet the latest nomination requirements for your chosen state or territory.

3. How competitive is NSW for Subclass 190 and 491 visas?

NSW remains one of Australia’s most competitive jurisdictions due to high demand and limited places. As a jurisdiction, NSW enforces strict nomination criteria for skilled migration visas, making it essential for applicants to understand and meet these requirements.

4. When will WA release their final allocation numbers?

WA's final allocation of 3,400 places was confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs on 18 November 2025, and the state has since been issuing invitations monthly.

5. How often will Tasmania run its nomination rounds?

Tasmania has already begun weekly nomination rounds with transparent weekly reporting. As part of its skilled migration program, Tasmania conducts weekly invitations for Registrations of Interest (ROIs)

6. What is the national context for these state allocations?

The 20,350 state and territory nomination places for 2025 to 26 sit within Australia's broader permanent Migration Program of 185,000 places for the year. State and territory nomination is one of several skilled migration pathways alongside the points-tested independent Subclass 189 and employer sponsored visas, all of which draw from the same overall skilled stream allocation.