Australia’s skilled migration settings continue to shift as States and Territories confirm their 2025 to 2026 nomination allocations and the Commonwealth refines employer sponsored processing. This update brings together the headline numbers for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 across each jurisdiction, with practical notes on interim programs and where to watch for the next invitation rounds. Below is the current assessment focus for Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 applications and an important caveat change for Management Consultant under LIN 24/093 that may affect smaller businesses.
If you are preparing an Expression of Interest or a nomination application, timing and accuracy are critical. Use the allocation table to target the jurisdictions that align with your occupation, points and regional ties, then review the Subclass 186 snapshot to plan employer sponsored pathways and evidence. Finally, note the Department’s announced Skilled Independent Subclass 189 invitation round on 13 November 2025 and ensure your EOI is current.
Table: State and Territory Skilled Nomination Allocations (2025-2026)
| State/Territory | Total Places | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) Places | Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) Places | Additional Notes |
| New South Wales (NSW) | 3,600 | 2,100 | 1,500 | Full allocation confirmed; focus on high-priority occupations contributing to state economy. |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 1,600 | 800 | 800 | Full allocation confirmed; next invitation round is being scheduled—monitor the ACT Government website for details. |
| Tasmania | 1,850 | 1,200 | 650 | Full allocation confirmed; weekly invitation rounds have commenced; weekly updates on ROIs invited, lowest scores, places available, and ROIs on hand will be published on the Migration Tasmania website. |
| Western Australia (WA) | Not released (interim only) | Not specified | Not specified | Additional interim allocation provided for a November invitation round; full allocation pending announcement—check the WA Government website for updates. |
| South Australia (SA) | Not released (interim only) | Not specified | Not specified | Additional interim allocation provided; invitations continue for applicants contributing to workforce needs, including ROIs from the 2024-2025 program year; ROIs for 2025-2026 not yet open—monitor the SA Government website. |
| Victoria | No update | No update | No update | No details on final or interim allocations yet; continue monitoring the Victorian Government website for announcements. |
| Queensland | No update | No update | No update | No details on final or interim allocations yet; continue monitoring the Migration Queensland website for announcements. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | No update | No update | No update | No details on final or interim allocations yet; continue monitoring the NT Government website for announcements. |
Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186 processing snapshot
The Employer Sponsored Program Delivery team has indicated high application volumes. As at 31 October 2025 assessment focus is on
- April 2025 lodgements for occupations in designated regional areas
• April 2025 lodgements for healthcare and teaching
• October 2024 lodgements where the nominator holds Accredited Status
• March 2024 lodgements for all other applications
Timeframes are indicative only and are not prescribed by legislation.
Subclass 186 occupation list LIN 24/093
Caveats 11 and 13 now apply to Management Consultant. In effect the nominated position cannot be in a business with annual turnover under one million Australian dollars or in a business with fewer than five employees. This could impact startups or small consultancies. Employers must provide evidence (e.g., financial statements, payroll records) during nomination to prove compliance.
Skilled Independent Subclass 189 invitation round on 13 November 2025
The Department has announced a points tested Subclass 189 invitation round on 13 November 2025. Ensure your Expression of Interest is accurate and up to date. Legal framework: Migration Regulations 1994 Part 2 and the SkillSelect system established under the Act and Regulations.
