As the new program year begins, state nomination policies are once again a key focus for international students and skilled migration applicants. While the Department of Home Affairs has not yet released the official 2025-26 allocation, Western Australia (WA) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have already provided some important updates that applicants should note.

Source: Internet

Western Australia: Priority Industries Remain

Although WA’s new year allocation has not been confirmed, it is clear that four priority industries will continue to be supported: construction, health, education, and hospitality/tourism. In the previous program year, occupations such as carpenters, surveyors and event organisers received invitations at relatively low points thresholds, reflecting WA’s ongoing demand for trade and industry-specific talent.

However, popular professions such as accounting and ICT remain highly competitive. Applicants in these fields may need stronger points profiles, including higher English test scores (IELTS/PTE 7s or 8s), CCL points, or additional work experience/professional year to remain competitive.

ACT: Allocation Pending, New System Underway

Similarly, the ACT is still awaiting its 2025-26 allocation from the Department of Home Affairs, and the timing of the first invitation round has not yet been set. In the meantime, ACT Migration is progressing with upgrades to the Canberra Matrix and application system, aimed at improving security and streamlining the user experience. These upgrades may affect the frequency and timing of the final invitation rounds for this year.

Importantly, the streamlined nomination pathway for PhD graduates will continue, with ACT Migration maintaining its commitment to issue invitations within seven working days to eligible applicants. This remains a stable and fast-track option for research-focused candidates.

For applicants in WA’s four priority industries, the new program year is likely to present good opportunities for invitations at lower thresholds. Those in popular occupations such as accounting and ICT should plan ahead with additional points-building strategies, such as English, CCL and work experience. For PhD and research candidates, ACT’s streamlined pathway continues to be advantageous and worth preparing early.

Overall, while final invitation patterns will depend on the Department’s allocation, the emerging trend is clear: demand-driven industries and high-level qualifications will remain the two key focuses of the 2025-26 program year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: enquiry@riverwoodmigration.com), or book a consultation. We are committed to providing transparent and professional migration services to help you secure your visa and achieve your goal of moving to Australia.

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