Skilled Migration to Tasmania
A comprehensive, plain-language reference to Migration Tasmania's four onshore nomination pathways ; TSE, TSG, TER and TBO ; the Gold, Green, Orange Plus and Orange priority ranking system, overseas options for workers currently outside Australia, and the step-by-step process from skills assessment to visa grant.
5 OF 6 PATHWAYS OPEN
4 PRIORITY TIERS
SNMP : OPEN
1,200 SUBCLASS 190 PLACES
650 SUBCLASS 491 PLACES
5
NOMINATION PATHWAYS
TSE, TSG, TER,
TBO & the overseas 190 route
4
PRIORITY TIERS
Gold, Green,
Orange Plus & Orange
1,200
SUBCLASS 190
2025-26 State
Allocation
650
SUBCLASS 491
2025-26 State
Allocation
OVERVIEW
Understanding Tasmania Skilled Migration Program
Tasmania's skilled migration program is administered by Migration Tasmania, a unit within the Department of State Growth on behalf of the Tasmanian Government. The program is designed to attract skilled and business migrants who make a lasting contribution to the state's economy and community. Migrants are commonly drawn to Tasmania for its lifestyle, career opportunities, respected schools, and the University of Tasmania, which holds significant global standing. A defining feature of the program is its occupation coverage. Rather than maintaining a separate, narrower state occupation list, every occupation on the Australian Government's subclass 190 and 491 Skilled Occupation Lists is eligible for at least one Tasmanian nomination pathway.
This broad coverage distinguishes Tasmania from some other states and territories. Migration Tasmania nominates applicants for two skilled visa subclasses: the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional). Both require an applicant to first satisfy the Department of Home Affairs' own prerequisites; under 45 years of age, an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a current positive skills assessment, at least Competent English, and 65 or more points on the Home Affairs points test before Tasmania's nomination requirements are assessed.
📄 Point Boost
Tasmanian nomination adds 5 points to an applicant's Home Affairs score for the subclass 190, or 15 points for the subclass 491. A successful nominee is expected to live in Tasmania for at least two years following nomination approval. State nomination and the visa application are assessed by separate bodies. Migration Tasmania determines nomination; the Department of Home Affairs determines the visa outcome.
Subclass 190 and Subclass 491; How They Differ in Tasmania
Must have at least 1 year of Australian work experience in the nominated (or closely related) occupation in the last 10 years or, at The Subclass 190 is a permanent visa that allows the holder to live and work anywhere in Tasmania from grant. The Subclass 491 is a five-year provisional visa for regional Australia; Tasmania is classified as regional in its entirety and it can lead to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence-Skilled Regional) visa after three years, subject to income and residency conditions. Importantly, Migration Tasmania does not renominate a 491 nominee for a subsequent 190 nomination, so it is worth considering at the outset which subclass an application is targeting.
Tasmania as a Destination
Beyond the visa pathway, Tasmania's classification as regional Australia is relevant to eligibility for both the 491 and, subsequently, the 191. More broadly, the state offers a markedly different setting to the mainland capitals: a temperate maritime climate, established produce, wine, and aquaculture industries, a developed arts and cultural sector, generally lower housing costs than Sydney or Melbourne, and established communities across Hobart, Launceston, the Cradle Coast, and the East Coast.
📄 Eligibility versus invitation
Meeting the minimum requirements of a Tasmanian pathway does not guarantee nomination. The Australian Government sets an annual nomination quota for Tasmania, and only the most competitive Registrations of Interest, ranked by the Gold, Green, Orange Plus and Orange priority system described below are invited to apply for nomination.
THREE STREAMS, FOUR SUB-STREAMS
The 4 Onshore Nomination Pathways
If you're already living in Tasmania, one of these four pathways is your route to nomination. Each has distinct minimum requirements. Find the one that fits your current situation.
EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY
Tasmanian Skilled Employment (TSE)
Already working in Tasmania in your assessed occupation.
TSE is the primary route for skilled workers currently employed in Tasmania. It offers two entry options for the subclass 190 (Priority Occupation or Long-Term Employment), plus a dedicated route for the subclass 491.
-
TSE Priority Occupation needs 9 months of related Tasmanian employment, or just 6 months for health, allied health and teaching roles.
-
Subclass 190 requires at least $57,000/year and a 6-month-plus employment contract; subclass 491 does not require the contract.
9-15 MONTH EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT (190)
NO CONTRACT FOR 491
$57,000+/YR MIN SALARY
GRADUATE PATHWAY
Tasmanian Skilled Graduate (TSG)
Studied in Tasmania? All skills assessments are eligible.
TSG is for graduates of an eligible Tasmanian tertiary institution. Unlike most pathways, every skills assessment qualifies, so your field of study does not need to match your assessed occupation.
-
Course length must be at least 92 weeks for the subclass 190, or 40 weeks for the subclass 491.
-
No work experience or employment contract is required for either subclass.
92 WEEKS (190) / 40 WEEKS (491)
NO WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
ON-CAMPUS STUDY
ALL OCCUPATION ELIGIBLE
RESIDENCY PATHWAY
Tasmanian Established Resident (TER)
Long-term Tasmanian residents in any occupation.
TER is Tasmania's broadest pathway. Every occupation is eligible, and your current job does not need to match your skills assessment; what matters is how long you've lived in Tasmania and how you've supported yourself while here.
-
Requires 3 years of Tasmanian residency for the subclass 190, or 2 years for the subclass 491.
-
Eligible routes include employment, remote work for an interstate or overseas employer (subclass 190 only), or operating a business.
ANY OCCUPATION ELIGIBLE
REMOTE WORK (190 ONLY)
2-3 YEARS RESIDENCY
$57,000+/YEAR FAST ROUTE
BUSINESS PATHWAY
Tasmanian Business Operator (TBO)
Running your own business in Tasmania? Your dedicated subclass 491 route.
TBO is the only pathway built exclusively for the subclass 491. It suits people actively operating their own Tasmanian business, solely or co-owned with a spouse; subcontractors and independent contractors are not eligible.
-
Business must be at least 12 months old and still in profit after paying yourself 85% of the TSMIT ($65,037).
-
No Gold or Green priority tiers apply; every ROI is ranked on Orange Plus and Orange attributes only.
12+ MONTHS TRADING
NO GOLD/GREEN TIERS
85% TSMIT INCOME
SUBCLASS 491 ONLY
PRIORITY SYSTEM
The Gold, Green, Orange Plus & Orange Priority System
Across TSE, TSG, TER and TBO, Migration Tasmania ranks every Registration of Interest (ROI) using a tiered system of priority attributes. Places are limited by an annual quota set by the Australian Government, and only the most competitive ROIs are invited to apply for nomination. The priority order runs Gold first, then Green, then Orange Plus, then Orange. Candidates who hold at least one Orange Plus attribute are treated as high priority and invited ahead of Orange-only candidates.
📄 Salary thresholds explained
To qualify for Gold, Green, or Orange Plus attributes under most pathways, your employment generally needs to already meet the $57,000/year ($28.85/hour) salary threshold. Salary figures shown are current published thresholds and exclude overtime, penalty rates, bonuses, and casual loading. Always confirm current figures on the Migration Tasmania Pay and Salary page, as thresholds are periodically reviewed.
📄 What is the TSMIT?
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is a national income benchmark used in several Tasmanian priority attributes and TBO minimum requirements. It currently sits at $76,515. The TBO personal income minimum is 85% of this figure ($65,037). It is separate from, but related to the $57,000/year ($28.85/hour) threshold used for most priority attribute salary tests.
OVERSEAS APPLICANTS
Skilled Workers Living Overseas: 2 Pathways
Currently outside Australia? Tasmania offers a narrower, more targeted set of options than its onshore pathways. Both overseas pathways carry an automatic Gold Pass ; the highest priority ranking for eligible applicants.
PATHWAY COMPARISON
Pathway Comparison at a Glance
How the four onshore pathways differ across the key criteria. Overseas pathways are not included here. See the section above for their distinct structure.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Your Pathway, Step by Step
From first reading to visa grant: the eight stages of a Tasmanian skilled migration application.
1
Confirm You Meet the Home Affairs Baseline
Not yet 45, an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a positive skills assessment, at least Competent English, and 65 or more points on the points test. These prerequisites are set by the Department of Home Affairs and must be satisfied before any Tasmanian-specific requirements are assessed.
2
Identify Which Pathway Fits Your Situation
Currently employed in Tasmania in your field? Look at TSE. Studied at a Tasmanian institution? TSG is open regardless of your field of study. Lived in Tasmania for years in any role, remotely, or running a business? TER. Own and operate your Tasmanian business? TBO. Overseas with a health or education job offer, or an OSOP invitation? See the overseas pathways.
3
Arrange Your Skills Assessment and English Test
A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required before you can lodge an EOI in SkillSelect. Skills assessments and English test results must remain valid (within three years) at the time of nomination, if they expire before your visa application is finalised, Home Affairs may refuse the application.use the application.
4
Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
Submit your EOI through the Home Affairs SkillSelect portal with accurate, fully documented personal, educational and employment details. These must match your eventual Registration of Interest and nomination application exactly; inconsistencies can delay or derail an application.
5
Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) via the Application Gateway
Once you meet the minimum requirements for your chosen pathway, register your interest through the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway. Your ROI is where you claim the priority attributes that determine your ranking in the pool.
6
Wait for Your Priority Ranking and Invitation
Gold and Green pass holders are invited first, followed by Orange Plus, then Orange. Nomination places are limited by an annual quota: meeting the minimum requirements places you in the pool, but does not guarantee an invitation. Monitoring any changes to your priority attributes during this period is important.
7
Apply for Nomination with Full Documentation
If invited, gather the mandatory documents for your pathway: passport, EOI confirmation, skills assessment, English test results, CV, travel and residency evidence, payslips, ATO notices of assessment, superannuation statements, employer declarations, and more. Incomplete or misleading documentation can result in an application being declined and reported to the Department of Home Affairs.
8
Lodge Your Visa Application with the Department of Home Affairs
Once Migration Tasmania approves your nomination, you'll receive a nomination certificate and can lodge your subclass 190 or 491 visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, which makes the final visa decision. Tasmania's role ends at nomination: the visa outcome is determined entirely by Home Affairs.
ELIGIBILITY
Core Eligibility: Quick Checker
Run through these baseline requirements before investing time in a formal application. All ten must be satisfied, regardless of pathway.
Disclaimer:
This article is an informational guide compiled from publicly available information published by migration.tas.gov.au as at June 2026. Migration law and program criteria change regularly. This is not legal or migration advice. Always verify current requirements at the official source and consult a MARA-registered migration agent or qualified legal professional before making any application decisions.
Frequently Asked Question
How is Migration Tasmania different from the Department of Home Affairs?
Migration Tasmania is the Tasmanian Government's state nominating body: it decides whether you receive Tasmania's endorsement for state-nominated visas. The Department of Home Affairs is the federal body that ultimately grants or refuses your visa. You need both: Tasmanian nomination first, then Home Affairs approval of your subclass 190 or 491 application. The two processes are assessed separately.
​
Which pathway should I choose: TSE, TSG, TER, or TBO?
Start with what's true about your current circumstances. If you're already working in Tasmania in a role connected to your skills assessment, TSE is usually the fastest route. If you graduated from a Tasmanian institution, TSG opens up regardless of your field of study. If you've lived in Tasmania for years in any job, remotely, or running a business without meeting TBO's specific criteria, TER's broad "any occupation" rule may fit. If you solely or jointly own and operate a Tasmanian business, TBO is built specifically for that situation.​
​
Do I need a job offer to apply for Tasmanian state nomination?
For the four onshore pathways (TSE, TSG, TER, TBO) you don't need a formal job offer as such; what matters is your existing employment, study, residency, or business history in Tasmania. The exception is the overseas subclass 190 Health or Education Sector pathway, which explicitly requires a formal job offer from a Tasmanian employer before you can register your interest.​
​​
Can I apply for both the subclass 190 and 491?
You can be considered for either, depending on your pathway and points score, but once Migration Tasmania nominates you for a subclass 491, it will not renominate you for a subclass 190. The 491 instead offers its own route to permanent residence via the subclass 191 after three years, subject to income and residency conditions. It is worth considering your long-term goals before applying.​
​
Is remote work for an overseas or interstate employer eligible?
Yes, but only under the subclass 190 Tasmanian Established Resident (TER) pathway. If you've lived in Tasmania for the required three years while doing remote work for an employer or clients based outside Tasmania, and earning at least $57,000/year ($28.85/hour), this counts toward your minimum requirements. Remote work is not an eligible route for the subclass 491 TER pathway.
​
What counts as a "well-established" business for TBO or TSE?
Migration Tasmania generally looks for a business under consistent ownership for at least 12 months, with permanent signage, an active online presence, a registered Tasmanian address, commercially leased premises (not a residential address or shared/virtual office), and a permanent staff presence during published opening hours. Some occupation categories may require a longer operating history.
​
Do tradespeople and vocational graduates qualify for the Tasmanian program?
Yes. A university degree is not required for any pathway. For TSE, a positive skills assessment in your trade (often via Trades Recognition Australia) plus the relevant employment history qualifies you in the same manner as any other occupation. For TSG, vocational graduates with at least a Certificate III aligned to an eligible OSCA occupation group, studied full-time and on-site in Tasmania, are eligible under the graduate pathway, and all skills assessments are accepted.
​
Are dependants allowed to live overseas or interstate while I apply?
Dependant family members generally must not be living in another Australian state or territory at the time of your application. They may be living overseas. If they've previously relocated from interstate, they typically need to have been living in Tasmania for at least three months before you apply for nomination.
​
What happens after my subclass 491 visa grant?
After holding the subclass 491 and meeting all visa conditions for the required period (generally three years), you may become eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa. Requirements typically include income evidence across multiple tax years and compliance with regional living conditions. Always confirm current criteria directly with the Department of Home Affairs, as these requirements are set federally and can change.
STAY AHEAD OF THE 2026-27 OPENING
Tasmania's program moves fast once it reopens. Be first to know when the next intake launches.
We at Newsted acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
