AUS: State Skilled Migration Update
Australia's 2026–27 state skilled migration programmes are taking shape. ACT has a new portal and higher fees, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have increased allocations, Queensland is still on hold, and the FNQ DAMA has new employer concessions.
Australia's 2026–27 state skilled migration programmes are officially shaping up. While some states have secured increased visa allocations and launched updated application systems, others are still awaiting final numbers from the Federal Government.
Whether you are an offshore applicant or a skilled worker already in Australia, staying on top of these fast-moving changes is critical. The changes:
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Brand New Portal & Fee Hikes
The ACT is modernising its system but is still waiting on its final visa allocation numbers from the Federal Government.
The new migration portal
Launched on 30 July 2026, a brand-new application portal is now live for all Canberra Matrix submissions. Key upgrades include multi-factor authentication, mobile accessibility, live status tracking, and the ability to edit or withdraw submissions online. Existing submissions migrate automatically, but users must register a new account using their original email address.
Rankings, processing and fees
- Price increase: ACT nominations now cost $350 AUD excluding GST ($25 for the Matrix submission + $325 for the application).
- Matrix rules: Canberra Matrix profiles remain valid for 6 months (extendable to 12 months). While editing your Matrix is free, doing so resets your submission date. In the event of a points tie, rankings are determined by the most recent update timestamp.
- Expedited processing: fast-tracked processing is now available after an invitation is issued for urgent cases, such as imminent visa expiry, document expiration, or critical birthdays.
Queensland: Still on Hold
Queensland's state nomination program remains closed as the state awaits its final allocation numbers from the Australian Government. However, Queensland has already updated its non-refundable nomination application fees for when the program opens:
- Onshore applicants: $630.30 AUD (including GST)
- Offshore applicants: $573.00 AUD
Tasmania: Increased Allocations & Pathway Shifts
Tasmania has received a total of 2,050 nomination places for the 2026–27 program year (a welcome increase from last year).
Key quota updates
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): increased to 1,250 places (up from 1,200).
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): increased to 800 places (up from 650).
Key dates and fees
- 17 August 2026: Registrations of Interest (ROI) officially opened. Submitting an ROI remains free.
- 20 August 2026: weekly selection invitations began and will continue progressively.
- New application fee: the nomination fee has risen to $387 AUD (excluding GST) or $425.70 AUD (including GST).
Major policy changes
- Overseas 491 pathway closed: Tasmania will not issue invitations through the Overseas Skilled Occupation (subclass 491) pathway this program year due to federal processing priorities under Ministerial Direction 119.
- Overseas health and education exception: high-demand offshore health and teaching professionals can still target a subclass 190 visa if they secure a formal job offer from an eligible Tasmanian school or health provider.
- Pending applications: existing lodged applications will be processed under the rules present at their time of submission. If you have a pending overseas 491 application and want to switch to a 190, you must manually withdraw and lodge a new ROI.
Northern Territory: Re-Opened
The Northern Territory (NT) secured 1,850 nomination places for 2026–27, marking an increase of 200 places from the previous year.
- Subclass 190: 850 places.
- Subclass 491: 1,000 places (all 200 new spots were allocated to this regional stream).
- Portal status: The NT application portal reopened on 21 August 2026 for all onshore streams and select offshore streams.
Important note: The offshore NT Priority Occupation stream remains closed to clear out a large backlog of existing applications. Eligibility requirements for NT graduates and onshore workers have also been tightly updated.
Far North Queensland DAMA: Employer Perks
For regional employers and sponsored workers under the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), several structural updates have been introduced to streamline pathways.
- 50% fee discount: employers get a 50% discount on Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) endorsement fees if they request the position at the same time as the associated Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa position.
- Upfront concessions: employers are strongly urged to apply for age and English-language concessions during the initial endorsement phase. Adding concessions later incurs admin fees and slows down federal processing times.
- Aged care boost: despite a proposed pause, three crucial aged care occupations remain active for sponsorship — Personal Care Assistant, Nursing Support Worker, and Aged/Disabled Carer.
Next steps for applicants
The 2026–27 migration year requires a highly strategic approach. With states like Tasmania closing specific offshore pathways and the ACT enforcing strict rules on Matrix modification dates, precision is key. Ensure you review the specific guidelines of your target state or territory before lodging your ROI.