Subclass 190 and 491 State and Territory Allocations for 2023-2024

The Skilled–Nominated (Subclass 190) visa and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa depend on nominations by the state or territory in which the applicant wishes to live. However, each state and territory is limited by the number of nominations they are able to give in each financial year by their allocations received from the federal government.

This financial year’s allocations (running until 31 July 2024) for each state are as follows:

State Subclass 190 Subclass 491 Total
Northern Territory 250 400 650
New South Wales 2650 1500 4150
Australian Capital Territory 600 600 1200
Western Australia 1500 850 2350
Tasmania 600 600 1200
Victoria 2700 600 3300
Queensland 900 650 1550
South Australia 1100 1200 2300

Other than the drastic reductions in allocations given to each state and territory (you can compare last year’s allocations), applicants should also be aware of the following further changes:

  • The Northern Territory:

    • Has changed their eligibility criteria such that the priority occupation stream for offshore applicants is limited to the 54 occupations listed on the Offshore Migration Occupation List.

    • NT residents must have either worked in their occupation for at least 6 months in the NT or be working in the NT in a critical sector (i.e. health, aged care, disabled care, education and childcare, hospitality).

    • NT graduates who have a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa valid until 1 July 2024 will not be eligible for nomination this program year.

  • South Australia will be prioritising the retention of international graduates and temporary visa holders. They will also be targeting experienced overseas workers with high-demand skills (e.g. Trades, Construction, Defence, Health, Education, Natural and Physical Science and Social and Welfare Professionals). The state will now also require that individuals submit separate registrations of interest.

  • New South Wales has decided to shift from occupations lists to a new sector focused approach that will prioritise occupations in the following target sectors:

    • Health

    • Education

    • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

    • Infrastructure

    • Agriculture

The following table lists out which states and territories are currently open for nominations:

StateSubclass 190Subclass 491
Northern TerritoryNot OpenOpen
New South WalesOpen (Limited invitations and occupational sectors)Not Open
Australian Capital TerritoryOpen (next invitation round before 20 November 2023)Open (next invitation round before 20 November 2023)
Western AustraliaOpenOpen
TasmaniaOpenOpen
VictoriaOpenOpen
QueenslandOpenOpen
South AustraliaOpenOpen

Given the low allocation numbers for this program year, it is more essential than ever that your Expression of Interest and Nomination applications are flawless when it is submitted.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help 

As you start on your journey towards a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) Visa or a Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491), our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law with our team of immigration lawyers at Agape Henry Crux are specialized in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter. 

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