The 2025-26 Australian Migration Landscape: Navigating State & Territory Nominations
- Leading Edge
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
Australia’s migration landscape is shifting, and for skilled professionals eyeing a future Down Under, the 2025-26 program year has brought both clarity and intense competition. At Leading Edge Migration, we believe that information is the most powerful tool in your visa arsenal.
As we cross the threshold into the final quarter of the financial year, the data for State and Territory nominations from 1 July 2025 to 31 March 2026 tells a compelling story of regional demand, policy tightening, and the critical importance of a "decision-ready" strategy.
The 2025-26 Allocation Reality: Quality Over Quantity
The Australian Government initially set a planning level of 33,000 places for state-nominated visas. However, the actual final allocations for the 2025-26 program year were tightened to 20,350 places across all jurisdictions.
This 38% reduction from initial planning levels has transformed the migration race. It is no longer enough to simply meet the minimum points threshold; applicants must now demonstrate high-calibre skills, regional commitment, and strategic timing.
Breakdown of Total Allocations by Visa Subclass
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): 12,850 places
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): 7,500 places
State-by-State Performance (1 July 2025 – 31 March 2026)
From July 2025 to March 2026, the states have been working through their quotas with varying speeds. Below is the breakdown of how many Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have been successfully nominated by each state and territory government during this period.
1. New South Wales (NSW)
Total Allocation: 3,600
Nominations Issued (Estimated to 31 March): ~2,800
NSW remains the powerhouse of Australian migration. For the 2025-26 year, NSW shifted focus heavily toward the NSW Skills List. If your occupation isn't on that list, an invitation is unlikely. They have also prioritised "Pathway 1" (Regional Work) and "Pathway 3" (Regional Graduates) for the 491 visa.
2. Victoria (VIC)
Total Allocation: 3,400
Nominations Issued (Estimated to 31 March): ~2,950
Victoria has been incredibly active this year, particularly in the Subclass 190 category (2,700 places). Their "Registration of Interest" (ROI) system remains highly competitive, favouring applicants in fast-growing sectors like Health, Teaching, and Advanced Manufacturing.
3. Western Australia (WA)
Total Allocation: 3,400
Nominations Issued (Estimated to 31 March): ~3,100
As a premier visa consultant in Perth, we’ve seen WA's program reach near-capacity early. WA has been aggressive in filling its construction and healthcare quotas. If you are a skilled worker in Perth or regional WA, your proximity to the local market has been a significant advantage this year.
4. Queensland (QLD)
Total Allocation: 2,600
Nominations Issued (Estimated to 31 March): ~2,100
Queensland has maintained a high standard for its "Skilled Workers Onshore" and "Offshore" streams. They have notably favoured the 190 visa (1,850 places) over the regional 491 (750 places).
5. South Australia (SA)
Total Allocation: 2,250
Nominations Issued (Estimated to 31 March): ~1,900
South Australia continues to reward those already contributing to the local economy. Their focus on long-term residents and international graduates of SA remains a cornerstone of their 2025-26 strategy.
6. Tasmania (TAS)
Total Allocation: 1,850
Nominations Issued (Estimated to 31 March): ~1,550
Tasmania’s "Gateway" system remains nuanced. They have prioritised "Gold" and "Green" pass holders—those who meet high-priority industry needs.
7. Northern Territory (NT) & ACT
Combined Allocation: 3,250
Nominations Issued (Estimated to 31 March): ~2,600
The NT and ACT have the most balanced 190/491 splits. The ACT’s "Canberra Matrix" has become stricter regarding salary thresholds, while the NT remains a fantastic option for those committed to truly regional Australia.
Why a "Front-Load" Strategy is Essential
With fewer spots available and higher competition, the cost of a mistake is high. At Leading Edge Migration, our Principal Migration Agent, Mrs. Kaur, implements a Front-Load Strategy.
The Four Pillars of Evidence: We prepare your case file with all required evidence before the final invitation arrives. This ensures that when you receive a nomination, your application is "decision-ready" from day one.
The Benefits of Strategic Planning
Cost Efficiency: Avoid forfeiting high visa application charges (VAC) due to simple errors.
Speed: Minimised requests for further information (RFIs) from the Department of Home Affairs.
Integrity: We ensure 100% compliance with the latest Migration Agents Regulations 2026.
Leading Edge Migration: Your Perth Visa Experts
Choosing the right migration agent is a life-altering decision. We aren't just form-fillers; we are architects of your future. Based in the heart of Perth, we provide direct insights into Western Australia's specific nomination criteria (SNMP).
Our Specialised Services Include:
Skilled Migration (190, 491, 189): Strategic EOI and ROI submissions.
Employer-Sponsored Visas (482, 186): Bridging the gap between talent and business.
Partner & Family Visas: Navigating complex relationship registrations and Schedule 3 issues.
Graduate Pathways: Turning your Australian education into a permanent residency investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What happens if I don't get a nomination by 30 June 2026?
Your EOI remains in the SkillSelect system (usually for two years). However, if your points change or your occupation is removed from a state list in the 2026-27 year, you may need to update your strategy.
Q. Is the Subclass 491 visa a good option compared to the 190?
Yes! While it is a provisional visa, it provides a clear pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191) and offers 15 bonus points, which can be the difference between receiving an invitation or not in a competitive year.
Q. Why are the nomination numbers lower this year?
The government is balancing economic demand with infrastructure and housing pressures. This has led to a "sharper focus" on specific roles—primarily in healthcare, construction, and education.
Q. Can I apply for more than one state nomination?
Technically yes, but it is often better to focus your energy where you have the strongest ties (employment, study, or family), as states increasingly look for "genuine intention" to reside.
Q. What is the "Canberra Matrix"?
It is a points-based system used specifically by the ACT to rank applicants. In 2026, the ACT increased salary thresholds for many candidates, making it vital to have an expert review your matrix score.
Q. What is the "Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)" and how does it affect me?
In the 2025-26 program year, the government fully transitioned to the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This list replaced the older STSOL and MLTSSL to better reflect the real-time needs of the Australian economy. If your occupation is on this list, you have a baseline for eligibility, but remember: each state (like WA or NSW) has its own priority subset of this list. Being on the CSOL is the first step; being on a State Priority List is the goal.
Q. Have the income thresholds for skilled visas changed?
Yes. As of July 1, 2025, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) was indexed to $76,515. However, looking ahead, the government has already announced that from 1 July 2026, this will increase again to $79,499 based on average weekly earnings. For 491 visa holders, while there is no longer a specific "minimum income" to transition to PR, staying above these thresholds is often a key indicator of your "employability" when states consider you for nomination.
Q. How long does it currently take to get a visa grant after state nomination?
As of April 2026, processing times have stabilised. For the Subclass 190, 50% of applications are being finalised in approximately 10 months. The Subclass 491 takes slightly longer, with 50% of applications processed within 6 to 20 months. At Leading Edge Migration, we emphasise that these times only begin after you lodge your visa application with Home Affairs—getting your skills assessment and state nomination ready beforehand is what actually saves you time.
Q. Why did Western Australia (WA) pause its program earlier this year?
WA, like many states, often "pauses" its program briefly at the start of the financial year (July) or when a specific quota is met to clear existing backlogs. In the 2025-26 year, WA paused temporarily to transition from "interim" to "final" allocations. As your Perth-based experts, we monitor these pauses in real-time so our clients are the first to hit "submit" the moment the portal re-opens.
Secure Your Future Today
The window for the 2025-26 program year is closing fast. With nomination places being filled every day, waiting until June to act could mean missing out on your chance for Australian residency.
Don't leave your future to chance. Partner with the best migration agent Perth has to offer.
📞 Call us: +61 08 9221 8472
📍 Perth Office: Unit 3, 239 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
📩 Email: info@leadingedgemigration.com.au
Book your strategy session with Leading Edge Migration today, and let’s map out your journey to Australia.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances
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