The Australian states and territories have begun releasing their skilled migration allocations for the 2025–26 program year.
While some governments have finalised their allocations, others have only received interim numbers or are still awaiting confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs. Here’s a complete overview of what has been announced so far.
New South Wales (NSW)
The NSW Government has confirmed its 2025–26 skilled migration allocation. The state has received a total of 3,600 nomination places, divided as follows:
2,100 places for the subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated visa)
1,500 places for the subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional visa)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT has been allocated 1,600 skilled migration places for the 2025–26 program year:
800 places for the Subclass 190 visa
800 places for the Subclass 491 visa
Tasmania (TAS)
The Tasmanian Government has released its final allocation for 2025–26, confirming 1,850 nomination places:
1,200 places for the Subclass 190 visa
650 places for the Subclass 491 visa
Migration Tasmania has already started conducting weekly invitation rounds and will publish regular updates on its website. These reports will include details on the number of invitations issued, the lowest scores considered, available nomination places, and the total Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on hand.
Western Australia (WA)
The WA Government has not yet finalised its total skilled migration allocation for 2025–26. However, it has received an additional interim allocation, which will be used to conduct a November invitation round.
The number of places included in this interim allocation has not been released yet. Applicants are advised to follow official WA Government updates for more information once available.
South Australia (SA)
Like WA, South Australia has also been provided with an interim allocation for the 2025–26 program year. The specific number of places has not been disclosed.
The South Australian Government has confirmed that it will continue to invite skilled migrants who contribute to the state’s workforce priorities, including those who submitted ROIs during the 2024–25 program year. Further details about the 2025–26 ROI opening dates will be announced on the official SA Government website.
Victoria, Queensland, and the Northern Territory
Victoria, Queensland, and the Northern Territory have not yet released their final or interim skilled migration allocations for 2025–26. Updates are expected soon once the Department of Home Affairs confirms their program numbers.
What These Allocations Mean for Skilled Migrants
The release of the 2025–26 skilled migration allocations signals the start of a new opportunity cycle for qualified professionals hoping to live and work in Australia. Each state and territory sets its own nomination requirements, which means that understanding local priorities and eligibility rules is essential before lodging a Registration of Interest or Expression of Interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are skilled migration allocations?
They represent the number of skilled visa nominations each Australian state or territory can issue for a particular program year.
- Which states have confirmed their allocations?
NSW, ACT, and Tasmania have released their final numbers, while WA and SA have received interim allocations.
- How often do invitation rounds occur?
Invitation rounds vary by state. For example, Migration Tasmania conducts weekly rounds, while others announce rounds monthly or quarterly.
- When will Victoria and Queensland release their allocations?
These are expected soon. Updates will be shared once the Department of Home Affairs finalises its figures.
If you are planning for skilled migration application in Australia in 2025–26, now is the ideal time to review your eligibility and prepare your application. Each program year offers limited places so that early preparation can make a significant difference.
Book an appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultants today for expert guidance on the latest skilled migration allocations and visa pathways across all Australian states and territories.
