State Nomination Program 2025-26
​​​2025-26 Australian Skilled Migration - State Nomination
Australia’s 2025-26 Migration Program introduces a multi-year planning model, marking a significant shift in immigration strategy. This model provides a longer-term view to align migration with national priorities such as infrastructure planning, workforce shortages, and housing supply. Based on the latest Federal Budget 2025-26 and updates from the Department of Home Affairs, this article presents a forecast for the Skill stream visa allocations, regional state insights, and the strategic value of studying in regional Australia.
The migration quota and state specific allocations are likely to be announced within the next few weeks. If you are seeking to lodge your Expression of Interest and Registration of Interest for specific states, it is important that you have an up to date EOI with valid passport, English Test score and other documents up to date. Some of the states require certain documents to be valid for a specific number of months.
​
Guided by policy signals from key leaders; Bill Shorten in Canberra and Peter Malinauskas in South Australia, these two states are emerging as pivotal regions to watch, with South Australia, in particular, showing a comparatively favourable increase in state nomination allocations compared to the previous financial year. A higher state nomination quota does not necessarily indicate the right pathway for every applicant. It is essential to carefully assess your individual goals, professional background, and long-term migration priorities, and align them with the strategic focus and eligibility criteria of each state before deciding to relocate or lodge a nomination application.
Among all jurisdictions, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania remain relatively stable, showing minimal fluctuations in migration policies over time. With the rollout of new construction subsidy programs across various states, the construction sector continues to present a robust pathway for skilled migration. Meanwhile, despite recent scrutiny surrounding the childcare sector, it remains a high-priority occupation for many state nomination programs.
​​
Multi-year planning model for migration
Extending the outlook of Australia’s Migration Program will allow migration planning to better align with longer-term infrastructure, housing and services planning across all levels of government. A multi-year approach will integrate housing supply as one of the main factors to shape the broad direction of long-term migration planning.
The Government is currently considering the future direction of migration planning by working with state and territory governments. We will communicate dates for future consultations on migration planning when they are confirmed.
​
Why Newsted?
At Newsted Global, we possess in-depth expertise in Australia's regional demarcation, state-specific migration policies, and the evolving infrastructure and workforce demands enabling us to provide precisely aligned education and migration solutions which suits you. The era of one-size-fits-all is over. In today’s complex migration landscape, a generic approach falls short; true success demands tailored strategies aligned with your unique profile, aspirations, and the ever-shifting priorities of each Australian state.
​
Book a Free Consultation to get guidance on your pathway:
Key Insights: Visa Category Trends and Projections
Employer Sponsored Visa
-
Continued growth driven by demand in construction, healthcare, and energy sectors
-
Supportive policies for sponsored skilled workers
-
Prediction: Up to 45,000 placements
​
Skilled Independent Visa
-
Reduced intake aligned with housing and infrastructure constraints in major cities
-
Competitive points threshold likely to remain
-
Prediction: Stabilising around 15,000
​
Regional Migration Visa
-
Regional migration remains a federal and state priority
-
Demand-led occupations in Tasmania, South Australia, and Northern Territory
-
Prediction: Growth to 35,000 allocations
​
State and Territory Nominated Visas
-
South Australia expected to receive a boost (construction, early childhood, net zero roles)
-
Victoria remains focused on early childhood and aged care
-
Prediction: Increase to 34,000
​
BIIP and Global Talent Program
-
Business visa reforms continue; intake likely to reduce further
-
Global Talent to remain targeted but smaller in scale
-
Prediction: BIIP: 800 | GTI: 3,500
​
Regional State Migration Focus: 2025-26 Outlook
State/Territory 2025-26 Focus
Queensland: Limited intake; regional Queensland prioritised
Tasmania: Regional growth; focus on education and healthcare
South Australia: Major increase anticipated; key sectors: construction, early childhood, renewables
Victoria: Continued emphasis on early childhood education
Australian Capital Territory: Likely to have increased quota, huge incentive for ACT graduates and applicants with skilled partner
Western Australia: Continued demand for occupations in key sectors including government incentive for employees. key sectors: construction, teaching, social work.
​
Why Study in Regional Australia?
Studying in regional Australia remains a strategic pathway for skilled migration, especially under the new multi-year framework.
Key Benefits:
-
More migration points (up to 5 extra for regional graduates)
-
Longer post-study work rights (up to 3-4 years)
-
Easier access to state/territory nomination programs
-
Lower cost of living
-
Greater community support and visa pathways
Popular regional study hubs: Adelaide, Perth, Geelong, Woolongong, Darwin, Canberra, Hobart etc.​
​
The 2025-26 Australia migration program is set to become more strategic, regionalised, and skills-focused. States like South Australia and Tasmania are poised for stronger allocations, while national attention shifts to green economy jobs, early childhood education, and construction.
Working right for Student visa holders is 48 hrs per fortnight in study period and unlimited hours during non-study period. Dependent of a Student visa holder (Master course); have full-time working right. Research and PhD students also, have full-time working right.
Recommended for you
Explore in-demand study options
Pursue a Master of Social Work in Australia and become part of a compassionate, high-impact profession that transforms lives and strengthens communities. International students will benefit from a curriculum aligned with Australian standards, practical placements, and strong graduate outcomes. With access to university campuses in vibrant cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, students also enjoy a rich cultural experience, personal growth, and opportunities for post-study work visas.
Explore in-demand study options
Step into a meaningful career with a Diploma of Community Services in Australia - ideal for students passionate about advocacy, welfare, and social justice. This nationally recognized course equips you with hands-on training, real-world industry placement, and practical skills to work in areas like youth work, aged care, and mental health. Located close to multicultural hubs and major support services, student-friendly colleges offer support, flexibility, career outcomes, and pathways to further study or employment.
Explore in-demand study options
Build a future with Australia’s in-demand Trade Courses designed for practical, job-ready skills across fields like automotive, carpentry, cookery, and engineering. Perfect for hands-on learners, these programs combine classroom learning with workplace training, often leading to employer sponsorship or skilled migration options. With campuses across regional and metro areas, students enjoy modern training facilities, diverse student communities, and a direct path to employment in Australia’s booming trade sectors.
Recommended for you
Accommodation
September, 2024
Experience the best of Australia’s culture with world class accommodation facility exclusively built for students to give a sense of community, friendship, multi-culturalism. From the Sydney to Melbourne, the student apartments can be found near every major university in the city.
.jpeg)
Living Cost
September, 2024
Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. To get a better idea, check out our handy Cost of Living Calculator which is designed to help you think about how you spend money and to give you a broad estimate of potential costs.