State & Visa Updates You Shouldn’t Ignore This May 2026
📌 Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
Author: Suman Dua, Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1800859)
Australia’s migration landscape continues to shift as states adjust invitation allocations and important employer-sponsored visa thresholds prepare to increase from 1 July 2026. Recent guidance also highlights a critical issue affecting Subclass 190 applicants claiming partner points after invitation.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest updates and what they could mean for skilled migrants, partner visa applicants, and employers planning sponsorships.
NSW Subclass 190 Invitations Have Reached Capacity
New South Wales has confirmed that it has already issued enough invitations to fully utilise its current 2025–26 allocation for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190). No further invitations will be issued until the new 2026–27 allocation opens.
However, there is still movement for the Subclass 491 Pathway 2 stream, with NSW continuing to issue invitations until its allocation is filled.
What This Means
Applicants waiting for NSW 190 invitations may need to prepare for the next program year.
Those eligible for 491 Pathway 2 should continue monitoring invitation activity closely.
Strategic planning around points, occupation ceilings, and alternative states is becoming increasingly important.
South Australia Continues Invitations
South Australia remains active, issuing invitations in May 2026 for both Subclass 190 and 491 visas.
Latest SA Invitation Numbers
295 invitations for Subclass 190
214 invitations for Subclass 491
Total Invitations Issued So Far This Program Year
1,606 invitations for Subclass 190
1,009 invitations for Subclass 491
The next invitation round is expected in mid to late May 2026.
Northern Territory Closes GSM Nomination Portal
The Northern Territory has now reached sufficient applications to fully utilise its GSM nomination allocation for the 2025–26 program year.
As a Result
The NT nomination portal is temporarily closed
Existing applications lodged before closure will still be assessed
The portal is expected to reopen once new allocations are confirmed for 2026–27
Important Practice Tip: Schedule 6D Partner Points
A key issue highlighted recently involves applicants claiming partner points after receiving an invitation for a Subclass 190 visa.
The Department has reportedly refused applications where:
The applicant was single at the time of invitation
Claimed 10 points as a single applicant
Later married before lodging the visa application
Tried to switch to skilled partner points after invitation
The Department’s position is that skilled partner points cannot be claimed after invitation unless the partner details were already included at invitation stage.
Why This Matters
Even a genuine change in relationship status between invitation and lodgement may create serious risks for points-tested visas.
Applicants should seek proper guidance before making any changes that may affect their points claims or eligibility.
CSIT & SSIT Salary Thresholds Increasing from 1 July 2026
Important updates are also coming for employer-sponsored visas.
From 1 July 2026
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will increase to $79,499
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase to $146,717
These updated thresholds will apply to relevant Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Interaction with Labour Market Testing (LMT)
The Migration Institute of Australia also reminded members that Labour Market Testing must be completed before lodging a 482 nomination.
This Creates an Important Issue for Employers
If advertising is not completed before 1 July
The advertisements may need to reflect the NEW salary thresholds instead of the current ones
Why Employers Should Plan Early
Businesses considering sponsorship should review:
Current salary packages
Timing of recruitment advertising
Compliance with updated thresholds
Whether their Labour Market Testing strategy aligns with upcoming changes
Delays could potentially require re-advertising or adjustments to nomination planning.
Final Thoughts
With state allocations tightening, partner points scrutiny increasing, and employer-sponsored thresholds changing from July 2026, planning ahead is becoming more important than ever.
For many applicants and employers, timing can significantly impact eligibility and strategy.
If you’re considering:
Employer-sponsored pathways
Skilled migration options
State nomination opportunities
Partner-related points claims
it may be worthwhile to seek tailored advice based on your circumstances.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
At Nationwide Migration and Education, we assist skilled migrants, employers, and families with strategic migration planning and visa pathway guidance.
👉 Book a consultation to discuss your options:
https://nationwidemigration.com.au/book-online
Disclaimer
This blog is general information only and is not migration or legal advice. Migration laws, policy settings, invitation allocations, and visa criteria can change without notice. State nomination availability and invitation rounds may vary throughout the program year. Applicants should seek personalised advice before making decisions that may affect their visa eligibility, points claims, sponsorship strategy, or migration pathway.
Nationwide Migration and Education is a private migration consultancy registered with MARA and is not affiliated with the Australian Government. All visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs and relevant state or territory authorities.
