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Strategic Allocation of State and Territory Nominations in Australia’s Skilled Migration Program
Each Australian state and territory receives a yearly nomination allocation — a defined number of permission slots to nominate prospective migrants under the Skilled – Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas. These allocations are more than just quotas: they reflect each region’s strategy for addressing unique workforce and demographic needs.
For the 2025-26 program year, the Australian Government has set a total of 20,350 primary applicant allocation spots.
Here’s how the allocation is distributed:
State / Territory | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) | Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 800 | 800 |
New South Wales (NSW) | 2,100 | 1,500 |
Northern Territory (NT) | 850 | 800 |
Queensland (QLD) | 1,850 | 750 |
South Australia (SA) | 1,350 | 900 |
Tasmania (TAS) | 1,200 | 650 |
Victoria (VIC) | 2,700 | 700 |
Western Australia (WA) | 2,000 | 1,400 |
These allocations are not arbitrary. The Department of Home Affairs bases them on:
Each jurisdiction’s workforce and demographic needs,’
The number of on-hand visa applications, and
The broader Migration Program planning levels.
It’s important to note that nomination allocations do not directly translate to visa grants. Rather, they represent how many primary applicants a state or territory can nominate, not how many visas will ultimately be issued. The actual processing and granting of visas still depend on other factors like application quality, demand, and available processing capacity.
Why this matters
Targeted Strategy: Understanding these allocations helps our clients tailor their Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions more strategically. If a state has limited nomination slots, early and strong EOIs could provide competitive advantage.
Regional Opportunities: Given that many states prioritize regional growth, subclass 491 nominations can be more accessible for clients willing to settle in less-populated areas.
Forecasting Demand: Knowing the allocation reduces uncertainty. Clients and advisors can better anticipate where and how aggressive nomination rounds might become.
Advocacy and Advising: AMVPS can more effectively guide clients on which states to apply to, considering both their occupation and current allocations.
