Australia Skilled Migration 2025-26: State Nomination Openings Overview
Australia’s 2025-26 skilled migration program year begins.Each Australian state and territory sets its own nomination criteria for the Skilled Nominated and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visas, which are included in the Australia skilled migration list.
Some have opened fully; others are operating on limited allocations while waiting for confirmation from the federal government. Many states are open with interim allocations. To qualify for nomination under the 190 or 491 visa, an applicant’s occupation must appear on the Australia skilled migration list and meet each state’s specific eligibility criteria.
Below is a compact look at the current status of the Australia skilled migration Subclass 190 and 491 allocations for each state.
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State / Territory | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) |
| New South Wales (NSW) | ✅ Open (Selection-based invitations from Skills List) | 🚫Pathways 1,2, and 3 are currently closed |
| Victoria (VIC) | ⚠️ Interim allocation active (pending full release) | ⚠️ Interim allocation active (pending full release) |
| Tasmania (TAS) | ✅ Open (for Health & Education job offer pathway) | 🚫 Not Open Yet |
| South Australia (SA) | ✅ Open under Graduate & Employment streams | ✅ Open (Offshore and Onshore streams active) |
| Western Australia (WA) | ⚠️ Interim stage (2024–25 clearing) | ⚠️ Interim stage (2024–25 clearing) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | ⚠️Paused under interim. Waiting for full allocation | ⚠️ Onshore only, very limited for applicants with visa or age deadlines before 31 Dec 2025 |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ✅ Open (via Canberra Matrix) | ✅ Open (via Canberra Matrix) |
| Queensland (QLD) | ✅ Open (via multiple streams) | ✅ Open (via multiple streams incl. small business) |
New South Wales Skilled Migration
One of the most significant changes in the 2025–26 NSW Skilled Migration Program is the removal of the residency requirement for applicants already working in New South Wales in their nominated occupation.
This means skilled professionals can now apply for NSW nomination as soon as they begin working in NSW, without needing to meet a prior residency duration. It’s a great opportunity for onshore skilled workers to fast-track their pathway to permanent residency.
NSW continues to use a selection-based invitation model for both the 190 and 491 visas. Applicants submit an EOI through the SkillSelect portal or with the help of a registered MARA Agent, and invitations are issued in rounds across the year.
There are three pathways for the 491 visa, though Pathway 1 (employment in regional NSW) and Pathway 3 (study in regional NSW) are currently closed. Only Pathway 2, for general EOI selection, remains open.
EOIs are ranked within their ANZSCO occupation groups by points, English level, and work experience, and high-scoring candidates will receive invitations via email. Invited applicants must lodge their nomination documents within 14 days. Nomination applications are typically processed within six weeks once fees are paid.
In-demand areas
Health and allied health, information technology, construction, engineering, and education dominate the NSW Skills List.
The 491 Path 1 also emphasizes regional employment at or near the TSMIT or CSIT salary level.
Victoria Skilled Migration
Victoria has opened both 190 and 491 programs under a small interim allocation for the start of the 2025–26 year. A full quota from the Commonwealth is expected soon. The state relies on its Registration of Interest system managed through the Live in Melbourne portal. The allocations are open to both onshore and offshore applicants who meets the eligibility criteria and atleaste 65 points.
Applicants must first submit or update their EOI in SkillSelect and then lodge an ROI through the Live in Melbourne portal using their EOI number. After submission, candidates await selection, as only those with a selected ROI will receive an invitation to apply. Once nominated, applicants must submit their visa application to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days of receiving the nomination.
In-demand areas
Health, teaching, social work, ICT, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and hospitality remain areas of strong demand.
Tasmania Skilled Migration
Tasmania offers nominations for both subclass 190 and 491 visas, providing five and fifteen additional points respectively toward the federal points test. The state uses the Migration Tasmania Gateway system, where applicants register an expression of interest and are ranked using a color-coded pass system of Gold, Green, or Orange, based on eligibility strength.
Gold Pass applicants can apply immediately, Green Pass holders are likely to be invited soon, and Orange Passes are less certain.
The Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles (491 OSOP) pathway remains closed for now, while the Health and Education Job Offer stream for the 190 visa continues. Applicants must hold a valid skills assessment in a health, allied health, or education occupation and a formal job offer from a Tasmanian employer operating for at least twelve months. Teachers must have offers from Tasmanian schools, and all positions must pay market salary rates.
In-demand areas
Healthcare, allied health, nursing, midwifery, and education remain Tasmania’s highest-priority sectors.
South Australia Skilled Migration
South Australia actively invites applicants under both 190 and 491 visa categories, managed through the Skilled & Business Migration portal. The state’s program includes multiple nomination streams tailored for graduates, skilled workers, and those living in outer regional areas. Applicants must have an occupation listed on the State Skilled Occupation List and meet both federal and state eligibility requirements.
The nomination process begins with lodging an EOI in SkillSelect, selecting South Australia as the preferred state, and then submitting a Registration of Interest through the state portal. Eligible candidates are assessed and ranked, and if selected, they receive an invitation to apply for the visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Offshore applicants typically require at least three years of relevant experience within the last five years, while onshore applicants may benefit from regional experience or existing South Australian employment.
In-demand areas
Health, construction, education, manufacturing, professional services, and the trades dominate South Australia’s demand list.
Western Australia Skilled Migration
Western Australia’s skilled migration operates through two nomination streams, the General Stream and the Graduate Stream, based on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) and the Graduate Occupation List (GOL). The 2025–26 program is awaiting full allocation from the Commonwealth, with the interim quota currently used to finalize remaining 2024–25 applications.
Once the new program year opens, invitations will likely be issued monthly. The ranking system favors candidates currently residing in WA, followed by interstate and then offshore applicants. Additional ranking factors include occupation priority, total EOI points, and submission date. Some building and construction occupations enjoy relaxed employment requirements. General stream applicants must hold one year of relevant work experience and a six-month WA employment contract, while graduate stream applicants need to have completed at least two years of study in WA at Certificate III level or higher.
In-demand areas
Key sectors include building and construction, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, and education and training.
Northern Territory Skilled Migration
The NT continues to nominate applicants for both the 190 and 491 visas, though it currently operates under a limited interim allocation. Only a small number of onshore subclass 491 applications are being accepted, mainly for those with visa expirations or age-related eligibility issues before 31 December 2025. Offshore applicants are primarily considered for the 491 visa under three distinct streams: Priority Occupation, Family, and Job Offer.
Applicants must be under 45 years of age, demonstrate competent English, and score 65 points or more on the federal points test. The NT strongly emphasizes applicants’ commitment to living and working in the Territory long term, requiring signed declarations and updates on visa progress. Those applying offshore through the Family Stream must have an eligible NT-based relative, while the Job Offer Stream requires a verifiable offer from an NT employer with at least 12 months of trading history.
In-demand areas
Health, aged care, education, childcare, hospitality, construction, and the trades are listed as critical sectors in the NT’s skilled migration program.
Australian Capital Territory Skilled Migration
The ACT manages nominations for both 190 and 491 visas through its Canberra Matrix system, a merit-based tool that allocates points for work experience, study, residence, community involvement, and English proficiency. Candidates with the highest Matrix scores receive invitations to apply for nomination.
The ACT’s Canberra Matrix system supports the broader Australia skilled migration pathway by ranking applicants according to their skills, employment, and ties to the region.
The ACT has several nomination pathways: Canberra Residents, Overseas Applicants, Doctorate Stream, and Significant Economic Benefit Stream. Canberra residents must have been living and working locally for at least three months for SC491 or six months for SC190. Overseas applicants require one year of relevant experience for the 491 or three years for the 190. Doctorate holders from ACT universities, either current residents or graduates within the last two years, can apply under the streamlined Doctorate pathway.
In-demand areas
ICT, healthcare, education, construction, and professional services remain the most valued skills under the ACT Critical Skills List.
Queensland Skilled Migration
Queensland’s state nomination program covers both the 190 and 491 visa subclasses and is divided into several targeted streams to address regional labour market needs.The program welcomes skilled professionals from different fields through several pathways. These include options for skilled workers already living in Queensland, skilled workers living overseas, building and construction professionals, and Queensland university graduates. There is also a special pathway under the 491 visa for small business owners operating in regional Queensland.
Applicants must first determine which stream they qualify for, then submit an Expression of Interest. Those selected receive an invitation to register their interest in nomination. Each stream has specific requirements related to work experience, study, or business operation. The program aims to attract skilled individuals who can fill critical workforce gaps and contribute to Queensland’s regional development.
In-demand areas
Construction, engineering, healthcare, and regional entrepreneurship remain Queensland’s key focus areas for 2025–26.
Why choose KnN Migration for Australian Skilled Migration
To get the best results from your Australia Skilled Migration journey, it’s crucial to know when and where to apply, and which states currently have open pathways. With every state following its own process and criteria, staying updated can be challenging. That’s why having the right guidance matters.
At KnN Migration Services, we bring years of expertise and a proven record of successful visa approvals. Our dedicated team helps skilled professionals make confident, well-informed decisions at every step — from skill assessment to visa lodgment. With a 5-star client rating and a strong reputation for excellence, K&N Migration is your trusted partner in making your move to Australia smoother, faster, and more successful.
