2025–26 General Skilled Migration allocations announced – 4 Dec 2025

2025–26 General Skilled Migration allocations by state

How many 190 and 491 places each state received

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed the final state and territory nomination allocations for the 2025–26 General Skilled Migration program year on 29 November 2025, with the summary released on 4 December 2025. These figures cap how many applicants each jurisdiction can nominate for subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.

For migration agents, this table is the ceiling for 2025–26 nomination planning. For visa applicants and education providers, it shows where demand pressure may build, and where slightly more room exists for state-nominated pathways.

Which states gained or lost skilled migration places?

Subclass 190 trends – tighter overall, but gains for Queensland and NT

The source confirms that most states and territories received reduced subclass 190 allocations compared to the previous program year. Two exceptions stand out: Queensland and the Northern Territory, which both gained additional 190 places.

• Queensland’s subclass 190 allocation increased by 1,250 places.
• The Northern Territory’s subclass 190 allocation increased by 50 places.
• Other states and territories experienced reduced subclass 190 places compared to last year (exact prior-year numbers are not provided in the source).

This pattern could affect how agents structure nomination strategies and how applicants prioritise locations. Where subclass 190 places are lower, state programs may narrow their criteria or focus even more on specific occupations, work history, or regional commitment.

Subclass 491 trends – overall reductions and a sharp cut in Victoria

For the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), the source notes that many states have lower allocations than last year. One change is highlighted very clearly.

Lower 491 allocations across several jurisdictions mean regional pathways remain available but more selective. For providers placing students into regional study pathways, this shift could affect which states appear more attractive for future 491 nomination prospects based on anzsco.ai data and our analysis of relative capacity.

Each state and territory is responsible for running its own nomination program, including when and how invitations are issued.

How states will manage invitations in 2025–26

Every state and territory runs its own nomination program. Criteria, timing, and invitation methods are not standardised nationally, and the source confirms that requirements can change during the year. This flexibility allows states to respond to labour market shifts but can surprise applicants mid-process.

• States typically run invitation rounds throughout the program year, selecting candidates from SkillSelect EOIs.
• They set and publish their own nomination criteria, which may change during the year.
• Common requirements include a valid skills assessment, points-tested EOI, and an occupation on the relevant state list.
• Some states use points-based ranking or priority categories (e.g. health, teaching, trades, regional employment).

This raises a clear question: with limited allocations, who will each state prioritise? The source does not list specific occupations or points cut-offs, so any detailed ranking insight would need to come from each state’s published criteria rather than the federal allocation table.

Practical steps for agents, applicants, and providers in 2025–26

The source outlines clear, general actions for anyone considering a subclass 190 or subclass 491 pathway in 2025–26. These apply across states, even though the detailed criteria vary by jurisdiction. One thing is consistent: planning early helps.

Action plan based on the 2025–26 allocations

1. 01Review each state or territory’s current requirements for your occupation and visa type using official program pages and anzsco.ai state profiles.
2. 02Decide which state or regional area best aligns with your skills, work history, study background, and long-term lifestyle goals.
3. 03Ensure your SkillSelect EOI is accurate and competitive, including English scores, skills assessment details, work experience, and total points.
4. 04Check that you meet both Department of Home Affairs criteria for subclass 190/491 and the specific state nomination criteria (occupation list, points, work or study location, regional residence, or job offer).
5. 05Monitor state announcements during the program year, as nomination criteria and priority categories can change without increasing the overall allocation.

Because the allocation data does not list occupations, sectors, or points thresholds, it gives only the capacity picture, not the full competitiveness story. For that, agents, applicants, and education providers will need to track individual state nomination updates during the 2025–26 program year. Lowest since September 2025.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice. Always consult a Registered Migration Agent (still widely known as a MARA agent) for advice specific to your circumstances.

Related

9 June 2026 6 min

Australia’s migration program focus 2026-06-09: skilled PR pathways

Australia’s migration program, as discussed on 2026-06-09, is staying open but becoming more targeted. The focus keyword is **Australia migration program**. Skilled, onshore and employer-linked applicants remain central, while family visas continue to support long-term settlement and PR planning.

9 June 2026 5 min

Australia migration program focus on skills – 9 June 2026

Australia’s 9 June 2026 migration program direction keeps permanent migration open but more selective. The focus keyword is **Australia migration program**. Skilled, onshore, employer-sponsored and regional pathways gain emphasis, while family visas remain central to long‑term settlement planning.

8 May 2026 6 min

Skilled Partner Points & SC 190 Status Changes – 8 May 2026

Skilled partner points for Subclass 190 visas can’t usually replace ‘single applicant’ points after invitation. This 8 May 2026 update explains how marital status changes affect the points test, skilled partner criteria and refusals under regulation 190.212 for skilled nominated visa applicants.