New Skilled Visa Numbers Released—See Where You Stand
Big update for anyone planning a skilled move to Australia this year: the Australian Government has published the state and territory nomination allocations for the 2025–26 program year. This determines how many state-nominated skilled visas each state and territory can issue — a key factor in how many people each place can invite for the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas.
How Many Spots Each State Has This Year
For 2025–26, there are a total of 20,350 spots available across the whole country. Some states get more places than others, depending on size and economic needs.
| State | 190 Visa Spots | 491 Visa Spots |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | 800 | 800 |
| NSW | 2,100 | 1,500 |
| NT | 850 | 800 |
| QLD | 1,850 | 750 |
| SA | 1,350 | 900 |
| TAS | 1,200 | 650 |
| VIC | 2,700 | 700 |
| WA | 2,000 | 1,400 |
Larger states like Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia get more places for migrants. Smaller locations like ACT and Tasmania have fewer spots, but each provides opportunities for different applicants.
New South Wales (NSW) — 3,600 Places
NSW has one of the highest allocations nationwide, which means:
Steady invitations expected
Competitive selection, especially for 190
Strong priority for high-demand skills and strong work histories
Best for: healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, and senior professionals.
Victoria (VIC) — 3,400 Places
Victoria strongly favors STEM, health, and advanced tech sectors.
They typically prioritise:
Applicants working or living in VIC
Occupations with strong labour demand
Best for: engineers, teachers, allied health, medical professionals, IT, researchers.
Western Australia (WA) — 3,400 Places
WA remains one of the most attractive options, especially for offshore candidates in critical sectors. Key priorities include:
Mining & resources
Construction
Healthcare & nursing
Trades
Regional development
Best for: trades, engineers, nurses, mining-related roles, ICT.
Queensland (QLD) — 2,600 Places
QLD focuses heavily on:
Regional workforce needs
Construction and infrastructure
Health and allied health
Their occupation lists often change during the year, so applicants need to stay updated.
Best for: healthcare, construction, skilled trades, regional professionals.
South Australia (SA) — 2,250 Places
SA frequently offers multiple pathways, including offshore options and regional visas.
Expect:
Clear occupation targeting
Good regional demand
Many opportunities outside Adelaide
Best for: agriculture, trades, healthcare, engineering, aged care.
Tasmania (TAS) — 1,850 Places
TAS is smaller but consistent. This year:
Rules have tightened
Strong Tasmanian ties are now more important
Clear preference for applicants who can show genuine settlement intent
Best for: onshore workers, long-term residents, trades, healthcare.
Northern Territory (NT) — 1,650 Places
NT prioritises applicants who truly want to live and work there.
They often favour:
Hospitality
Healthcare
Agriculture
Trades
Regional commitment
Best for: applicants willing to build a long-term life in the NT.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — 1,600 Places
ACT continues to favour:
IT professionals
Public sector-related skills
Applicants already living and working in Canberra
Expect higher points averages for ACT invitations.
What You Need to Qualify
Every state has unique criteria, but most will require you to have:
An occupation on their state skilled list
A positive skills assessment
A competitive points score
Strong English test results
A commitment to live and work in that state
Evidence of state ties (work, study, residence) — though some states accept offshore applicants
What Applicants Should Do Now
Here’s what you can work on immediately:
1. Check your occupation on multiple state lists
Your job may be in demand in one state but not another.
2. Raise your points score
Higher English, partner skills, or more experience can make a big difference.
3. Build or show ties to a state
Living, studying, or working in a state increases your chances significantly.
4. Prepare strong evidence
Skills assessments, payslips, contracts, residency proof, English test — states verify everything.
5. Explore more than one state
A competitive occupation in NSW may be highly needed in SA, WA, or regional Australia.
6. Stay updated weekly
States update their lists and invitation rounds often — sometimes with no warning.
Final Thought
This year’s allocations are tighter, but opportunities are still strong for applicants who:
prepare early,
understand the state priorities, and
present a complete, well-documented application.
If you want help understanding which state gives you personally the highest chance, we can assess your occupation, points, experience, and goals — and send you a customised recommendation.
Contact us today to check your eligibility and start planning your pathway to Australia.
