As at 21 October 2026, Tasmania is the only state running regular 2026–27 invitation rounds. The Northern Territory has received enough applications and now accepts only limited onshore 491 cases. Victoria says its program will “open soon”, and Queensland is still waiting for its allocation from the Australian Government.
The National Picture for 2026–27
State and territory governments can only nominate once the Australian Government gives them their share of places. For 2026–27, the national program stays at 185,000 permanent places, but the mix has moved:
| Category | 2025–26 | 2026–27 |
|---|---|---|
| State/Territory Nominated (subclass 190) | 33,000 | 35,500 |
| Regional (including subclass 491) | 33,000 | 14,110 |
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189) | 16,900 | 21,090 |
| Employer Sponsored | 44,000 | 58,040 |
Put simply, there is more room for the permanent 190 visa and far less for regional visas such as the 491. Most places are also going to people who are already in Australia.
Where Each State Stands
| State or territory | 2026–27 status (checked 21 October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Tasmania | Open. Opened to Registrations of Interest on 17 August 2026 with 2,050 places (1,250 for the 190 and 800 for the 491). Invitations are issued weekly. |
| Northern Territory | Almost full. The NT says it has received enough applications for 2026–27. It no longer accepts 190 or offshore applications, and takes 491 applications only by exception from NT graduates and residents facing a visa, age or points deadline before 30 September 2027. |
| Victoria | Opening soon. Victoria says its 2026–27 program “will open soon”, with criteria to be published when it opens. |
| Queensland | Waiting. 2025–26 places are filled and Queensland is waiting on its allocation from the Australian Government. |
| NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT | No 2026–27 program details yet. We could not confirm an opening date for these on their official sites. Check them directly before you act. |
A slow start is not unusual. Last year, state allocations were not confirmed until early November, and some states opened weeks after that.
Who Gets Processed First
Since 19 September 2026, Ministerial Direction 122 sets the order in which permanent and provisional skilled visas are processed. Applications in construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, resources, law enforcement and defence go first. After that, people who were in Australia when they applied come before most offshore applicants. This affects how quickly a visa is decided, not whether you are eligible.
What to Do While You Wait
- Keep your EOI currentUpdate your SkillSelect Expression of Interest whenever your points change, for example after a birthday, a new English result or more work experience.
- Keep your documents validSkills assessments and English test results expire. If one runs out while you wait, you may lose points or your invitation.
- Check your points nowUse our points calculator, and note any date when your age or experience points will change.
- Compare 190 and 491With regional places cut, a plan built only on the 15 extra points from a 491 nomination is worth reviewing.
- Look at the smaller programsIf you live or work in Tasmania or the Northern Territory, check their criteria now. Places there are being used.
We will update this page as each state publishes its 2026–27 program.
Not sure how this affects you? Talk to our registered migration agent about your situation.
Book a consultationChecked against official sources on 21 October 2026. Sources: Migration Tasmania: 2026–27 program opening · MigrationNT: NT Government visa nomination · Live in Melbourne: Skilled migration visas · Migration Queensland · Home Affairs: Migration Program planning levels
This update is general information, not legal advice. Migration law changes often, so check the official sources or speak to a registered migration agent before you make decisions.