Skilled Visa Allocations 2026–27 by State and Stream

The Australian Government sets a Migration Program each year that determines how many skilled visa places are available, and in which categories. For 2026–27, the program introduces meaningful shifts. Employer-sponsored places have increased substantially, regional places have been reduced by more than half, and state and territory nomination programs have opened at different times and under different conditions. This blog sets out the confirmed program figures by stream and the current status of each state and territory nomination program. All figures have been checked against Department of Home Affairs and state government sources. Last updated: 29 October 2026.

What Are the Skilled Visa Allocations for 2026–27?

The 2026–27 Migration Program has a total planning level of 185,000 places, unchanged from the two preceding years. Of those, 132,240 are allocated to the skilled stream, divided across five categories. The table below sets out the planning level for each stream alongside the 2025–26 figure for comparison.

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What Changed From Last Year?

The most significant increase is in the employer-sponsored stream, which has grown by 14,040 places, from 44,000 to 58,040. This reflects a sustained policy direction toward employer-driven permanent migration, where the visa pathway is anchored to a specific job and employer. For businesses and workers considering this route, information on employer sponsored visas is available on our website.

The State and Territory Nominated and Skilled Independent streams have both increased, by 2,500 and 4,190 places respectively, though the increases are modest compared to the employer-sponsored expansion.

The sharpest movement is in the regional stream, which has fallen by 18,890 places, a reduction of more than 57 per cent. The combined Subclass 491 and 494 planning level of 14,110 represents the lowest regional allocation in recent program years.

Where Are Subclass 189 Invitation Rounds Up To?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa operates through the SkillSelect points-tested system, under which the Department of Home Affairs issues invitation rounds to eligible Expression of Interest (EOI) holders. Invitations are not issued on a fixed schedule and the timing, size, and points cut-offs for each round are determined at the Department’s discretion.

The most recent published invitation round took place on 4 June 2026, issuing 10,000 invitations with a tie-break date of 24 April 2026. That round falls within the 2025–26 program year. The Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect invitation rounds page, last updated 14 October 2026, shows no figures for any month in the 2026–27 program year. No invitation round has been published for 2026–27 as at 29 October 2026.

Applicants with a current Subclass 189 EOI should ensure it remains accurate and up to date while awaiting further rounds. For more information on this pathway, see our Subclass 189 page.

Which States Are Open for Subclass 190 and 491 Nomination?

State and territory governments receive a share of the national Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 allocation each year and administer their nomination programs independently. Eligibility criteria, opening dates, and invitation volumes vary between jurisdictions and can change throughout the year. The table below reflects confirmed status as at 29 October 2026.

Victoria and New South Wales

Victoria opened its 2026–27 Subclass 190 nomination program on 26 October 2026, with 900 nomination places available. The state has not yet finalised its Subclass 491 allocation for 2026–27 and is not currently accepting Subclass 491 Registrations of Interest. Further information will be published by the Victorian Government once the allocation is confirmed.

New South Wales has closed its Subclass 491 nomination program for 2026–27, with all available places fully allocated across all pathways. Applications are closed to new submissions.

Queensland and South Australia

Queensland’s 2025–26 nomination program is closed and all available places are fully allocated. The state government has advised it is awaiting advice from the Australian Government on program allocations for 2026–27. No opening date has been announced.

South Australia opened its 2026–27 General Skilled Migration program on 22 October 2026. Onshore applicants living and working in South Australia whose current visa expires by 31 January 2027 are eligible to submit a Registration of Interest. Offshore candidates do not submit a Registration of Interest and will be considered directly from their SkillSelect EOI. South Australia’s program prioritises candidates working in building and construction, defence, education, engineering, health, and manufacturing, though high-ranking candidates in non-priority sectors may also be considered.

Western Australia and Tasmania

Western Australia conducts monthly invitation rounds for both the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. In October 2026, the program issued 1,227 invitations: 836 for the Subclass 190 and 391 for the Subclass 491, across the General and Graduate streams. Invitation volumes vary from month to month based on remaining allocation and candidate demand.

Tasmania opened its 2026–27 program on 17 August 2026, with a total allocation of 2,050 places: 1,250 for the Subclass 190 and 800 for the Subclass 491. Weekly invitation rounds are conducted throughout the year. One material change for 2026–27 is that the offshore Subclass 491 invitation-only pathway, which allows Tasmania to nominate overseas applicants without a Tasmanian job offer, will not be used this program year. The Department of Home Affairs has indicated it is prioritising visa processing for applicants already in Australia. Overseas health and education professionals who secure employment with a Tasmanian provider remain eligible under the Overseas Applicant pathway for the Subclass 190.

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Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) issued 261 Subclass 190 invitations in the week starting 12 October 2026, comprising 54 invitations under the Doctorate Streamlined pathway, 18 for Small Business Owners, 126 for Critical Skill occupations for Canberra residents, and 63 for Critical Skill occupations for overseas applicants. No Subclass 491 invitations were issued in this round. The ACT’s 2026–27 annual nomination allocation had not yet been confirmed as at 29 October 2026.

The Northern Territory’s 2026–27 nomination program is now closed to general applications after receiving sufficient applications for the program year. The Subclass 190 and all offshore streams are not accepting new applications. A limited exception applies for the Subclass 491: onshore applicants who meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident eligibility criteria and face a pressing visa deadline before 30 September 2027 may still apply. The three qualifying circumstances are: a substantive visa due to expire before that date where no Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa extension is available; turning 45 before that date; or a forthcoming birthday that would reduce the applicant’s points for the Subclass 491 below 65. The Northern Territory Government has noted it cannot guarantee nominations before visa deadlines, and applicants in these circumstances are advised to seek advice from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.

What Do the Allocations Mean for Skilled Visa Applicants?

For those considering an employer-sponsored pathway, the expansion of the stream to 58,040 places reflects a program design that favours migration anchored to a specific employer and occupation. The range of employer-sponsored visa options includes both temporary and permanent pathways, and eligibility depends on a combination of employer obligations, occupation lists, and individual circumstances.

For applicants pursuing state nomination, the variation between jurisdictions is significant. An occupation that qualifies in one state may not be prioritised in another, and onshore presence requirements, visa expiry conditions, and invitation timing all differ. The Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 pages on our website provide further detail on each pathway.

For regional visa applicants, the reduction in planning levels to 14,110 places across the Subclass 491 and 494 combined narrows the field considerably. Applicants should be aware that state nomination for the Subclass 491 is a separate process from the federal planning level, and that state programs can close mid-year once their allocation is exhausted.

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How We Can Help You

Understanding which skilled visa pathway suits your circumstances requires an assessment of your occupation, points score, employment situation, and the current status of state nomination programs. Our migration lawyers work with skilled visa applicants to identify the most appropriate pathway, prepare complete applications, and manage correspondence with the Department of Home Affairs throughout the process.

To discuss your circumstances with one of our migration lawyers, call 1300 150 745 or contact us through our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many skilled visa places are available in 2026–27?

The total skilled stream for 2026–27 is 132,240 places, within an overall Migration Program of 185,000. The stream is divided between the employer-sponsored, state and territory nominated, skilled independent, regional, and talent and innovation categories.

Is the Subclass 189 open for invitations?

No invitation round has been published for the Subclass 189 in the 2026–27 program year as at 29 October 2026. The most recent round was held on 4 June 2026 and issued 10,000 invitations. The timing of any future round is at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs.

Which states are open for nomination now?

As at 29 October 2026, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory are conducting nomination rounds. Queensland has not yet opened for 2026–27. New South Wales has fully allocated its Subclass 491 places. The Northern Territory is accepting Subclass 491 applications by exception only and has closed the Subclass 190 and all offshore streams.

Why are regional places lower than last year?

The regional stream planning level has been reduced from 33,000 in 2025–26 to 14,110 in 2026–27, a reduction announced in the 12 May 2026 Federal Budget. The Department of Home Affairs has not published a detailed policy rationale in the planning levels documents.

Where can I check state nomination status?

Each state and territory publishes its own nomination program updates on its official government migration website. Status can change throughout the year, and checking the official page directly is the most reliable method.