Australia State and Territory Nomination Allocations 2025–26 — What Skilled Migrants Need to Know
Australia has released its 2025–26 State and Territory Nomination Allocations for skilled
migration programs — a major update for those seeking Australian Permanent Residency
(PR) under the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work
Regional) visa categories.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, these allocations are designed to balance workforce demand, support regional growth, and align with each jurisdiction’s economic and demographic priorities.
Overview of the 2025–26 Skilled Migration Allocations
For the 2025–26 program year, Australia has allocated a total of 20,350 nomination places, distributed among states and territories as follows:
| State / Territory | Subclass 190 Visa | Subclass 491 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | 800 | 800 |
| New South Wales | 2,100 | 1,500 |
| Northern Territory | 850 | 800 |
| Queensland | 1,850 | 750 |
| South Australia | 1,350 | 900 |
| Tasmania | 1,200 | 650 |
| Victoria | 2,700 | 700 |
| Western Australia | 2,000 | 1,400 |
| Total | 12,850 | 7,500 |
| Grand Total | 20,350 | |
Compared to last year’s 2024–25 allocation, this year’s quota reflects a 25% reduction, which means increased competition for skilled migrants applying through state or regional nomination programs.
For official data, refer to the Australian Government website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
<Key Points for Applicants
1️⃣ Reduced Quota — Higher Competition
With fewer nomination places available, applicants will face more selective screening processes. States will be prioritizing those with skills in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, education, engineering, construction, and ICT.
To maximize your chances, ensure your Expression of Interest (EOI) aligns with your target state’s occupation needs and that your supporting documents — such as skills assessment and English test scores — are up to date.
2️⃣ State Priorities — Workforce & Regional Growth
Each state and territory uses its own migration strategy. For example:
- New South Wales (NSW): Health, IT, and infrastructure professionals.
- Victoria: Advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, healthcare.
- Queensland & South Australia: Preference for those who lived, worked, or studied locally.
- Western Australia: Mining, engineering, and trades.
- Tasmania & Northern Territory: Regional applicants committed to long-term settlement.
These policies ensure migration benefits both the economy and regional communities.
3️⃣ Application Process — Monitor State Nomination Rounds
Applicants must monitor state migration websites for:
- Nomination opening dates
- Updated occupation lists
- Invitation round announcements
- Required documentation and fees
Early preparation and proactive monitoring are crucial under reduced quotas.
If you need professional guidance, Wigeont Global Resettlement Experts can assist with eligibility checks, application preparation, documentation, and post-approval support.
What This Means for Skilled Migrants
The 2025–26 allocations highlight the Australian government’s focus on targeted migration — attracting skilled professionals who can contribute immediately to local economies.
Whether you’re in healthcare, engineering, IT, or education, aligning your skills with the right state or territory can significantly improve your nomination and PR approval chances.
Your Trusted Australia PR Partner — Wigeont Global
Based in Bengaluru, Wigeont Global Resettlement Experts supports skilled professionals across PAN India with end-to-end visa and immigration services — from selecting suitable states to EOI handling and documentation.
📍 Contact Us:
📞 +91 8123627833
📧 info@wigeont.com
👉 Visit Wigeont Global — Australia PR Experts
Final Word
The 2025–26 program year brings challenges but also great opportunities for skilled migrants who prepare strategically. With revised state quotas, staying informed, meeting eligibility requirements, and applying early are more important than ever.
For personalized consultation, contact Wigeont Global and get expert insights on the best nomination pathway for you.
📞 +91 8123627833 or 📧 info@wigeont.com — start your Australia PR journey today!



