2026-27 State Migration Update: Tasmania Reopens & FNQ DAMA
The 2026–27 migration program year is officially underway, with two major updates affecting skilled workers and regional employers in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
Tasmania: Program Reopening and Quota Increase
The Tasmanian Government has received a total allocation of 2,050 places for the 2026–27 program year, an increase from the previous year. This is excellent news for those seeking a pathway to permanent residency (PR).
Key Dates & Numbers:
Total Places: 1,250 for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa and 800 for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visa.
New Registrations of Interest (ROI) will open on 17 August 2026.
Weekly invitation rounds will commence on Thursday, 20 August 2026.
Major Changes for 2026–27:
The fee to apply for a nomination has increased to $387 ($425.70 including GST). Submitting an ROI remains free of charge.
Following Ministerial Direction 119, Tasmania will not issue invitations for the SC491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Pathway this year. The focus is now heavily on onshore applicants.
Overseas health and education professionals are the only exception. If you have a job offer from a Tasmanian health provider or school, you can still apply for a SC190 visa.
FNQ DAMA: Fees, Concessions, and Aged Care
The Cairns Chamber of Commerce has introduced several updates to the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA) to streamline the process for employers.
Endorsement Fee Reduction
In a move to encourage long-term planning, employers can now receive a 50% reduction on the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) endorsement fee. To qualify, you must request the permanent residency position (SC186) at the same time you request the initial temporary position (Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482).
Request Concessions Upfront
Many occupations under the DAMA allow concessions on English-language proficiency or age limits. Adding these concessions retrospectively can lead to extra admin fees and long delays. Employers are strongly encouraged to request all available age and English concessions at the very start of the endorsement stage, even if they haven't yet identified a specific worker.
Aged Care Occupations Saved
There was a plan to remove certain aged care roles from the FNQ DAMA. However, this has been put on hold. The following occupations remain available for sponsorship:
Personal Care Assistant
Nursing Support Worker
Aged or Disabled Carer. If your business needs these roles, we recommend submitting your endorsement requests immediately before policy changes again.
With Tasmania reopening in just a few days and the FNQ DAMA offering fee reductions, now is the time to finalise your documentation.
Ensure your skills assessment and English test results are ready for the 17 August reopening.
For FNQ Employers, review your workforce needs for the next three (3) years to take advantage of the 50% fee discount.
If you already have an ROI, review the new priority attributes to ensure your profile is as competitive as possible.
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
Claim Work Experience Points for GSM: Onshore vs. Offshore Remote Work
Annual Indexation of the CSIT and SSIT – Effective 1 July 2026
Why an EOI Does Not Equal a Bridging Visa: A Crucial Warning for Visa Applicants
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
State nomination and DAMA rules are technical and subject to frequent updates. If you need help determining which visa pathway is best for your circumstances, 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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