GSM Updates: Program Closures and DAMA Extensions (July 2026)

As we enter the new financial year, there are some changes to the popular General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Several states have officially exhausted their nomination quotas for the 2025-26 period, while regional agreements in Western Australia and South Australia have received extensions. If you are planning to apply for a Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa or a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visa, or are working under a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), here are the latest changes.

Tasmania 2025-26 Program Officially Closed

Tasmania has announced that it has fully delivered its nomination program for the current year. The state successfully nominated its entire allocation, consisting of 1,200 places for the Subclass 190 visa and 650 places for the Subclass 491 visa.

If your nomination application is approved now, you will not receive a formal nomination until Tasmania receives its new allocation for the 2026-27 program year.
If you have a Registration of Interest (ROI) that has not yet been invited, it will remain in the system for 6 months. You will be considered for an invitation as soon as the 2026-27 program officially opens.

Queensland: All Nomination Places Filled

Queensland’s 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program has closed to new Registrations of Interest.

If you have already been invited and submitted your final application, the Queensland government will continue to assess your file. However, finalisations will only occur once the Federal Government allocates new places for the upcoming financial year.
The state is currently awaiting advice from the Australian Government regarding future program settings and nomination numbers.

WA Goldfields DAMA: Extended to 31 December 2026

The Federal Government has extended the Goldfields Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) until the end of 2026. This extension means that:

Employers can still seek endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder as their Designated Area Representative (DAR) for their specific occupation under Goldfields DAMA.
Once endorsed, the business can continue to apply for DAMA labour agreements to sponsor workers under the existing regional framework.

South Australia DAMA 3 Month Extension

South Australia’s (SA) two current DAMAs have been granted a 3-month extension, remaining valid until 30 September 2026. This extension serves as a bridge while the state government continues negotiations with the Federal Government for a new, 5-year statewide DAMA.

What Should You Do Now?

With the 2025-26 quotas filled in many states, we are now waiting for the 2026-27 program launch. This is a good opportunity to be prepared and not to stand still. Ensure your skills assessment and English test are valid and accurate. When states receive their new allocations, make sure to front-load your application to increase your chances of securing invitations.

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

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you are unsure how to maximise your points or need assistance preparing your documents for the next round, 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 and the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms™ - Australia.

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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