190 and 491 Visa Update Across All States and Territories – May 2025
Today, I’m bringing you the latest updates on the 190 and 491 visa programs across all Australian states and territories. If you’re planning to migrate to Australia, make sure you stay until the end as we cover what’s happening in each region.
Please note that these figures have been updated as of 9th May and do not include the pre-invitations that may have already been sent out by the states. Let’s get started.
New South Wales
New South Wales has been allocated 3,000 places for the 190 visa and 2,000 places for the 491 visa. As of May 2025:
1,919 seats used for the 190 visa
1,137 seats used for the 491 visa
Which means:
1,081 seats remaining for 190
863 seats remaining for 491
NSW has officially closed Pathway 1 for the 491 visa to new applications. Looking at the number of seats left, we can expect another invitation round soon.
Northern Territory
NT received 800 seats for both 190 and 491 visas. Used so far:
791 for 190
527 for 491
Remaining:
9 seats for 190
273 seats for 491
NT has suspended its online portal for new applications. They are only accepting applications from onshore applicants with visas expiring before 1 July 2025 or those losing eligibility due to age.
Western Australia
WA was allocated 3,000 seats for 190 and 2,000 for 491. Used so far:
1,439 for 190
1,244 for 491
Remaining:
1,561 seats for 190
756 seats for 491
WA has already issued over 7,000 invitations. On 8th May 2025, they invited:
264 applicants for the 190 visa
438 applicants for the 491 visa
Most invitations were for the construction sector, which indicates that WA is prioritising construction workers due to infrastructure growth and labour shortages.
Victoria
Allocated: 3,000 (190) and 2,000 (491)
Used:
2,991 for 190
1,914 for 491
Remaining:
9 seats for 190
86 seats for 491
Victoria’s 2024–25 program is now closed to new ROIs. If you withdraw your ROI, you will need to wait until the 2025–26 program opens.
Queensland
Queensland was allocated 600 seats each for 190 and 491. Used:
546 for 190
489 for 491
Remaining:
54 seats for 190
111 seats for 491
Queensland has advised they have no seats left for the 190 visa and are only processing 491 applications.
Tasmania
Allocated: 2,100 (190) and 760 (491)
Used:
1,678 for 190
624 for 491
Remaining:
422 for 190
136 for 491
Tasmania has announced that due to high demand, from 5:00 pm on 19 May 2025, ROIs will only be accepted from candidates with a Gold Pass. The Gold Pass window will close on 16 June 2025. Migration Tasmania will resume accepting ROIs when the 2025–26 program begins.
South Australia
Allocated: 3,000 (190) and 800 (491)
Used:
2,544 for 190
735 for 491
Remaining:
456 seats for 190
65 seats for 491
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
As of May 2025:
719 seats used for 190
689 seats used for 491
Remaining:
281 for 190
111 for 491
Summary
Most states and territories have either closed or are operating with very limited allocations. If you haven’t received an invitation yet, you’ll most likely need to wait for the new financial year.
States may only make minor changes in the new program year, so it’s crucial to understand state-specific requirements and prepare your application accordingly.
If you need assistance, my team and I are highly skilled migration professionals with years of experience helping people successfully navigate Australia’s complex visa system. Whether it’s a skilled visa, state nomination, or employer sponsorship, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Disclaimer:
The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education is for general informational purposes only. While accurate at the time of publication, details may change. This content is not intended as legal or migration advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please book a consultation with us!
