State and Territory Migration Updates – October 2025

Newsletter 248

Here’s a summary of the latest developments across state and territory skilled migration programs, along with important updates from the Department of Home Affairs.

Tasmania 

The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program officially opened on 6 October 2025, ahead of the finalisation of federal allocations.

Key updates to the 2025–26 program include:

• A redesigned, user-friendly website.
• Clearer and updated minimum eligibility criteria.
• Revised priority attributes and ROI ranking system.
• Updated income thresholds reflecting changes to Australia’s median and average earnings, and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
• Simplified and more transparent policy guidance under the “Additional Information, Exclusions and Definitions” section on the Migration Tasmania website.
• A new nomination service fee of $370 ($407 including GST). ROI submissions remain free of charge.

Note: Candidates who submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI) in the past six months may consider withdrawing and resubmitting under the new ranking criteria, as this could improve their selection prospects.

Further details are available on the Migration Tasmania website.

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New South Wales (NSW)

The NSW Skilled Migration Program will open once the Australian Government confirms final allocations.

While most program settings remain consistent with last year, there are minor updates for 2025–26: 

• Revised skills lists for both Sydney and Regional NSW.
• New definitions for TSMIT/CSIT added to the guidelines.
• Updated rules for Regional NSW study exceptions due to visa processing delays (Pathway 3 – Direct Application).
• Nomination fees for both Subclass 190 and 491 visas increased in line with CPI to $363.
• Invitations will be issued approximately every 2–3 weeks throughout the program year.

Updates and program announcements will be shared via the NSW Government website

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Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT Government held an invitation round on 15 September 2025, issuing 71 nominations (50 for Subclass 190 and 21 for Subclass 491). These were carried over from the 2024–25 program year.

The ACT is currently operating under an interim allocation of 165 places, pending final confirmation from the Australian Government.

Key program updates:

• The Critical Skills List has been renamed the ACT Migration Occupation List and reduced from 152 to 105 occupations.
• The Nomination Guidelines have been clarified to improve fairness and transparency, including:

1. PhD applicants will now be invited as part of standard rounds (not every seven business days).
2. The Subclass 457/482 pathway requires at least six months of employment with the sponsoring employer.
3. Subclass 491 invitations will be prioritised ahead of Subclass 190.

Applications already submitted under the September 2025 round will not be affected. Once the full allocation is received, the ACT Government will release a schedule for invitation rounds on its website.

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Victoria 

The Victorian Skilled Migration Program for 2025–26 is now open to both onshore and offshore applicants.

Victoria has received an interim allocation of:

• 200 places for Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visas, and
• 180 places for Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas.

Active Registrations of Interest (ROIs) remain valid for consideration in the new program year, unless the applicant’s details have changed.

Full allocation numbers will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Updates are available on the Live in Melbourne website.

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Australian Immi App Expansion

The Australian Immi App has expanded as of 30 September 2025 and is now available in:
South Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.

The app offers eligible applicants a faster, cheaper, and more convenient way to submit passport details and facial images digitally.

More details, including a step-by-step guide, can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

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For professional migration guidance, eligibility assessments, or assistance with your state nomination application, contact our team at VOG Migration today.