This article has been written in collaboration with Nicole Kirkwood, Director of Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE) and Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 0962323).
If you’re planning your pathway to permanent residency, you’ve likely been closely watching the news about the Migration Program planning levels for the 2025-26 year.
The main takeaway? While the overall program size is stable, there’s been a twist in the number of places actually allocated to the states and territories for your visas.
The Good News: Overall Program Size is Maintained
The Australian Government’s overall commitment to the permanent Migration Program remains strong, with 185,000 places planned for 2025-26, the same as the previous year.
| Skill Stream | Employer Sponsored | 44,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 16,900 | |
| Regional | 33,000 | |
| State/Territory Nominated | 33,000 | |
| Business Innovation & Investment | 1,000 | |
| Talent and Innovation | 4,300 | |
| Skill Total | 132,200 | |
| Family Stream | Partner, Parent, Child, Other Family | 52,500 |
| Special Eligibility | 300 | |
| Total Migration Program | 185,000 |
The State/Territory Nominated category (Subclass 190 and 491 visas), which is crucial for many international graduates, is planned to be set at a very promising 33,000 places.
The Unallocated State Places
Here is the most critical update for you: While the total planning level is 33,000 places, the total number officially allocated to the states and territories so far is significantly lower.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has released the current nomination allocations to the states and territories for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas. The total of these allocations is 20,350 places.
- Planned Allocation (DHA Planning Level): 33,000 places
- Current Allocation (Total State/Territory Allocation): 20,350 places
- Places Yet to be Accounted For: A total of 12,650 places are currently unallocated from the planned total.
This gap of 12,650 places represents a significant portion of the planned Skilled Nominated visas that could still be allocated. It signals that the current state nomination rounds, while competitive, may not represent the final opportunity for the program year. They may also decide to move these to other skilled programs, including employer-sponsored visas where there is a large demand.
Allocation Snapshot: The Current State Breakdown
To give you a clearer picture of the current opportunities, here is the full breakdown of the 20,350 places that have been provided to the states so far:
| State/Territory | Subclass 190 Places | Subclass 491 Places | Total Current Allocation |
| NSW | 2,100 | 1,500 | 3,600 |
| VIC | 2,700 | 700 | 3,400 |
| WA | 2,000 | 1,400 | 3,400 |
| QLD | 1,850 | 750 | 2,600 |
| SA | 1,350 | 900 | 2,250 |
| TAS | 1,200 | 650 | 1,850 |
| NT | 850 | 800 | 1,650 |
| ACT | 800 | 800 | 1,600 |
| Total Allocated to States | 12,850 | 7,500 | 20,350 |
What This Means for You
While the total available places are currently lower than planned, the possibility of a second allocation means you need to be prepared. This is not the time to wait—it’s the time to act.
Maximise your points: Focus on achieving a higher score now. If a second allocation is released, states will invite applicants quickly, rewarding those with the highest points.
Secure skilled employment: States are prioritising applicants already working in their jurisdiction. This is your best chance to get nominated in the current, limited rounds.
Research regional options: The Subclass 491 is a strong option. Regional states often have more tailored criteria and will be the first to benefit if top-up allocations are released.
Get your documents ready: If the remaining places are released, the invitation window will be fast. Have your skills assessment and English test results valid and ready to lodge an application instantly.
The current confirmed allocation of 20,350 places means there are over 20,000 reasons to be ready. The delay in the program opening simply means the states will be issuing nominations at an accelerated pace to meet their targets.
Be prepared to seize this opportunity! The states will be running competitive rounds, prioritising applicants who have maximised their points and are ready to apply immediately.
Get Expert Support
If you’re unsure about which state best suits your skills and experience, Australian Visa & Immigration Experts (AVIE) can help.
You can contact a registered migration agent using the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) registry, or contact an immigration lawyer:
Nicole Kirkwood
Australian Visa & Immigration Experts
MARN: 0962323
Email: email@avie.com.au
Website & book a consultation: www.avie.com.au
What we do: Provide expert migration advice, assist and lodge all skills assessments and visa applications, state and regional sponsorship, ART and all other migration matters.
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