State and territory nomination programs across Australia have officially reopened for the new financial year, creating fresh opportunities for skilled migrants. Below is an overview of which states have reopened, what’s changed, and what applicants should do next.
What Is State Nomination and Why It Matters
State nomination allows an Australian state or territory government to support your visa application under the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) programs. A nomination can provide additional points or priority consideration and reflects that your skills are needed within that region.
When these programs reopen each financial year, thousands of skilled workers gain new chances to apply for permanent residency pathways that align with state workforce demands.
Current Status: Which States Have Reopened or Received Interim Allocations
The Department of Home Affairs recently released the 2025–26 state nomination allocations, allowing jurisdictions to resume issuing invitations. Below is a summary of the current situation:
| State / Territory | Status / Reopening Notes | Key Conditions / Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Operating under interim allocations to finalise pending applications. New Registrations of Interest (ROIs) are expected to reopen shortly. | Priority given to existing candidates in the queue. |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Granted 165 interim places (85 for Subclass 190 and 80 for Subclass 491). | Initially limited to pre-approved or rollover applicants. |
| South Australia (SA) | Working under an interim quota and reviewing previous Expressions of Interest (EOIs). | Offshore EOIs may be considered under specific conditions. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Reopened a limited number of Subclass 491 nominations for onshore applicants. | Applicants must demonstrate commitment to living and working in the NT. |
| Western Australia (WA) | Clearing 2024–25 backlog under interim allocation. Full reopening details pending. | Applicants should monitor official updates closely. |
| New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD) | Now reopened for 2025–26 with an interim allocation of 200 places for the Subclass 190 and 180 places for the Subclass 491. NSW will hold a Subclass 190 invitation round next week while awaiting the full allocation. | Applicants should keep their SkillSelect EOI up to date and ensure all supporting evidence is valid. NSW is prioritising key sectors including Construction, Net Zero and Energy Transition, Care and Support Economy, Digital and Cyber, Agriculture and Agrifood, and Advanced Manufacturing. Published NSW Skills Lists identify eligible occupations at the ANZSCO unit group level. Applications for the Subclass 491 visa are currently closed to new submissions. |
Summary: Some states have begun processing new or pending nominations, while others are finalising criteria before reopening fully. Applicants should prepare documentation now to act quickly once their preferred state opens.
Key Updates Affecting State Nomination in 2025
The reopening of state nomination programs has come with several important updates:
- Dynamic occupation lists: Many states are adopting flexible lists that can be updated throughout the year based on real-time skill shortages.
- Higher English language benchmarks: Some jurisdictions have raised the minimum English requirements for nomination eligibility.
- Regional focus: Increased emphasis on applicants willing to live and work in regional or outer-metropolitan areas.
- Transparency and data reporting: Several states are expected to publish more frequent updates on quotas and invitation rounds.
- Interim versus full allocations: Some programs will reopen in phases, beginning with limited interim quotas before full-scale nomination rounds resume.
What Applicants Should Do Now
1. Prepare Early
Ensure all your key documents—skills assessment, English test results, employment evidence, and police clearances—are current and ready to submit.
2. Monitor State Announcements
Keep a close watch on each state’s migration website for updates on nomination windows, occupation list changes, and eligibility adjustments.
3. Stay Flexible
If your preferred state remains closed, consider applying in another jurisdiction that aligns with your occupation and circumstances.
4. Maintain Eligibility
Keep your Expression of Interest (EOI) active and updated in SkillSelect, particularly if your English test or skills assessment is due to expire.
Why the Reopening Matters
The reopening of the 2025–26 nomination programs offers:
- New opportunities for skilled migrants whose EOIs were previously unprocessed.
- A competitive advantage for early applicants who are ready to lodge as soon as their state opens.
- A pathway to permanent residency for those meeting specific regional or occupational priorities.
With the migration planning levels set by the Department of Home Affairs for the new financial year, state nominations will once again play a crucial role in distributing skilled migrants across Australia’s workforce needs.
How AustraliaMigrate Can Assist
Our experienced team at AustraliaMigrate monitors every state’s nomination program closely. We can help you:
- Identify which state or territory offers the best opportunity based on your skills and background.
- Prepare and lodge your Expression of Interest and supporting documentation.
- Stay informed about upcoming openings and program changes.
Contact us today to discuss your eligibility and strategy for the 2025–26 migration year.
