2025–26 State Migration Map: Secure Your Fastest Path to Australian Residency NOW!
The Australian states and territories have begun releasing their skilled migration allocations for the 2025–26 program year. While some have confirmed their full allocations, others are operating on interim arrangements. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what's available and what you need to know to make informed decisions about your migration pathway.
Here’s what’s happening across Australia:
New South Wales (NSW): The Big Player – 3,600 Places Confirmed
NSW has officially received and confirmed its complete 2025–26 skilled migration allocation of 3,600 places, divided between two key visa pathways:
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): 2,100 places
Permanent residency visa allowing you to live and work anywhere in NSW.Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): 1,500 places
Provisional visa for regional NSW with a pathway to permanent residency.
What This Means: NSW has the largest confirmed allocation among states and territories, making it one of the more accessible pathways for skilled migrants seeking state nomination. With over 3,600 places available, NSW continues to welcome skilled workers across various occupations and experience levels.
Next Steps: If you're interested in NSW nomination, ensure your Expression of Interest (EOI) is up to date in SkillSelect and monitor the NSW Migration website for invitation round announcements.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Balanced Opportunity – 1,600 Places Confirmed
The ACT has received its complete 2025–26 skilled migration allocation of 1,600 places, structured as follows:
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): 800 places
Permanent residency for skilled workers committed to living in Canberra.Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): 800 places
Provisional visa with permanent residency pathway for regional ACT.
What This Means: ACT's allocation is balanced equally between the two visa streams, offering genuine opportunities for both permanent and provisional visa seekers. The equal split reflects ACT's strategy to attract skilled migrants to Canberra's growing economy.
Important Update: The ACT Government is currently scheduling its next invitation round. Once finalized, details will be published on the ACT Migration website. Applicants should check back regularly for announcements regarding round dates and invitation criteria.
Next Steps: Maintain an accurate, current EOI in SkillSelect and review the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List to confirm your occupation is eligible before the next invitation round opens.
Western Australia (WA): Interim Allocation Operating
WA has not yet officially announced its final skilled migration allocation for 2025–26. However, the WA Government has confirmed that it has received an additional interim allocation to conduct a November 2025 invitation round.
Important Note: The specific number of interim places has not been publicly released, so applicants cannot determine exact competition levels at this stage.
What This Means: WA is moving forward with invitations despite not having confirmed its full allocation. This suggests the state is prioritizing processing applications and addressing backlogs from prior program years. If you're targeting WA, now is an important time to have your application materials ready.
Next Steps: Monitor the WA Government website closely for announcement of the November invitation round details, including occupation priorities and invitation timelines. Ensure your EOI is current and competitive.
Tasmania (TAS): Weekly Invitations NOW OPEN – 450 Interim Places
Tasmania has received an interim allocation of 450 skilled migration places for 2025–26, divided as follows:
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): 300 places
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): 150 places
Exciting Development – Weekly Invitation Rounds: Unlike most other states, Tasmania is conducting weekly invitation rounds, offering more frequent opportunities for successful applicants.
Current Status:
Registrations of Interest (ROI) opened on 14 October 2025, initially limited to Gold Pass holders.
With the interim allocation in place, weekly invitations are now commencing across Gold, Green, and Orange Pass categories.
Migration Tasmania publishes weekly updates on their website, including:
Number of ROIs invited each week
Lowest scores invited
Available nomination places
Total ROIs on hand
What This Means: Tasmania is significantly more accessible right now. The weekly invitation format gives applicants more chances to receive an invitation, and transparent weekly updates help you track your competitiveness in real time.
Final Allocation Timeline: Tasmania's final allocation for 2025–26 is expected to be confirmed within the coming weeks, which may increase available places further.
Next Steps: If Tasmania appeals to you, submit your ROI as soon as possible and monitor the Tasmanian Government website for weekly updates. With weekly rounds and transparent data, you can assess your chances week by week.
South Australia (SA): Interim Allocation Operating
South Australia has not yet released its final skilled migration allocation for 2025–26. However, the SA Government has confirmed receipt of an additional interim allocation to continue processing applications.
Important Note: Like WA, the specific number of interim places has not been publicly disclosed.
Current Processing:
SA will continue inviting applicants who meet the state's workforce requirements.
The state will also consider Registrations of Interest (ROI) submitted during the 2024–25 program year, clearing previous backlogs.
What This Means: SA is actively processing applications and inviting candidates who align with state priorities. If you lodged an ROI in 2024–25, you may still be in consideration for 2025–26 invitations.
Next Steps: Review the SA Government website regularly for announcements regarding the opening of ROIs for the 2025–26 program year. Check if your occupation aligns with current state priorities and consider submitting a fresh ROI if the program reopens to new applicants.
Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), and Northern Territory (NT) – Allocations Pending
Victoria, Queensland, and the Northern Territory have not yet released details of their final or interim skilled migration allocations for 2025–26.
What This Means: These three jurisdictions are still finalizing arrangements with the federal government. Allocations are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Next Steps:
Monitor the official state and territory migration websites for announcements.
If you're targeting one of these states, ensure your EOI remains current and accurate in SkillSelect.
Check back regularly—allocations and invitation rounds may be announced with little advance notice.
Summary: Your Options for State Nomination in 2025–26
| State/Territory | Status | Allocation | Key Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Full confirmed | 3,600 places | Largest allocation; most accessible |
| ACT | Full confirmed | 1,600 places | Balanced streams; invitation round forthcoming |
| Tasmania | Interim | 450 places (final TBD) | Weekly invitations; transparent updates; most accessible NOW |
| WA | Interim | Not disclosed | November invitation round active |
| SA | Interim | Not disclosed | Processing prior-year ROIs |
| VIC | Pending | TBD | Monitor for announcement |
| QLD | Pending | TBD | Monitor for announcement |
| NT | Pending | TBD | Monitor for announcement |
What You Should Do Now
Review Your Eligibility: Check that your occupation appears on your target state's skilled occupation list.
Update Your EOI in SkillSelect: Ensure all information is current, including work experience, qualifications, and English test scores.
Prioritize Accessible States: If you need faster results, Tasmania's weekly rounds offer immediate opportunities. NSW and ACT have confirmed substantial allocations.
Monitor Official Channels: States update their websites regularly. Subscribe to alerts or check weekly for invitation round announcements.
Prepare Your Documentation: Have all supporting documents ready—skills assessments, employment references, residency proof, and identity documents. Quick turnaround times improve your chances when invitations are issued.
Consider Professional Support: A registered migration agent can help you target the best state for your profile and circumstances.
Final Thoughts
While some states have confirmed allocations and others remain pending, opportunity exists across multiple pathways right now. Tasmania's weekly rounds, NSW's large allocation, and ACT's balanced approach each offer distinct advantages. The key is to act strategically: update your applications, monitor announcements, and be ready to respond quickly when your state opens invitations.
If you'd like personalized advice on which state nomination pathway best suits your skills and circumstances, or need help preparing your application, please reach out. We're here to guide you toward your Australian migration success.
