Australia’s Skilled Migration Update – The State and Territory Nomination Allocations (2025-26) Confirmed

Are you a skilled migrant in Australia looking forward to getting on your permanent residency pathway? This is probably the most critical piece of information for you. Recently, the Australian Government has officially released the State and Territory Nomination Allocations for the 2025–26 program year.

If you have an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, these numbers can have a direct impact on your strategy and chances of invitation. They can also help you understand which states you should be focusing on.

This blog by Ubhi Immigration Consultants provides a simple, clear guide to understanding the meaning of these allocations for you. Read on, for it will help you position yourself for success.

Who Should Be Tracking These Allocations?

These allocation numbers are relevant if you are –

1. An overseas applicant, living outside Australia but planning to apply for a skilled visa (190 or 491) in Australia.
2. An onshore skilled worker, already living in Australia on a temporary visa (like a 485 Post-Study Work visa) and looking for a state nomination pathway to PR.
3. In a high-demand occupation, listed on the Priority Skilled Occupation List (PSOL) or on a specific state’s critical skills list.
4. A current EOI holder who has submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa.
5. An international graduate who has recently completed an approved course of study in Australia, meeting the requirements for local graduate nomination streams.

What Are the State Nomination Allocations?

Every year, each state and territory government is permitted to nominate a certain number of skilled migrants in a program year for two key visa subclasses – the 190 and the 491. These state nomination allocations are just like quotas, i.e., the maximum number of skilled migrants each state and territory government is permitted each year.

The allocations are designed to help local jurisdictions meet their specific economic and workforce requirements, which may include filling in the shortages of critical skills outside of the major capital cities.

The Two Key Visas

Nomination vs. Visa Grant – What Is the Difference

Most of the eligible personnel feel confused between a Visa Grant and a Nomination. Here are the clear differences to avoid confusion –

• A Nomination is the state/territory inviting you to apply.
• A Visa Grant is the final approval from the Department of Home Affairs.

Another important point to remember is that the allocations determine how many people the states can nominate, not how many visas Home Affairs can grant.

Confirmed Nomination Allocations for 2025–26

A total of 20,350 places are allocated to the states and territories for the 2025–26 program year. Here is the official breakdown for the current program year –

How Do Official Nomination Numbers Shape Your Skilled Migration Strategy?

After the official numbers are announced, it becomes easy to draw insights to understand its exact influence on your skilled migration strategy.

1. Expect High Competition Instantly

As the total number of allocated places is limited, the competition will naturally be high. This scenario is prominent especially in highly populated states like New South Wales, and Victoria. Having a competitive EOI is the key.

• As an experienced immigration consultants company in Australia, we believe that the states prioritise those applicants who have higher total points.
• The states also tend to prioritise those with strong English language test scores and secure employment in their state in a priority occupation.

2. States Choose You – Not Just the Points System

Unlike the Skilled Independent 189 visa, the state-nominated streams have two sets of criteria – The Federal criteria and the unique criteria set by the nominating state. It’s thus important to understand that every state has its own occupation list, residency requirements, and selection policies.

• If you are eligible in one state, you may not be eligible in another.
• You should carefully review the specific migration requirements for the states you are interested in (e.g., Migration Tasmania, Live in Melbourne, Move to South Australia).

3. Regional Pathways (Subclass 491) Remain Strong

The data confirms a continued emphasis on regional migration. The 491 visa provides a viable pathway – especially in states like the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.

• The 491 visa offers a higher points boost if you are open to living and working in regional Australia.
• This visa also has more flexible state criteria compared to the 190 visa, which makes it the best option for an invitation.

What Should Be Your Immediate Next Steps?

The confirmation of allocations by states is the alarm to be ready and act decisively. Here are the recommendations by Ubhi Immigration Consultants –

Review and Update Your EOI

Ensure that your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect is 100% accurate and reflects your highest possible point score.

Target Your State

Select a state or territory whose specific occupation list and nomination criteria align best with your skills, experience, and residency status.

Secure Employment

For most states, having current skilled employment in the jurisdiction is the single most important factor for an invitation.

Maximum Core Certifications

High English test scores can boost your EOI points, securing a nomination invitation. Ensure that both your Skills Assessment and English Test results are valid and ready. Aim not just for the minimum English score, but the proficient or superior level.

Prepare Documentation

Have your skills assessment, English test results, and all other supporting documents valid and ready.

By understanding the State and Territory Nomination Allocations, you can tailor your application to maximise your chances of receiving one of these coveted places in the 2025–26 migration program.