Australia's new state and territory allocations for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visas for 2025–26 have now been released — and the changes are significant.
If you are an international student or skilled professional planning to apply for PR in Australia, understanding these trends is crucial.
In this blog, we break down the latest allocation changes, what they mean for PR hopefuls, and the best states for PR in 2025–26.
⭐Key Highlights (2025–26 PR Allocations)
- Australia reduced overall PR nomination allocations for Subclass 190 by 22.1%.
- National Subclass 491 allocations also dropped by 23.2%.
- Queensland made the biggest shift — increasing its 190 allocation by 208%.
- South Australia, Tasmania, NSW, WA, and VIC saw major cuts.
- Northern Territory remains stable and migration-friendly.
🧭 Understanding Subclass 190 and Subclass 491
A permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory. Ideal for students and professionals with in-demand skills who want to stay permanently in Australia.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)
A regional provisional visa leading to PR after 3 years. Suitable for applicants willing to live, study, or work in regional Australia.
These visas are heavily influenced by annual state allocations — meaning your PR prospects depend on where you live and what your occupation is.
📊 State-by-State Analysis of the 2025–26 PR Allocations
🟢 1. Queensland (Big Winner)
190: +208% (from 600 → 1850)
491: +25% (600 → 750)
Queensland made the biggest positive move.
This dramatic increase signals that QLD is now one of the strongest PR pathways in Australia.
Best for:
- Nursing & Allied Health
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Teaching
- Regional occupations
If you're considering PR in 2025–26, Queensland should be at the top of your list.
🟣 2. Northern Territory (Stable & Supportive)
190: +6.25%
491: unchanged
NT remains migration-friendly, especially for applicants willing to work in regional and high-demand sectors.
Best for:
Nursing, Community Services, Trades, Hospitality, and Early Childhood Education.
🔴 3. New South Wales (Major Cuts)
190: –30%
491: –25%
NSW remains the most competitive state and has tightened its requirements again.
Expect:
- Higher points cut-offs
- Priority for local work experience
- Stricter occupation targeting
NSW remains popular but now significantly harder for PR.
🔴 4. Victoria (Mixed Changes)
190: –10%
491: –65%
While VIC maintained strong 190 numbers, the massive drop in 491 allocations shows a shift away from regional visas.
Implication:
Victoria is prioritising high-skilled metropolitan roles such as ICT, engineering, healthcare, and research.
🔴 5. Western Australia (Large Reductions)
190: –33.3%
491: –30%
WA has cut both streams significantly.
Competition will increase for popular occupations like engineering, trade roles, and health.
🔴 6. South Australia (Biggest Cuts)
190: –55%
491: +12.5%
SA reduced over half of its 190 allocations — the largest drop in Australia.
The slight increase in 491 indicates a shift toward regional retention rather than direct PR.
🔴 7. Tasmania (Significant Reductions)
190: –42.8%
491: –14.5%
TAS — previously known as a PR-friendly state — has drastically reduced its allocations.
PR pathways here will now be more selective and more competitive.
🟡 8. Australian Capital Territory (Moderate Adjustments)
190: –20%
491: 0%
ACT continues using the Matrix system, but with fewer places available, cut-offs will rise.
📉 National Summary (What Changed Overall?)
| Visa Subclass | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | Change |
| Subclass 190 | 16,500 | 12,850 | 22.1% decrease |
| Subclass 491 | 9,760 | 7,500 | 23.2% decrease |
Australia is clearly moving toward a tighter, more selective skilled migration program with a strong preference for states experiencing genuine workforce shortages like QLD and NT.
🌏 Best Australian States for PR in 2025–26
🥇 1. Queensland — Clear PR Leader
🥈 2. Northern Territory — Stable and Supportive
🥉 3. South Australia (for 491 only)
These regions offer the strongest chances based on allocation growth and demand.
⚠️ Most Competitive / Hardest States for PR in 2025–26
- NSW
- VIC
- WA
- SA (190 stream)
- TAS
- ACT
Applicants will need:
- Higher points
- Local skilled work experience
- Occupations aligned with their priority skills lists
📚 What This Means for International Students
If you plan to study in Australia in 2025–26 and aim for PR, these changes matter.
To maximise your PR chances:
✔ Choose your state strategically
✔ Select a course aligned with skill shortages
✔ Build local work experience
✔ Stay updated with state nomination requirements
💬 How AECC Can Help
AECC's registered migration agents and education counsellors can help you:
- Choose the right state for PR
- Select the best course aligned with PR pathways
- Understand changing state nomination criteria
- Plan your Subclass 190 or 491 strategy
- Prepare your EOI and application documents
📞 Planning Your Australia PR Pathway?
Book your appointment with AECC today and get personalised PR guidance based on the latest 2025–26 migration updates.
🔗 Email us at
📍 Melbourne • Sydney • Brisbane •
