Australia PR
Australia State-by-State Migration Program Status – 2025–26 (Subclass 190 & 491)
| State/Territory | Current Status | Key Announcements (190 & 491) |
| New South Wales (NSW) | Pending | No formal announcement yet. Website states program details will be updated once allocation is received from the Department of Home Affairs. Expected to reopen by mid-October 2025. |
| Victoria (VIC) | ✅ Open (Interim) | On September 30, 2025, Victoria announced an interim opening for 190 and 491 nominations. Priority being given to candidates in critical sectors: Health, Teaching, ICT, and Engineering. Full opening pending federal allocation confirmation. |
| Queensland (QLD) | ✅ Open (Fully) | Queensland officially reopened its Migration Program 2025–26 on October 2, 2025. Accepting EOIs for both 190 and 491. Priority given to: regional applicants, STEM occupations, and Small Business Owners (491). |
| South Australia (SA) | ❗ Limited Reopening | SA issued a soft launch announcement in late September. Currently accepting ROI (Registration of Interest) only for selected critical occupations for 491. Full program expected to open in phases. An expanded occupation has been published on the website for 190 & 491 Offshore nominations |
| Western Australia (WA) | ❌ Not Yet Open | WA has not yet opened nominations for 2025–26. The website indicates they are still awaiting allocation. Stakeholder update expected mid-October. |
| Tasmania | ✅ Open (With Conditions) | Tasmania opened its 2025–26 program on October 1, 2025. Accepting applications across all pathways. Emphasis on long-term Tasmanian residents and graduates. |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ✅ Open (Matrix Updated) | ACT updated its Canberra Matrix and reopened its nomination program on October 1, 2025. Monthly invitation rounds resumed. Emphasis on residents and employment in critical roles. |
| Northern Territory (NT) | ❌ Pending Update | NT has not reopened yet. Expected to follow after October 10. Anticipated focus: regional employment, local graduates, and long-term residents. |
🔑 Summary of Trends
- 🕒 Staggered Reopenings: Most states are waiting on federal allocations. Interim programs opened where possible.
- 🏥 Critical Sector Priority: Health, ICT, and Education remain at the top of most state occupation lists.
- 📍 Regional Focus: States like QLD and TAS prioritize applicants who live/work in regional areas.
- 📑 ROI Processes: SA and VIC still use ROI filtering for higher demand.
- 🎓 Graduates & Residents: Graduates of local institutions and long-term residents are strongly favored.
