State Nomination Reopens — What You Need to Know for 2025–26

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:

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.