SYDNEY – The Department of Home Affairs in Australia has unveiled the final allocation of skilled migration places for the 2025-26 programme, confirming a total of 20,350 skilled workers will be granted visas during this period.
These are divided between two primary visa pathways: the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491).
Subclass 190 Visa
The Subclass 190 visa offers a permanent residency option for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory.
Successful applicants can live and work anywhere across the country. To qualify, applicants must meet the points criteria, hold a positive skills assessment, and secure a nomination from a state or territory.
For the 2025-26 program, a total of 12,850 places have been allocated to Subclass 190.
The allocation for each state and territory varies, with New South Wales receiving the largest share across both visa categories, followed by Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
New South Wales: 3,000
Victoria: 2,700
Queensland: 1,850
Western Australia: 2,000
South Australia: 1,350
Tasmania: 1,200
Northern Territory: 850
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 900
Total for Subclass 190: 12,850 places
Subclass 491 visa
On the other hand, the Subclass 491 visa is a temporary regional visa that can eventually lead to permanent residency. It is valid for up to five years and requires a skilled occupation, eligibility for points, and nomination either from a regional state, territory, or an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
New South Wales: 1,000
Victoria: 700
Queensland: 750
Western Australia: 1,400
South Australia: 900
Tasmania: 650
Northern Territory: 800
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 300
Total for Subclass 491: 7,500 places
This announcement highlights the strategic focus on regional migration, with the Subclass 491 visa specifically targeting skilled workers for areas outside major cities.
Applicants for both visa types are now facing more competition, as the number of available spots has decreased, particularly for Subclass 190, which may lead to tighter requirements and a more rigorous selection process.
