In 2025-26, Australia reduced skilled visa allocations to 20,350 places. By May 2026, many states were nearing their limits, and some had paused or closed invitations due to demand. To stay competitive, applicants generally need strong skills, a genuine regional commitment, and high points (90+), with South Australia and Western Australia still offering options.

Key Strategies Under Tighter Allocations

• Prioritise the regional pathway (491): With higher number of places, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is typically a safer—and often quicker—route than the highly competitive 190.
• Track each state’s updates: Check state nomination pages regularly for changes, pauses, and quota exhaustion.
• Get documents ready early: Keep your skills assessment current and consider improving English test results to lift your points (often 90-95).

Current Situation

• Fewer places remaining: Many states are likely to use up their 2025-26 allocations before 30 June 2026.
• Competition is intense: With fewer spots than originally planned, meeting the minimum requirements is rarely enough; high points and in-demand skills matter.
• State settings vary: Even as some states tighten or pause, other continued issuing invitations into early 2026.

Each persons’ circumstances are different, and we recommend booking a consultation to discuss your situation with us.