The ACT government has recently reaffirmed its state-nomination program for skilled migration, emphasising critical sectors such as construction, healthcare and education. The program is designed to support the territory’s labour-market needs while offering a pathway for skilled professionals to gain state nomination under the skilled visa streams.
The WA government has released the criteria and program update for its 2025-26 State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP), covering both the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa streams. The announcement signals continued focus on regional pathways and strong demand for engineers, trades and healthcare professionals.
The state government of New South Wales (NSW) has published its updated Skills Lists for the 2025-26 program year, covering nomination under the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). These lists identify the occupations and ANZSCO unit groups the state is focusing on to support its workforce and economic priorities.
The state government of Victoria has opened a new opportunity for skilled migrants to be considered for state nomination under the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). The program invites interested candidates to lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) while final allocations from the federal government are still being confirmed.
The Department of Home Affairs held a major invitation round on 13 November 2025 under its general skilled migration programme, focusing on the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa (points-tested stream) and the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Family-Sponsored) visa. This round reflects Australia’s continued drive to attract skilled workers in occupations of priority.