Australia Confirms 20,000+ Visas for Foreign Skilled Workers. Australia Department of Home Affairs has announced the final nomination allocations for the 2025–26 skilled migration program, confirming 20,350 visa places across two significant visa pathways: the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). These visa categories provide vital pathways for skilled workers looking to live and work in Australia.
Skilled Migration Visa Breakdown
Australia’s skilled migration program has been a popular route for foreign workers, and this new allocation ensures continued opportunities for skilled workers from around the world. Here’s how the two primary pathways are structured:
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. Those granted this visa can live and work anywhere across Australia.
Requirements for Subclass 190
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list
- Receive a positive skills assessment
- Meet the points requirement
- Secure state nomination from an Australian state or territory
This visa offers an exciting opportunity for skilled workers to settle permanently in Australia.
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a temporary regional visa valid for up to five years, which can eventually lead to permanent residency. This visa is designed for skilled workers who commit to working in regional areas of Australia.
Requirements for Subclass 491
- Occupation must be listed on the skilled occupation list
- Applicants must meet the points eligibility
- A nomination from a regional state, territory, or an eligible family member is required
While Subclass 491 is temporary, it serves as an important step toward permanent residency for those living and working in designated regional areas.
Visa Allocations for 2025–26: Breakdown by State and Territory
The total number of visa places for skilled workers has been split between the two visa subclasses based on state and territory requirements. Here’s the allocation breakdown:
| State/Territory | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 3,000 | 1,000 | 4,000 |
| Victoria | 2,700 | 700 | 3,400 |
| Queensland | 1,850 | 750 | 2,600 |
| Western Australia | 2,000 | 1,400 | 3,400 |
| South Australia | 1,350 | 900 | 2,250 |
| Tasmania | 1,200 | 650 | 1,850 |
| Northern Territory | 850 | 800 | 1,650 |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 900 | 300 | 1,200 |
| Total | 12,850 | 7,500 | 20,350 |
Why These Changes Matter
The state and territory allocations directly impact how many skilled migrants can enter Australia through nomination pathways. As the overall visa numbers decrease, competition for Subclass 190 nominations is expected to intensify.
This means skilled workers will need to stay updated on:
- Changing occupation lists
- State-specific requirements for nominations
For prospective migrants, it’s crucial to closely track updates on each state’s nomination criteria over the coming weeks. The new updates will determine eligibility and influence competitiveness for the 2025–26 program year.
What This Means for Skilled Migrants
With fewer overall places available, the race for Subclass 190 nominations will become more competitive. Applicants will need to carefully monitor changes to the skilled occupation list and the nomination processes for each state to maximize their chances of success.
Conclusion
The 2025–26 skilled migration program in Australia offers 20,350 visa places for skilled workers, with specific allocations for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). The competition will likely intensify as the overall number of visas decreases, meaning prospective migrants must stay vigilant on changing visa lists, state nomination processes, and eligibility requirements.
