State Migration Updates: NSW, South Australia, and Northern Territory (May 2026)

As we approach the final months of the 2025–26 General Skill Migration (GSM) program year, several Australian states are reaching their nomination limits. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed about which pathways remain open and which have closed until the new financial year begins in July 2026.

New South Wales (NSW) Updates

The NSW Government has officially reached its nomination allocation for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) for the 2025–26 program year, this also means:

No further invitations will be issued for this subclass for the remainder of this program year.
Invitations will resume once the Australian Government provides a new allocation for the 2026–27 program year.

For the regional applicants for Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Pathway 2, NSW conducted an invitation round last week. The government has confirmed it will continue to issue invitations for this subclass until the current year’s allocation is fully reached.

South Australia (SA) Updates

South Australia (SA) continues to be active in its migration program, issuing a significant number of invitations during the month of May 2026 with SC190 have 295 invitations issued; and SC 491 have 214 invitations issued. Total for 2025–26 Program Year to date:

Subclass 190: 1,606 invitations.
Subclass 491: 1,009 invitations.

The South Australian Government intends to conduct its next invitation round in mid-to-late May 2026.

Northern Territory (NT) Updates

The Northern Territory (NT) Government has announced that it has received enough applications to fully utilise its GSM allocation for the current year.

The NT nomination portal is now closed to new applications.
If you have already lodged your application, the NT government will continue to assess it. You can check for updates via the online portal.
The portal will remain closed until the 2026–27 program year begins and new allocations are confirmed by the Federal Government.

If your preferred state is closed, now is the ideal time to keep your SkillSelect profile up to date for the July reopening.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

The skilled migration program is highly competitive. To ensure your EOI is at its strongest or if you need help determining which state or subclass is best for your circumstances for the 2026–27 intake, reach out to speak with one of our immigration lawyers for professional advice and guidance. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.

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

Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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