State Nomination Update December 2025 – Which States Still Have Seats Left

December 22, 2025

State Nomination Update December 2025 – Which States Still Have Seats Left

The wait is finally over. On November 4, 2025, the Department of Home Affairs released the definitive nomination allocations for the 2025-26 program year. You might be shocked to see the total number set at just 20,350 places nationally. This represents a steep 22.5% reduction from last year. You are likely asking what this means for your Australian visa prospects as we head into the holidays.

In this State Nomination Update Dec 2025, we analyse the fresh data to show you exactly where the opportunities exist. While states such as NSW and Victoria faced cuts, Queensland has emerged as the unexpected winner with doubled allocations. At E-Help Consultants, we are already seeing states rush to issue invites before the year ends. Let us help you navigate this tighter, more competitive landscape immediately.

What is the Reality of New 2025-26 Allocation

You need to understand the numbers to plan your strategy. The 2025-26 migration program has shifted focus significantly. The federal government has reduced the total state nomination planning levels to 20,350 places. This figure includes 12,850 places for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa and 7,500 for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa.

In our experience at E-Help Consultants, such a reduction intensifies competition. You cannot afford to make a single mistake in your Expression of Interest (EOI). The “scattergun” approach of applying everywhere will not work this year. You must target the specific states that gained seats or have specific shortages in your occupation.

Why is the Month of December Important for Nomination?

States received their allocations late this year. This means December is not a quiet month. It is the start of the race. Western Australia already held a massive invitation round on December 5, 2025, issuing 1,800 invitations to clear backlogs. You have a brief window right now to update your profile before the major rounds in January and February 2026.

Queensland – The Big Winner

 

If you are looking for the “golden ticket” in the State Nomination Update Dec 2025, look north. Queensland is the clear winner of the 2025-26 allocation lottery. While other major states saw cuts, Queensland’s allocation more than doubled to 2,600 places.

The state received 1,850 seats for the Subclass 190 visa and 750 for the Subclass 491 visa. This +116% increase signals a massive demand for skilled labour in the Sunshine State. If you are an engineer, healthcare worker, or construction professional, you should seriously consider prioritising Queensland. Their migration program is actively seeking to fill these new spots immediately.

Who Should Apply in Queensland?

The state is prioritising offshore applicants and those willing to work in regional areas. The “Small Business Owner” stream also remains a fantastic pathway if you have an entrepreneurial spirit. We recently advised a client to shift their focus from Sydney to Brisbane, and they are now preparing for the next Queensland round with high confidence.

Western Australia – Active but Tighter

Western Australia remains a key player, despite a reduction in total numbers. WA received 3,400 places for the 2025-26 year (2,000 for Subclass 190 and 1,400 for Subclass 491). While this is a 32% decrease from last year, the state is incredibly active.

The December 5th invitation round was significant. WA issued 1,800 invites in a single day. This aggression shows that the state government is eager to utilise its quota quickly. You should note that WA continues to waive the application fee, which makes it a low-risk option to add to your strategy.

Western Australia Graduate Opportunities

The Graduate Stream in WA is still favourable. If you studied in Perth, you have access to a distinct priority list. The construction and building sector also enjoys reduced employment requirements. If you fit these categories, do not delay. WA tends to front-load its invitations.

NSW and Victoria – High Competition

We must be honest with you. The situation in New South Wales and Victoria has become much harder. Both states faced cuts of around 28-32%. NSW has been allocated 3,600 places (2,100 for Subclass 190), while Victoria sits at 3,400 places (2,700 for Subclass 190).

These states are now reserving their limited seats for “super priority” sectors. Unless you work in healthcare, teaching, or renewable energy, you might wait a long time for an invite here. You need superior points (90+) and superior English to even be competitive in Sydney or Melbourne right now.

Alternative Strategies for NSW/VIC

If you are committed to living in these states, look at the regional 491 options. NSW Regional Development Australia (RDA) offices often have their own specific lists and criteria. We have seen success for accountants and IT professionals in regions like the Orana and Riverina, where competition is lower than in the Sydney basin.

South Australia and Tasmania – Niche Pathways

South Australia took the hardest hit in percentage terms, down nearly 41%. With only 2,250 places, SA is focusing intensely on retention. They want candidates who are already living and working in Adelaide. The “Highly Skilled and Talented” stream remains open but the bar is higher.

Tasmania issued a round of invitations on November 13, 2025. They have 1,850 places. The good news is that Tasmania is very transparent. Their “Orange” and “Green” pass system tells you exactly where you stand. If you are willing to study or work in Tasmania for a year, you still have a very high chance of securing a 491 nomination.

State Allocation Breakdown of 2025-26

Here is the official data released by the Department of Home Affairs on November 4, 2025. Use this table to decide where to focus your efforts.

State / Territory	Subclass 190 Allocations	Subclass 491 Allocations	Total 2025-26	Change from Last Year
Queensland	1,850	750	2,600	+116.7% (Winner)
New South Wales	2,100	1,500	3,600	-28%
Victoria	2,700	700	3,400	-32%
Western Australia	2,000	1,400	3,400	-32%
South Australia	1,350	900	2,250	-40.8%
Tasmania	1,200	650	1,850	-35.3%
ACT	800	800	1,600	-11.1%
Northern Territory	850	800	1,650	+3.1%
Total	12,850	7,500	20,350	-22.5%

 

What are Some Actionable Strategy That You Must Do Now

Knowing the data in this State Nomination Update Dec 2025 is only the first step. You need to execute a plan that aligns with this new reality.

1. Re-Calculate Your Points

With fewer seats, the points cutoff will rise. You generally need 85+ points for a 190 visa in major cities. If you are sitting at 70 or 75, you must look at the 491 visa. It gives you 15 extra points. This single switch can take you from “ignored” to “invited.”

2. Consider the Northern Territory

The NT saw a slight increase (+3.1%) to 1,650 places. This is a “hidden gem” for 2026. The MINT program (Migration Innovation Northern Territory) is highly effective for offshore applicants. If you have the funds and the skills, this pathway bypasses the fierce competition of the eastern states.

3. Update Your EOI Immediately

States filter candidates based on the “Effect Date” of their EOI. If you update your EOI today, you reset that date. However, having an accurate EOI is better than an old, inaccurate one. Ensure your work experience and English scores are perfectly current.

4. Get Professional Help

The margin for error is zero this year. A single typo in your skills assessment reference number can cost you an invite. At E-Help Consultants, we double-check every field. We also advise you on “state-specific” requirements that are not listed on SkillSelect, such as the specific financial capacity evidence required for Queensland.

Future Outlook Into 2026

The trend is clear. Australia values skilled migration but is becoming more selective. The focus is shifting to “net benefit.” States want migrants who will contribute immediately to the economy.

You should expect the rounds in January, February, and March 2026 to be the busiest. States will try to clear their quotas by May. If you are not in the queue by January, you might miss out on this year’s allocation entirely.

Final Advice from E-Help

Do not let the reduced numbers discourage you. 20,350 families will still receive nominations this year. The difference is that the “easy” invites are gone. Success now goes to the strategic, the flexible, and the well-prepared.

Queensland is calling. WA is active. The regions are open. You have options, but you must be willing to pivot. We have helped thousands of clients adjust their strategies to meet changing regulations. Let us do the same for you.

Conclusion

The State Nomination Update Dec 2025 delivers a clear message: adapt or wait. With national allocations tightened to 20,350 places, your strategy must be precise. Queensland offers the best new growth with 2,600 spots, while WA and the regions remain viable for the flexible applicant. You cannot rely on old advice in this new landscape. Secure your future by targeting the states that actually want you. Contact E-Help Consultants today to align your profile with these fresh 2026 opportunities. Let us turn these statistics into your success story.