The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has released the full allocation of nomination places for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa for the 2025-26 program year. These allocations determine how many skilled migrants each state and territory can nominate via the 190 visa pathway.
Understanding these numbers — and the process — is essential for anyone planning to pursue the Subclass 190 in the coming year.
National Overview
Australia’s total allocation for the Subclass 190 visa in 2025-26 is 12,850 places.
State-by-State Allocation Breakdown (Subclass 190 Only)
For the 2025–26 program year, each state and territory has been allocated a specific number of nomination places for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa.
Here are the 190 visa allocations for each jurisdiction:
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 800 places
- New South Wales (NSW): 2,100 places
- Northern Territory (NT): 850 places
- Queensland (QLD): 1,850 places
- South Australia (SA): 1,350 places
- Tasmania (TAS): 1,200 places
- Victoria (VIC): 2,700 places
- Western Australia (WA): 2,000 places
These allocations determine how many skilled migrants each state or territory can nominate for the permanent Subclass 190 visa throughout the program year.
⭐ How to Get the Subclass 190 Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
🔹 Step 1: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
Start by submitting your EOI in SkillSelect, where you indicate your nominated occupation, points, English level, skills assessment and work experience. This is not the visa application itself — it’s a “ready-for-consideration” profile.
🔹 Step 2: Receive State Nomination
A state or territory will review your EOI (and any other prerequisites) and may offer to nominate you under the Subclass 190 program.
🔹 Step 3: Respond to the Nomination (Usually Within ~14 Days)
Once nominated by the state, you’ll generally have about 14 days to accept the nomination. If you do not respond within the deadline, the nomination may lapse.
🔹 Step 4: Receive an Invitation & Apply for the Visa (Usually Within ~28 Days)
After accepting nomination, you will receive an Invitation to Apply for the Subclass 190 visa from DHA. You typically have 28 days to lodge your visa application, with all required supporting documentation.
🔹 Step 5: Receive a Decision on Your Subclass 190 Visa
Once your application is lodged, DHA will assess eligibility, documentation and compliance. If approved, you will be granted the Subclass 190 visa — giving you permanent residency with a commitment to living and working in the nominating state.
What These Allocations Mean for Applicants
1. Competition and selectivity
With a fixed number of nomination places in each state, applicants must stand out — strong scores, relevant experience and alignment with state priorities will matter more than ever.
2. State choice matters
Because allocations differ significantly between states, your occupation, location preference and eligibility should guide which state(s) to target.
3. Be “decision-ready”
States may open nomination rounds quickly and may favour applicants whose documentation (skills assessment, English, work records) is already complete.
4. State priorities will affect eligibility
Each jurisdiction will emphasise sectors and skills specific to its workforce needs. Understanding the state’s current focus will increase your chances of nomination.
Tips for Strengthening Your Subclass 190 Application
- Ensure your skills assessment is current and positive in your nominated occupation.
- Update your English test results (if needed) to meet or exceed the required level.
- Keep your EOI details accurate and up-to-date (occupation, work experience, points).
- Prepare employment documentation (contracts, payslips, references) ahead of time.
- Monitor each state’s migration website to stay aware of nomination criteria and rounds.
Final Thoughts
The 2025-26 allocations for the Subclass 190 visa signal a competitive but achievable skilled migration pathway for many eligible applicants. With the right preparation, state targeting and documentation strategy, you can maximise your chances of nomination and permanent residency.
If you’d like help preparing your EOI, responding to a nomination or choosing the best state for your pathway, we’re here to assist.
About Rocket & Ash Immigration Law
At Rocket & Ash Immigration Law, we specialise in helping partners, businesses, and professionals navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law. Our expertise in visa applications ensures that you receive tailored advice and support throughout your immigration journey.
If you require assistance with your Subclass 190 Skilled Visa application or have any other immigration-related queries, our experienced team can help.
Please book a free 15-minute discussion with our team if you have further questions.
Written for Ines Jusufspahic, LPN: 5511366
This article does not constitute legal/financial advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For up-to-date information, please consult an immigration professional