For 2025-26, the Federal Government has kept the permanent migration cap steady at 185,000 places and allocates a number of 190 and 491 visas that can be issued by each state/territory. Yet each state and territory now decides who fits best within its own slice of that quota.
That means you can’t rely on one set of national rules; you need to know each state’s playbook.
Please note, the information provided in this article is general in nature. It does not take into account your specific circumstances. If you want to discuss your specific situation, feel free to book in for a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents. At Pathway to Aus we assist clients from enrolling in a suitable course, all the way through to permanent residency and even citizenship applications.
First Things First: The Federal Gatekeepers
Before diving into state-specific strategies, ensure you meet these unchanged national hurdles for the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas:
- Age: Under 45 when you get your invitation.
- Skills Check: A positive, current skills assessment in an eligible occupation.
- English: At least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band).
- Points: A minimum of 60 points on the SkillSelect EOI before state points are added. You
receive an additional 5 points for 190 Nomination and 15 points for the 491 nomination.
State-by-State Breakdown: Where Do You Fit In?
Most states opened the year with a tiny “interim allocation.” This means spots are limited, selection is ruthless and being “decision-ready” is the only way to get ahead. Please note, the full quota is expected to be allocated to the state/territories soon and then more invitations will start being issued shortly after that.
Let’s look at each state’s current requirements.
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Victoria: open again but prefers locals
Victoria (Melbourne and Regional VIC) is open for business under its interim quota, but they are laser-focused. Even though they are open to a wide range of applicants, it is highly likely your job title must align with one of their core Priority Sectors to even get noticed.
| Visa (190 & 491) | Key Strategy for 2025-2026 |
| Eligibility Focus | Priority Sectors dominate: Digital Tech, Health, Education, and Advanced Manufacturing. (Although all occupations are eligible to be invited.) |
| Onshore Applicants | Must be living and working in Victoria in a skilled role. If you live interstate, forget it (border communities exempted). |
| Hack | Offshore applicants are eligible but you must make a compelling case that your priority-sector skills are exceptional. |
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New South Wales: small quota, sharper targets
NSW only has an interim allocation of 200 places for the 190 visa and 180 for the 491 visa (so far). Invitation rounds are continuing but space is tight. The 491 Stream 1 and 3 Pathways are yet to accept Registrations of Interest. Keep your SkillSelect EOI current and make sure every claim can be backed by documents. NSW has been double-checking evidence more strictly than before.
The NSW government’s latest migration plan highlights sectors that keep the state running such as construction and housing, renewable energy, digital and cyber roles, the care economy, advanced manufacturing, and agri-food. If you’re in one of those areas, you’re exactly who they want.
| Visa (190 & 491) | Key Strategy for 2025-2026 |
| Eligibility Focus | It’s all about high points and high-demand occupations on the NSW Skills List. |
| Residency | Must prove residency in NSW or offshore for the last six consecutive months. They like stability. |
| Hack | Make sure your EOI is flawless and update it every time your circumstances change. |
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Queensland: regional growth and business
Queensland’s new program will look familiar. It offers clear pathways for onshore workers, graduates, and offshore workers, making it a favorite for many. They are currently accepting Registrations of Interest (ROI) to build their queue. Queensland’s 2025-26 program is expected to begin issuing invitations shortly after receiving its federal quota.
| Visa (190 & 491) | Key Strategy for 2025-2026 |
| Eligibility Focus | Clear, separate streams for graduates, applicants working in the Construction Industry, skilled workers in QLD, and offshore workers. |
| 491 Pathway | A popular stream for Regional Small Business Owners provides a route for entrepreneurs willing to settle regionally. (Although currently not accepting new applications.) |
| HACK | QLD’s eligibility is highly defined by stream. Choose your stream wisely and meet all its specific minimums before lodging your ROI. |
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Western Australia: short pause, but worth the wait
WA’s nomination program is on hold until its new quota arrives. Once active again, it will likely keep its two familiar streams — General and Graduate.
The General Stream 1 & 2 for a 190 usually needs a full-time job contract with six months remaining. If you don’t have a secure job, you won’t be nominated.
The Graduate Stream rewards those who studied locally for two years.
Their program is currently focused on clearing its backlog.
| Visa (190 & 491) | Key Strategy for 2025-2026 |
| Eligibility Focus | An active, full-time employment contract in WA for a minimum of six months is a non-negotiable requirement for most streams (not applicable to the 491). (Please note, Building and Construction Occupations will likely be exempt from this.) |
| Work Experience | Many occupations require at least one year of skilled work experience (Australian or overseas). Building and Construction occupations will likely be exempt from this. |
| Hack | Before applying for nomination, focus entirely on securing that genuine, long-term employment contract. |
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South Australia: working quietly through its backlog
South Australia hasn’t opened for new ROIs yet. The current allocation is being used to process strong applications already in the system. If you live or work in SA, don’t disengage! Just keep your evidence, skills assessment, and English test results current so you’re ready when the next window opens. Their program is extremely restrictive using their small allocation to service priority groups.
| Visa (190 & 491) | Key Strategy for 2025-2026 |
| Eligibility Focus | SA graduates and skilled workers already employed in the state (especially in regional areas) get primary access. |
| Offshore Status | Highly Restricted. New applications from offshore skilled workers are generally on hold until a larger allocation is confirmed. |
| HACK | If you are onshore in SA, prioritize securing a skilled job now to qualify for high-priority streams. |
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Australian Capital Territory: the Matrix still matters
ACT continues with its Canberra Matrix, ranking applicants by employment, qualifications, and community ties. High-scoring profiles — especially in Education, ICT, and Healthcare — receive invitations first.
PhD graduates can even receive fast-track nomination within a week.
| Visa (190 & 491) | Key Strategy for 2025-2026 |
| Eligibility Focus | Your occupation must be on the specific ACT Critical Skills List, and your Matrix score must be high enough to clear the cut-off. |
| Residency & Work | Points are accrued for length of residency and employment in Canberra. The highest points go to those earning high salaries in skilled roles. |
| HACK | The score cut-offs can change rapidly. Don’t wait for a perfect score, and submit and be in the system. |
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Tasmania: new application gateway and fresh occupations
Tasmania has modernised its system with the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway, now open to new Registrations of Interest. Allocations haven’t been finalised, but the update already shows expanded opportunities/eligibility for health and allied-health roles for the subclass 190 Skilled Employment pathway.
The state does put an emphasis on applicants who are living and working in Tasmania. Generally speaking, most onshore applicants will only become eligible after six or nine months of Tasmanian employment.
Another quiet but important change is how Tasmania defines remote work under its Established Resident Pathway. If you live in Tasmania but work for a company outside the state — even one overseas — you’re counted as a remote worker. But if your clients are Tasmanian, you’re classed as a local employee instead.
They want migrants who are genuinely committed to calling the island home.
| Visa (190 & 491) | Key Strategy for 2025-2026 |
| Eligibility Focus | Dedicated pathways for Tasmanian graduates and those who can prove sustained skilled employment in the state. |
| The Reward | The Skilled Employment pathway offers a direct route for those with a proven work history in the state. |
| HACK | For new arrivals, studying a two-year course in Tasmania remains a golden ticket to one of the most accessible nomination pathways. |
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Northern Territory: exception only round for 491
The NT is operating under the strictest conditions. They are offering limited nominations “by exception”. This is mainly for onshore applicants whose visas end before 31 December 2025, who have birthdays before 31 December 2025 which will result in their skilled migration points for subclass 491 falling below 65, or who turn 45 this year. Their small quota is reserved almost exclusively for highly vulnerable onshore applicants who face critical visa deadlines (like turning 45). Interstate residents aren’t eligible and students must have studied in the Territory.
| Visa (491 Only) | Key Strategy for 2025-2026 |
| Eligibility Focus | Extremely restricted. Reserved primarily for NT graduates and existing residents with a visa expiry or age limit approaching. |
| Offshore Status | Closed. Do not apply from offshore; your application will not be considered until the full allocation is released. |
| HACK | If you are onshore in the NT, ensure you act immediately if you are approaching a critical birthday or visa expiry date. |
Why work with Pathway to Aus
Every rule above looks simple on paper until you try to connect them. Here at Pathway to Aus, we bring together Education Counsellors and Registered Migration Agents so that your study choices and your visa goals actually line up.
We help:
- You choose a course that leads toward PR in your target state,
- prepare your EOI or ROI correctly the first time, and
- handle the visa process from start to finish.
It’s one conversation that covers the whole journey instead of juggling three different offices.
Final thoughts
The 2025-26 migration year rewards people who plan ahead, keep documents sharp, and aim where demand really lies — construction, care, cyber, and health. Clearly the states also want you to be living in their state and working in your occupation. If you want personal guidance rather than guesswork, start with a free education consultation at Pathway to Aus. Our team has helped hundreds of students and workers take the same step you’re considering right now.
👉 Visit pathwaytoaus.com to begin.
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