Tasmania Skilled Visa Update: Smarter Pathways for 190 & 491

Tasmania has recently made several updates to its skilled migration pathways. These changes mainly affect how points are awarded and how eligibility is assessed for people working, studying, or running a business in Tasmania. If you are planning to apply for a Tasmanian nomination — or preparing to submit a new Registration of Interest (ROI) — it’s important to understand how these updates may affect your chances.

The good news is that these changes are designed to better recognise genuine work experience, graduate employment outcomes, and long-term contribution to Tasmania.

Below is a simple explanation of what has changed and how it may apply to you.

Subclass 491 – Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathway

This pathway is for people who are working in Tasmania in a role related to their skills assessment and want to move toward permanent residency through regional employment.

Higher Points for Ongoing Skilled Work in Tasmania

Tasmania has increased the points awarded for people who have been working in Tasmania for more than one year in a skilled role.

You may now receive 35 points (previously 30 points) if:

• You have been employed in Tasmania for more than 12 months but less than 18 months

• Your job is directly related to your skills assessment

• You are currently earning at least $57,000 per year, or $28.85 per hour

This update benefits applicants who have already shown commitment to Tasmania by working locally for an extended period.

Clearer Rules for Lower-Income Skilled Workers

Tasmania has also clarified another points category to avoid confusion.

You may claim this attribute if:

• You have at least two years of relevant Australian work experience, and

• Your current pay is above the National Minimum Wage, but below $57,000 per year

This ensures applicants are assessed fairly based on their experience level and income, without overlapping with the higher-paid category.

Important to know:
These changes apply only to new ROIs. If you already submitted an ROI under the previous settings, your claimed points will not be affected.

Subclass 190 & 491 – Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathways

These pathways support international graduates who studied in Tasmania and secured employment opportunities related to their qualifications.

Graduate Program Offers Are Now More Flexible

Previously, graduates could only claim points if they had not yet started their graduate program. That restriction has now been removed.

You can now claim this points attribute if:

• You received a graduate employment program offer within the last 12 months

• The role is full-time and related to your skills assessment

• The offer was made before or within 12 months of graduation

• The employer is a Tasmanian business with at least 20 employees and has been operating in Tasmania for more than five years

Whether you have already started the role or not, you may now be eligible — as long as the offer meets these requirements. This change provides more certainty and flexibility for recent graduates.

Subclass 190 – Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway

This pathway is designed for business owners who have built long-term operations in Tasmania.

Clearer Business Income Requirements

Tasmania has clarified how business income is assessed to ensure consistency.

To meet the requirement, you must show that:

• You have operated a business in Tasmania for at least two years

• You personally earned at least $76,515 (the current income threshold)

• The business made a net profit after paying you that income

This confirms that both personal earnings and business sustainability are equally important when assessing eligibility.

What Should You Do Next?

If you are planning to submit a new ROI:

• Review your employment history, income, and qualifications carefully

• Make sure your claimed points match the updated criteria

• Prepare strong evidence to support your work experience and salary

• Consider whether your current pathway still gives you the best chance — or if another Tasmanian pathway may suit you better

Small details can make a big difference in Tasmania’s points-based system, especially as competition increases.

Need Guidance?

Tasmanian skilled migration pathways can be complex, especially when program settings change. Getting the right advice early can help you avoid mistakes and improve your chances of success.

If you’d like a clear assessment of your eligibility or help choosing the most suitable Tasmanian pathway, reach out to us today. We’re here to guide you step-by-step toward your migration goals with confidence and clarity.