Big Cuts to Australian Migration: 190 & 491 State Nomination reduced by 41%
Major changes to Australian skilled migration have now been officially confirmed — and the impact on the State-nominated Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas is significant.
Across Australia, state and territory nomination allocations have been reduced. While most states received a significant reduction, two states received an increase in the 190 and 491 visa.
At Work Visa Lawyers, we stay up to date with every policy announcement so you can understand how these changes affect your visa options. Below is a full breakdown of the new numbers, what they mean for skilled migrants, and the alternative pathways you may need to consider.
Australian Skilled Migration Cuts: Overall less Australian visas in 2025-26
The Federal Government has announced a 23% overall cut to state and territory nomination allocations for the 2025–26 program year.
But these cuts are not evenly distributed — some states have been hit much harder than others.
While Queensland and the Northern Territory received increases, every other state experienced reduction, with some receiving major cuts.
These changes affect thousands of skilled migrants who have already invested heavily in their journey, including skills assessments, English tests and Expressions of Interest (EOIs).
Australian businesses relying on skilled migrants to fill labour shortages will also fell the impact.
Even though the Migration Program planning levels for this financial year are the same as last year, the state nomination allocations still dropped.
This strongly suggests that the Government has reduced state and territory allocations because of the large number of visa applications already in the system, ongoing processing backlogs, and the high volume of EOIs submitted over the past year.
In practical terms, this means the number of invitations issued in 2025–26 will be lower, even though the overall program size has not changed.
State-by-State Breakdown: From the Biggest Cut to the Biggest Increase
Below is a clear summary of how each state and territory has been affected.
1. South Australia — 41% Cut
South Australia is the hardest hit jurisdiction in Australia. A 41% reduction in the 190 and 491 visas means far fewer invitations, particularly for competitive occupations. Expect very high competition.
South Australia 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 3,000
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 3,800
South Australia 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 1,350
• 491 visa: 900
• Total: 2,250
Difference: –1,550
2. Tasmania — 35% Cut
Despite a large cut to its 190 and 491 visas, Tasmania remains transparent with its invitation system, offering clearer expectations for applicants.
Tasmania 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 2,100
• 491 visa: 760
• Total: 2,860
Tasmania 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 1,200
• 491 visa: 650
• Total: 1,850
Difference: –1,010
3. Western Australia — 32% Cut
As expected, WA had a 32% cut. Premier Roger Cook tried to prevent this by asking the Federal Government not to proceed with the reductions, given the state’s strong need for skilled migrants — but the attempt was not successful.
Western Australia 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 3,000
• 491 visa: 2,000
• Total: 5,000
Western Australia 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 2,000
• 491 visa: 1,400
• Total: 3,400
Difference: –1,600
4. Victoria — 32% Cut
Victoria’s reductions in the 190 and 491 visas will now limit options for many general skilled migrants.
Victoria 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 3,000
• 491 visa: 2,000
• Total: 5,000
Victoria 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 2,700
• 491 visa: 700
• Total: 3,400
Difference: –1,600
5. New South Wales — 28% Cut
NSW still runs one of the largest skilled migration programs, but the state allocation cut means fewer opportunities and much tighter competition.
New South Wales 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 3,000
• 491 visa: 2,000
• Total: 5,000
New South Wales 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 2,100
• 491 visa: 1,500
• Total: 3,600
Difference: –1,400
6. Australian Capital Territory — 11% Cut
A smaller reduction, but still an overall decrease in nomination opportunities.
Australian Capital Territory 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 1,000
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 1,800
Australian Capital Territory 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 800
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 1,600
Difference: –200
States With 190 and 491 Increases in 2025–26
Northern Territory — 3% Increase
A small but notable rise in a year dominated by cuts.
Northern Territory 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 800
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 1,600
Northern Territory 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 850
• 491 visa: 800
• Total: 1,650
Difference: +50
Queensland — 117% Increase
The biggest surprise — and the biggest winner.
Queensland’s allocation has more than doubled compared to last year.
While numbers remain competitive, this offers meaningful opportunities for eligible applicants.
Queensland 190 and 491 visas 2024–2025:
• 190 visa: 600
• 491 visa: 600
• Total: 1,200
Queensland 190 and 491 visas 2025–2026:
• 190 visa: 1,850
• 491 visa: 750
• Total: 2,600
Difference: +1,400
Check our table below with all the numbers and the comparison from 2024-25 and 2025-26.
What This Means for Skilled Migrants
The 23% overall reduction in state allocations means:
- fewer invitations
- higher competition across all states
- many occupations may not receive invitations at all
- applicants need stronger strategies beyond just lodging an EOI
Most states continue prioritising critical industries, including:
- Health
- Teaching
- Construction and trades
Applicants in these areas may still have good chance.
However, for many other occupations, relying solely on the 190 or 491 visa this year may not be realistic.
What to Do If Your Occupation Is Affected
If you are considering skilled migration but your pathway has become more competitive or your occupation is no longer on the state lists, there are still visa options in Australia including:
- Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186, 494)
- Training visa (407)
- Partner visas if you have an eligible Australian partner
- Regional employer pathways, including DAMAs
At Work Visa Lawyers, we help individuals and businesses navigate these changes and choose the best possible pathway toward permanent residency.
How to Apply for an Australian Visa
If you want to understand which state gives you the best chance or whether you should lodge an EOI, discuss your visa options and apply for an Australian visa or permanent residency, our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents can assist you.
Book a consultation with one of our migration agents or immigration lawyers.
The meeting can be held in our office in Adelaide or through a video call.
