February Immigration News 2026: An Anti-Immigration Party Is Rising, State Nomination Updates and the Best Australian Visas for 2026

In this February immigration update, we focus on the information that will help you plan and apply for Australian permanent residency (PR) in 2026.

This month’s key topics include:

• A significant political shift that couldimpactfuture migration settings
• The most popular employer-sponsored visas: Subclass 482 and Subclass 186
• State nomination updates for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491
• DAMAs and regional migration pathways
• Queensland’s approach to the National Innovation Visa
• The predicted new income threshold for employer-sponsored visas

Watch the Full Video:

Political Shift: The Rise of One Nation and Immigration Policy

One Nation is now recording its second-highest approval rating. This is a major political shift that could ultimately lead to a reduction in immigration. This may negatively impact the chances of many people seeking Australian permanent residency.

The Rise of One Nation

To quote the Australian Financial Review on 1 February:

“Following two weeks of Coalition infighting, first-preference support for One Nation has jumped to 26 per cent, up from 17 per cent in December. One Nation overtaking the Liberals and Nationals for the first time ….”

In the same poll, Labor was at 34 per cent.

What are the current immigration policies of One Nation?

According to their website, One Nation’s migration policies include:

• Capping visas at 130,000 per year — referring to permanent residency visas, which are currently set at 185,000 per year
• Deporting 75,000 illegal migrants
• Reintroducing Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs)
• Proposing an eight-year waiting period for citizenship and welfare eligibility

The history of One Nation began with an anti-immigration maiden speech by Pauline Hanson in 1996. There have been many ups and downs since then.

In her maiden speech, she called for multiculturalism to be abolished, with anti-multiculturalism themes continuing to the present.

One Nation is generally anti-immigration, and if it gains more popularity, this could reduce immigration in the future.

For example, major parties could adopt or move closer to One Nation policies. This previously occurred during the John Howard period.

State Nomination News: 190 and 491 Visa Updates

New South Wales 491 Visa Closed

On 19 January 2026, New South Wales opened and closed its 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 on the same day due to exceptionally high demand. Many people missed out simply because they couldn’t apply quickly enough.

Is NSW selecting the best candidates or just the fastest applicants?

South Australia Invitation Rounds

South Australia is currently running invitation rounds on the first Monday of each month.

For February, South Australia invited:

• 227 applicants for the Subclass 190 visa
• 137 applicants for the Subclass 491 visa

Health professionals were the clear winners in this round.

If you are working in healthcare or an allied health occupation, South Australia may currently offer stronger prospects than some other states.

Northern Territory Closure

The Northern Territory has now closed to new applications.

According to the NT Government website:

“The NT Government has now received sufficient applications to fill the nomination allocation for the 2025–26 program year. The NT nomination portal is now closed to new applications. Applications lodged prior to the closure will continue to be assessed, with outcomes to be provided by 30 June 2026.”

We expect more states to start closing soon.

Should You Move States for State Nomination?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

Work Visa Lawyers is cautious with this advice because every state is dealing with the same issue: large numbers of temporary visa holders competing for a relatively small number of state nomination places.

We are now well into the 2025–26 program year, which ends on 30 June 2026.

There is a real risk that you:

• Relocate
• Spend significant money
• Change jobs
• And then the state program closes shortly after

Relocating is expensive, and finding new employment takes time. Migration decisions should be strategic — not reactive.

Please book an appointment before you move states. 

Employer-Sponsored Visas: 482 and 186 Pathways

This brings us to employer-sponsored visas, such as:

• Subclass 482 (Core Skills stream)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – Permanent Residency)

If you secure a genuine job offer with strong prospects of sponsorship in your occupation, I am much more open to relocation.

At the moment, employer-sponsored visas can be a more reliable pathway than waiting for state nomination invitations.

Of course, finding an employer willing to sponsor you is not easy. We have published guidance on how to approach employers strategically and position yourself for sponsorship.

DAMAs: A Growing Alternative Pathway

We are seeing increasing interest in Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).

DAMAs are employer-sponsored migration pathways designed for specific regional areas.

Traditionally, interest was driven by:

• A broader range of eligible occupations
• Access for truck drivers, disability carers, and other critical roles
• Age concessions (particularly for applicants aged 45–55)

Increasingly, however, we are seeing applicants turn to DAMAs after years of trying — and failing — to receive invitations for the Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas.

This is especially common for onshore applicants who are not receiving invitations and need a more realistic pathway to Australian PR.

National Innovation Visa: Queensland Focus

We are seeing strong interest in Queensland’s state nomination options under the National Innovation Visa framework.

Queensland currently offers:

• An entrepreneuroptionrequiring a $1 million investment
• An investoroptionrequiring a $5 million investment

Entrepreneurs and investors often do not fit neatly into traditional migration models. Their education may not align with their professional history, they may not suit skills assessments, and they are typically not dependent on a single employer.

The flexibility of the National Innovation Visa is what makes it so attractive.

We offer a free assessment for those wishing to explore whether this pathway could suit their circumstances.

New Income Threshold for Employer-Sponsored Visas

The new income threshold for the upcoming financial year, starting on 1 July, will be announced soon.

If the government applies a similar increase to last year (approximately 4.6%) the minimum salary requirement for employer-sponsored visas such as the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 could rise from $76,515 to approximately $80,000.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish its latest Average Weekly Earnings report on 26 February, which will provide a clearer indication of the likely increase.

If you are close to the current threshold, timing may become critical.

Hate Speech Laws and Migration Policy

Hate speech law changes have now been enacted, and we will continue to monitor how these affect migration policy, visa decision-making, and visa cancellation powers.

Planning Your Australian PR Strategy in 2026

The Australian migration landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and politically sensitive. With tighter state nomination programs, rising income thresholds and potential political shifts influencing migration caps, applicants must approach their Australian permanent residency strategy with careful planning and informed decision-making.

Key takeaways for 2026 include:

• State nomination pathways (Subclass 190 and Subclass 491) are highly competitive

• Employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 and Subclass 186) may offer greater certainty

• DAMAs are becoming a realistic and structured regional alternative

• Income thresholds for sponsored visas are likely to rise

• Political developments could influence future migration caps and policy settings

In this environment, relying on timing or chance is no longer sufficient. A clear, strategic migration plan — tailored to your occupation, visa history and long-term goals — is more important than ever.

Work Visa Lawyers is recognised as one of Australian’s leading immigration law firms, with extensive experience in skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, DAMAs, partner visas, global talent, national innovation visa and complex migration matters. 

Our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents provides strategic advice through both in-person consultations in Adelaide and secure online consultations for clients across Australia and overseas.

If you are planning your Australian PR pathway in 2026, obtaining professional guidance early can significantly improve your prospects and reduce unnecessary risk.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer

Many people planning their future in Australia are asking the same question:

Will I ever get permanent residency in Australia? 

If you are studying, working, or living in Australia on a temporary visa, you may be wondering whether permanent residency is still realistic in 2026 — or whether the system has moved out of reach.

This article looks at the real migration opportunities for 2026, using current data and practical strategies. We also address difficult but important topics, including:

• The lack of invitations for the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa

• Visa cancellations and stricter checks

• How major events, such as the Bondi Beach attack, may influence immigration processing

Our goal is to help you make smarter, more realistic decisions about your migration pathway.

How the Recent Bondi Beach Attack Is Affecting Australian Immigration Processing

We would like to begin by expressing our sincere condolences to the victims and families affected by the tragic Bondi Beach attack in December.

For people living in Australia on temporary visas, this event may have broader implications. We expect to see:

• Stricter background and character checks

• Increased visa cancellations

• Greater scrutiny across visa applications

We will address this topic in more detail in a separate article, as it deserves careful and sensitive discussion.

Are 189, 190 and 491 Visas Still Realistic in 2026?

The reduction in places for the 190 and 491 visas has caused many people to ask whether Australia is still achievable.

The answer is yes — for some people. However, the strategy has changed.

For many years, points-tested visas such as the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa were the primary goal for skilled migrants, with employer sponsorship seen as a second option. That is no longer the case.

Employer-Sponsored Visas: The Strongest Pathway in 2026

If your goal is Australian permanent residency, employer-sponsored visas are now the strongest and most realistic options in 2026.

These include:

• 482 Skills in Demand visa

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme

• 494 Regional Employer Sponsored visa

• DAMA and Labour Agreements

Australian businesses are facing genuine skills shortages across multiple sectors and are actively seeking reliable workers. As a result, we have seen:

• A significant increase in employer-sponsored visas

• A sharp reduction in state nomination places, including the 190 visa and 491 visa

Visas such as the 482 visa provide a pathway from temporary work to permanent residency through the 186 visa and many migrants are using this pathway as the first option.

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Why State Nomination Is More Competitive Than Ever

Many people ask whether they should target states like Western Australia or Tasmania, which often appear to have more flexible criteria.

However, the reality is this:

• Tasmania has 1,850 nomination places in 2025-26 financial year

• Western Australia has 3,400 places — with 3,355 already issued 

• Combined, that is only 5,250 nominations

You are not competing against hundreds of applicants — you are competing against hundreds of thousands of skilled migrants who already have:

• Skills assessments

• English test results

• Work experience

• Active EOIs

Most applicants, no matter how qualified, will never receive an invitation.

This does not mean the General Skills Migration (GSM) program is dead — but it is highly competitive. 

Which Occupations Are Still Receiving Invitations?

Looking at invitation results from 2025, one thing is clear: Australia is inviting only where there is genuine demand.

If you are under 45 and your occupation is clearly in shortage, it may still be worth:

• Obtaining a skills assessment

• Improving your English score

• Positioning your EOI strategically

High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Skilled Migration

Occupations currently receiving invitations include:

• Construction trades (bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers)

• Construction managers

• Healthcare professionals

• Secondary school teachers

When GSM Is Not the Best Migration Pathway

Some occupations remain on the skilled lists but are not receiving invitations, including:

• Marketing specialists

• Accountants

• Cooks

• Enrolled nurses

• Software engineers

• Contract administrators

• Niche roles such as artistic directors, copywriters, and dog handlers

In these cases, GSM visas may not be your strongest pathway.

Alternative Visa Options to Consider

Instead, you should consider:

• Employer-sponsored visas

• Alternative pathways, such as partner visas if you have an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident partner

We understand that employer sponsorship is not easy — especially if you are offshore — but thousands of applicants succeed each year, and you may be one of them.

Check our blog, “How to Find a Sponsor,” for helpful tips on how to find an Australian business to sponsor you.

Queensland National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) – 2026 Update

Queensland has now opened nominations for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858).

This visa offers direct permanent residency and targets exceptionally talented individuals, including:

• Entrepreneurs

• Innovative investors

• Researchers

• Athletes

• Creatives

Permanent Residency Pathway for Individuals: 

• Up to the age of 55, or higher in exceptional cases 
• High-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland 
• Innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

This is one of the strongest permanent residency pathways currently available.

 
We have published a detailed guide explaining the Queensland NIV nomination process.

 
We also offer a free NIV assessment, where our team can check your eligibility.

Adelaide University Opens: What This Means for Students

Following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Adelaide University has officially opened enrolments, becoming the largest university in Australia.

This will bring:

• More international students

• Increased investment in South Australia

However, students must have a clear migration strategy before enrolling and applying for a student visa, especially if permanent residency is part of the long-term plan.

Check our blog “Best 8 courses to study in Australia to get PR”. 

Student Visa Changes for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan

Applicants from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan may face increased scrutiny, as Australia has updated student visa assessment levels to strengthen integrity measures.

These changes may have been triggered by reports of widespread fraudulent degree practices. As a result, it is more important than ever for students to submit strong, well-documented applications.

Student Visa Expiry Reminder: Avoid Becoming Unlawful

We are seeing a large number of student visas expiring in March, many around the 15th.

Every year, people make the same mistake — waiting too long.

If your visa is expiring soon:

• Do not wait until the last minute

• Understand your next visa options early

• Lodge a valid application before expiry

Options may include course extensions, graduate visas, or transitions to skilled visas — but timing is critical.

How We Can Help You Plan Your Migration Strategy for Australia in 2026 

Migration to Australia in 2026 is still possible — but it requires realistic expectations, the right strategy, and early planning.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we are widely regarded as one of the best migration lawyers and one of the best registered migration agents in Adelaide, with extensive experience across skilled, employer-sponsored, and permanent residency pathways.

If you would like tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please book an appointment and talk to our team.

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The Harsh Truth About the 189, 190 & 491 Visas (No One Tells You This)

Every year, thousands of hopeful migrants invest in skills assessments, English exams, NAATI credentials, and multiple Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions with dreams of securing the 189, 190 or 491 visas.

But here’s the harsh reality: most applicants will never receive an invitation.

Despite meeting the minimum points threshold of 65, many discover (often too late) that competition is fierce, quotas are limited, and not all occupations are treated equally.

How the 189, 190 & 491 Visas Work

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is points-based and relies on SkillSelect invitations from the Department of Home Affairs.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• Permanent visa with no sponsorship or nomination required.
• Must receive an invitation from SkillSelect to apply.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Permanent visa requiring state or territory nomination.
• Must be invited after meeting the requirements of both the state and Federal Government.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

• A 5-year provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residency.
• Requires state or territory nomination.

Meeting the points threshold (currently 65) only gets you into the EOI pool — not into the invitation.

Why Many Skilled Migrants Are Missing Out

1. State and Territory Nomination Numbers Are Limited

Each state and territory has a limited quota each financial year. Once these places fill up, invitations stop, even for highly qualified applicants.

2. Occupation Demand Varies Drastically

Some occupations are in high demand, while others are oversubscribed or not prioritised, regardless of applicant experience or qualifications.

3. The Points Test Is Competitive

Although 65 points is the minimum, invitations typically go to applicants with 85–95+ points, depending on occupation.

Who Gets Invited in 2025?

Based on the latest 2025 SkillSelect data:

In-Demand Occupations (More Likely to Receive Invitations)

• Carpenters and other construction trades – invited with as low as 65 points.
• Nurses and health professionals – generally invited with 75+ points.
• Teachers – prioritised in some states.

Highly Competitive or Low-Invitation Occupations

• Accountants
• Restaurant Managers
• Marketing Specialists
• Enrolled Nurses
• Facilities Managers

Despite strong skills, many in these professions are not receiving invitations due to high competition and limited places.

Real Invitation Examples (2025 Data)

• Architects received 189 invitations with 90 points.
• Carpenters received 189 invitations with 65 points.
• Marketing Specialists in South Australia received 491 invitations with 105 points.
• No invitations were issued for Accountants or Chefs in recent 189 rounds.

These examples show how invitation outcomes heavily depend on your occupation and points score.

Before You Invest: What You Must Know

Before spending thousands on:

• Skills assessments
• NAATI testing
• English exams
• Multiple EOIs

You should first:
✅ Confirm your realistic chances of receiving an invitation.
✅ Understand state and occupation trends.
✅ Explore alternative visa options that may better suit your profile.

A single consultation can save you from months of unnecessary effort and investment.

Alternative Pathways to Permanent Residency

Employer-Sponsored Visas

If your occupation has low invitation chances, employer sponsorship might be a better option:

• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
• Designed Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

These options can offer a more direct route to working and settling in Australia, especially for occupations not getting invited under GSM.

Yes, finding an eligible sponsor can be challenging, but it’s often more realistic than waiting endlessly for an EOI invitation that may never come.

Check our blog How to find a sponsor. 

Key Takeaways for Skilled Migrants

• Don’t assume points alone are enough.
• Check occupation trends and demand across different states.
• Get professional advice early to avoid wasted investment.
• Consider employer sponsorship as a viable alternative.
• Stay updated on invitation rounds and policy changes.

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

At Work Visa Lawyers, we provide honest, realistic advice about your best visa strategy, based on the latest data, policy changes and real-world outcomes.

Don't risk your future by relying on guesswork. Book a consultation and take control of your migration journey with clarity and confidence.

Book an Appointment 

National Innovation Visa Updates

Exceptionally talented individuals such as global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes, sports professionals and creatives with an internationally recognized record of exceptional achievements in their field may be eligible for the subclass 858 - National Innovation Visa or the NIV.

One of the requirements for the NIV is having a nominator who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident or an Australian organization who has a national reputation in the same field as the applicant.

Expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agencies can also nominate for the NIV. 

Currently, only New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia has released the details of their nomination process.

State NIV nomination 

Each state has their different processes and for Victoria, the first step is to engage with  Victorian Government department/agency on your project plan. You can do this by creating a general enquiry on the Live in Melbourne website and submitting your project plan.

If you are competitive and chosen, a Victorian Government department or agency that can support your nomination will identify and refer you. This department or agency will be preparing the nomination documents.

The Victorian NIV nomination program does not require any Registration of Interest (ROI) or application process initiated by the applicant.

New South Wales and South Australia require potential applicants to submit their ROIs and if the applicant is shortlisted, for NSW, they will be invited to submit the full nomination. 

In South Australia, the applicant will be interviewed by an assessment panel of South Australian Government representatives.

If approved for state nomination, the state will then provide the applicant with the competed Form 1000.

Department of Home Affairs – Invitation rounds

The Department of Home Affairs extends invitations monthly according to NIV priority order as listed in Ministerial Directions 112. 

You can read about these priorities here.

According to the information released by the Department, for the period of July – September 2025, they received a total of 1841 EOIs and invited 122 candidates.

From the 122 invitations issued:

• Less than 5 is from Priority 1- Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards.
• 17 are from Priority 2 - Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency
• 84 are from Priority 3 - Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector (Critical technologies, Renewables and low emission technologies and Health industries)
• 20 are from Priority 4 - Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector  (Agri-food and AgTech, Education, Defence Capabilities and Space, Financial Services and FinTech, Infrastructure and Transport and Resources.

By sector:

Tier 1

• 48 invitations were issued for those in Critical Technologies
• 15 from ​Renewables and low emission technologies
• 30 from Health Industries

Tier 2

• Less than 5 from Agri-food and AgTech 
• Less than 5 from Education
• 9 from Defence Capabilities and Space
• Less than 5 from Financial Services and FinTech
• Less than 5 from Infrastructure and Transport
• Less than 5 from Resources

And there were 8 from the Sports and Arts.

If you want to check if you are eligible for the NIV, you can complete our free NIV assessment form here.

You just might be one of the brightest, best and fairest talent Australia is looking for.

189 Invitation Round November 2025

If you are waiting for news about Australia's skilled migration, the 13 November 2025 invitation round has brought massive updates. The Department of Home Affairs has issued 10,000 invitations for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa.

The government’s clear focus is on fixing the housing shortage. To achieve this, they are making it significantly easier for trade workers to secure a visa, while entry standards for other professionals remain high.

Here is our simple analysis of who won, the surprises, and who missed out.

Current Round: 13 November 2025

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) - 10,000 invitations issued.
• Subclass 491 (Family Stream) - 300 invitations issued.
• Total Occupations Invited - 144.

You can view the official invitation round data on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Construction Sector

Australia needs to build more houses. Because of this, the Department is inviting Carpenters, Bricklayers, and many other trades with just 65 points.

Some other occupations invited with 65 points were:

1. Plumber (General) - 65 points
2. Joiner - 65 points
3. Electrician (General) - 65 points
4. Solid Plasterer - 65 points
5. Wall and Floor Tiler - 65 points

65 points is the minimum score. This means if you are a qualified tradesperson with the right age and English skills, you have a very good chance of being invited.

Health & Education

Healthcare and Education remain vital parts of the migration program. Nurses, Doctors, and Teachers are being invited regularly, though the point requirements are slightly higher than for construction.

Key Health & Education Occupations Invited:

1. Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) - 75 points
2. Registered Nurse (Medical) - 75 points
3. Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher - 85 points
4. Secondary School Teacher - 75 points
5. Special Needs Teacher - 75 points
6. Special Education Teachers nec - 75 points
7. Physiotherapist - 75 points

While there are many invitations in these sectors, there is also more competition. You generally need a competitive score of at least 75 points to secure an invite.

Some others occupations invited

Most invitations went to the major sectors mentioned above, but there were some interesting surprises in this round.

Other notable occupations Invited:

1. Economist - 85 points
2. Multimedia Specialist - 90 points
3. Musician (Instrumental) - 90 points
4. Marine Biologist - 85 points
5. Botanist - 85 points
6. Tennis Coach - 85 points

Tennis Coaches: Surprisingly, Tennis Coaches received invites again. This is the second round this year that Tennis Coaches have been invited, showing that specific niche jobs are sometimes needed unexpectedly.

Who Missed Out

Even though Education is a priority, University Lecturers were not invited in the November 2025 round. The Department is currently focusing on schools for children (Primary and Secondary), rather than universities.

If you are a University Lecturer, the 189 visa may be difficult to secure right now. You should consider other options, such as the Subclass 190 or 491 visas (State Nomination), or employer sponsorship through the 482 or 186 visas.

Other occupations that didn’t receive any invitations were Accountants and Chefs.

Subclass 491: Family Stream

The 491 Family Stream is still small and competitive.

• Invitations Issued - 300
• Occupations - 36

This visa is designed to help people with eligible family members living in regional Australia.

When will the next 189 invitation round happen?

Invitation rounds are expected to happen quarterly.

If you did not get an invite, don’t panic. The next 189 visa invitation round is expected to be in February or March.

What You Should Do:

• Trades - If you have 65 points, submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) now.
• Professionals - If your job is not on a priority list, try to increase your points. You can improve your English score, add partner points, or gain more work experience.

Need Help?

Visa rules change often. If you are not sure what to do—or if you want to switch from a 189 to a 190 or 491 visa—our team can help you.

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