Skilled Migration Updates 190, 189 & 491 2025

Suman Dua MARN 1800859Feb 263 min read

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. Let’s get started!

New South Wales (NSW) Update

New South Wales has been allocated 3,000 seats for the 190 visa and 2,000 seats for the 491 visa.

• As of December 2024:

  • 668 seats used for the 190 visa (2,332 remaining)

  • 392 seats used for the 491 visa (1,608 remaining)

📌 Key Update: NSW has officially closed Pathway 1 for the 491 visa to new applications. However, applications submitted before the closure will still be processed.

The first invitation round for Pathway 2 has already been issued. Due to a high volume of applications for Pathway 1, processing times may be delayed.

Northern Territory (NT) Update

The Northern Territory has received an allocation of 800 seats for the 190 visa and 800 seats for the 491 visa.

• As of December 2024:

  • 529 seats used for the 190 visa (271 remaining)

  • 226 seats used for the 491 visa (574 remaining)

📌 Key Update: NT has suspended its online portal for new applications as they have reached their nomination limits for the 2024-25 program year.

However, applications are still being accepted for:

✅ Onshore applicants with visas expiring before 1 July 2025

✅ Applicants at risk of losing GSM eligibility due to age before that date

Western Australia (WA) Update

Western Australia has been allocated 3,000 seats for the 190 visa and 2,000 seats for the 491 visa.

• As of December 2024:

  • 524 seats used for the 190 visa (2,476 remaining)

  • 527 seats used for the 491 visa (1,473 remaining)

📌 Key Update: WA has issued over 7,000 invitations, but not all those invited for the 190 visa may be eligible as a job offer in WA is required.

Victoria (VIC) Update

Victoria has been allocated 3,000 seats for the 190 visa and 2,000 seats for the 491 visa.

• As of December 2024:

  • 2,017 seats used for the 190 visa (983 remaining)

  • 1,020 seats used for the 491 visa (980 remaining)

📌 Key Update: Victoria continues to prioritize applicants in construction, health, and education sectors. If you work in these fields, your chances of receiving an invitation are higher.

Queensland (QLD) Update

Queensland has been allocated 600 seats each for the 190 and 491 visas.

• As of December 2024:

  • 191 seats used for the 190 visa (409 remaining)

  • 123 seats used for the 491 visa (477 remaining)

📌 Key Update: In their webinar this week, Queensland nominated 465 applicants so far.

The state is still accepting applications from:

✅ Onshore 491 applicants

✅ Offshore energy workers

✅ Small business owners

Additionally, competent English proficiency is now required for all occupations.

Tasmania (TAS) Update

Tasmania has been allocated 2,100 seats for the 190 visa and 760 seats for the 491 visa.

• As of December 2024:

  • 850 seats used for the 190 visa (1,250 remaining)

  • 291 seats used for the 491 visa (469 remaining)

📌 Key Update: Tasmania follows an Orange-Plus priority system, meaning candidates with at least one Orange-Plus attribute have a high chance of receiving an invitation within six months.

South Australia (SA) Update

South Australia has been allocated 3,000 seats for the 190 visa and 800 seats for the 491 visa.

• As of December 2024:

  • 1,680 seats used for the 190 visa (1,320 remaining)

  • 259 seats used for the 491 visa (541 remaining)

📌 Key Update: SA has received a high number of applications for chefs, motor mechanics, and enrolled nurses, making these occupations oversubscribed.

Applicants in these fields are encouraged to explore:

✅ DAMA program

✅ Employer-sponsored visas

Despite this, SA continues to issue invitations weekly for all eligible occupations.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Update

The ACT operates a merit-based system, meaning allocations vary.

• As of December 2024:

  • 274 seats used for the 190 visa (726 remaining)

  • 210 seats used for the 491 visa (590 remaining)

📌 Key Update: The ACT continues to use a points-based ranking system, with critical sectors potentially receiving priority processing.

Final Summary

🔹 The Northern Territory and Western Australia are approaching their nomination limits.

🔹 New South Wales has closed its 491 Pathway 1 to new applications.

🔹 Victoria prioritizes healthcare, construction, and education professionals.

🔹 Tasmania is focusing on Orange-Plus candidates.

🔹 South Australia has oversubscribed occupations, suggesting alternative visa options.

🔹 Queensland still has many seats available and is accepting select applicants.

Stay updated with the latest migration news and book a consultation if you need guidance on your visa options!

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 a Registered Migration Agent.