Australia’s 2024-25 skilled migration program is underway, with Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory already accepting applications. While the ACT has yet to open their applications, their nomination allocations have been announced.
Below, we break down the details of each state and territory’s skilled migration program.
Read more: What is Skilled Migration and State/Territory or Regional Nomination?
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia has launched its State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) for the 2024-25 year. They are continuing to waive the $200 application fee. This year, there’s a significant addition: expanded employment contract options for candidates through the General Stream – WASMOL – Schedule 1. Monthly invitation rounds will begin in August 2024.
The allocations for this year are:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 3,000 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 2,000 places
For more detailed criteria and application instructions, visit the State Nominated Migration Program page.
Tasmania
Tasmania’s State Nomination Program is open for Registrations of Interest from 12pm, 1 August 2024.
Tasmania has secured nearly 2,900 places for skilled migrants, more than doubling last year’s allocation. This increase supports crucial sectors such as healthcare, construction and tourism, reflecting the state’s low unemployment rate and high demand for skilled workers. The allocations are:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 2,100 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 760 places
For updates and registration information, keep an eye on Migration Tasmania’s website.
South Australia
South Australia’s state nominated skilled migration program for 2024-2025 is now open and the state’s Skilled Occupation List is available to view.
South Australia received an additional 1,500 nomination places compared to last year, totalling 3,800 places for the 2024-25 program year. The allocations are:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 3,000 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places
Further details are available on the South Australia migration site.
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales’ Skilled Migration program is now open. The state has been allocated 5,000 places for skilled visa nominations:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 3,000 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 2,000 places
For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the NSW Government’s visa and migration page.
Victoria
Victoria’s 2024-25 Skilled Visa Nomination program (subclass 190 and subclass 491) is now open.
The state has been allocated a total of 5,000 places for the upcoming program year:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 3,000 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 2,000 places
More information on eligibility and the application process can be found on the Live in Melbourne website.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT has a flexible approach to meeting local labor market needs, with 1,800 nomination places allocated for this year:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 1,000 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places
For more details, visit the ACT migration page.
Queensland
Queensland’s 2024-25 Queensland State Nominated Migration Program is now open. The state has been allocated 1,200 places, split evenly between two visa types:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 600 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 600 places
Visit the Queensland Government’s migration site for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
Northern Territory (NT)
NT General Skilled Migration nomination applications can now be lodged. The region has doubled its allocation from last year, now offering 1,600 places:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 800 places
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 800 places
For updates and information on how to apply, head over to the Northern Territory’s official migration website.
Changes in allocation from the previous year
Here’s a summary of the percentage changes in allocation compared to the 2023-24 program year:
- Tasmania: 190 visa increased by 250%, and 491 visa by 27%.
- NT: 190 visa increased by 220%, and 491 visa by 100%.
- WA: 190 visa increased by 100%, and 491 visa by 135%.
- SA: 190 visa increased by 173%, but the 491 visa decreased by 33%.
- ACT: 190 visa increased by 67%, and 491 visa by 33%.
- Victoria: 190 visa increased by 11%, and 491 visa by 233%.
- NSW: 190 visa increased by 13%, and 491 visa by 33%.
- Queensland: 190 visa decreased by 33%, and 491 visa by 8%.
Chris Johnston, a lawyer at Work Visa Lawyers, suggests that these adjustments could be aimed at encouraging more migration to regional areas, particularly due to the housing crisis in larger metropolitan areas.
Less populated regions like South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, and Western Australia have seen increases in Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa allocations. Meanwhile, New South Wales and Victoria saw increases specifically in the Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa, directing migrants away from congested metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Queensland’s reduction in visas was requested by the state itself.
“I know that the allocations will not make everyone happy,” Chris remarks. “But overall, these announcements are better than what we were talking about last year. Last year there was a 70% across-the-board reduction in visas. This year, at least, we’ve seen some increases.”
Expert tips to strengthen your skilled visa application
Speaking to Insider Guides, Chris also offers valuable advice for potential applicants to strengthen their applications and avoid common pitfalls:
“To apply for points-based visas, you must have a positive skills assessment, English test results at least at the competent level taken in the last three years, and meet other requirements. Having more points will make your application more competitive. Consider taking a NAATI test, improving your English scores, and completing a professional year,” he shares.
“Over-claiming points is the most common mistake we see in do-it-yourself applications. This includes claiming non-skilled employment experience, ineligible regional studies, or single points but getting married during the visa process. It’s critical to understand migration terms. If you’re not sure, always consult a migration agent or lawyer.”
