Tasmania Skilled Migration 2025 Update: Additional Interim Allocation Strengthens Outlook Amid National Slowdown

The Department of Home Affairs has released updated State and Territory nomination data for the 2025-26 program year (1 July to 31 October 2025), providing the first clear indication of how Australian states are performing in skilled migration nominations under subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.

National Overview: Early Nomination Trends

Preliminary data show moderate nomination activity across most jurisdictions as states await confirmation of their full annual allocations:

Visa Subclass	ACT	NSW	NT	SA	TAS	QLD	WA	VIC
Subclass 190	85	197	83	83	85	<5	62	164
Subclass 491	80	173	80	51	68	24	54	98

New South Wales and Victoria continue to dominate in overall nomination volumes, while smaller jurisdictions such as Tasmania and the ACT show early stability and consistency, despite reduced national activity pending final quota confirmations.

Tasmania’s Interim Allocation: A Strategic Boost

In November 2025, the Tasmanian Government confirmed receipt of an additional interim allocation of 450 nomination places, distributed as follows:

• 300 for subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated visa)

• 150 for subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa)

This expansion reflects federal recognition of Tasmania’s strong performance in managing its skilled migration program and addressing regional workforce needs. The 2025-26 Tasmanian Skilled Migration Program reopened for Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 14 October 2025, initially restricted to candidates holding a Gold Pass.

With this interim allocation, Tasmania will now move to weekly invitation rounds, extending consideration progressively to Gold, Green, and Orange Pass holders.

Comparative Context: Last Year’s Performance

In the 2024-25 financial year, Tasmania received 2,300 total nomination places; 900 under subclass 190 and 1,400 under subclass 491- outpacing both the Australian Capital Territory (1,200) and the Northern Territory (1,000) in total allocations.

This year’s early trends, supported by the interim boost, suggest Tasmania is positioned to again emerge as a favourable state for skilled applicants seeking pathways to permanent residency, especially under the 491 regional stream.

A Selective and Structured Pathway

While Tasmania’s program remains comparatively active, its nomination criteria continue to be highly selective. The Gold, Green, and Orange Pass system places considerable emphasis on employability, industry relevance, and long-term retention. Applicants working in their nominated occupation or demonstrating clear contribution potential to Tasmania’s priority sectors are significantly advantaged.

This structured and performance-driven model reflects Tasmania’s ongoing strategy to attract professionals who can contribute sustainably to the local labour market rather than simply seeking state nomination as a migration pathway.

Tasmania’s consistent performance, coupled with early nomination rounds and additional interim allocations, highlights a measured yet optimistic outlook for 2025-26. While the national program remains in an interim phase, Tasmania’s proactive approach signals its intent to maintain a competitive and opportunity-rich environment for skilled professionals aligned with the state’s economic priorities.