April 2026 State and Territory Nomination Data: What the Latest Figures Show

Each month, the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) publishes updated figures on state and territory nomination activity under the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa programs. The April 2026 data, released in MIA Notice 59 on 15 May 2026, provides the most current picture of which jurisdictions are still actively nominating skilled migrants and where quotas may be tightening.

Understanding this data is critical for prospective applicants. State nomination is a prerequisite for the 190 visa and for most pathways under the 491 visa. Quota availability fluctuates throughout the program year, and a jurisdiction that was open in January may have closed or significantly restricted nominations by April.

Why State Nomination Quota Data Matters

Australia's skilled migration program year runs from 1 July to 30 June. Each state and territory receives an annual allocation of nomination places for the 190 and 491 programs. Once that allocation is exhausted, the jurisdiction typically closes nominations for the remainder of the program year, regardless of an applicant's points score or skills.

With April 2026 data now published, applicants in the final quarter of the 2025-26 program year face a narrowing window. Jurisdictions that have consumed a large proportion of their quota by April are unlikely to accept new nominations before 30 June 2026.

April 2026 State Nomination Status Overview

Based on MIA Notice 59 (15 May 2026), the following summarises the state and territory nomination landscape for April 2026. Note that specific quota numbers and occupation lists are subject to each jurisdiction's own policies and may change at short notice. Applicants should verify directly with each state or territory's migration authority before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).

State / Territory190 Visa Status491 Visa StatusNew South Wales (NSW)Refer to NSW official portal for current occupation lists and quotaRefer to NSW official portalVictoria (VIC)Refer to Skills Victoria for current statusRefer to Skills VictoriaQueensland (QLD)Refer to Queensland Government portalRefer to Queensland Government portalSouth Australia (SA)Refer to Migration SARefer to Migration SAWestern Australia (WA)Refer to Migration WARefer to Migration WATasmania (TAS)Refer to Tasmanian Government portalRefer to Tasmanian Government portalAustralian Capital Territory (ACT)Refer to ACT Government portalRefer to ACT Government portalNorthern Territory (NT)Refer to NT Government portalRefer to NT Government portal

Important: The MIA Notice 59 source document provides aggregate state and territory nomination figures. As the underlying jurisdiction-level quota breakdowns were not reproduced in the source material provided, applicants must consult each state or territory's official migration authority directly for precise quota numbers and current occupation eligibility.

Key Considerations When Reading State Nomination Data

State nomination data should be interpreted carefully. A jurisdiction reporting high nomination numbers in April does not necessarily mean it has remaining capacity. It may simply mean it has been active throughout the year and is now approaching exhaustion.

Conversely, a jurisdiction with lower April figures may still have quota remaining if it has been more selective or opened nominations later in the program year. The trajectory across multiple months matters as much as any single month's figure.

Applicants should also note that each state and territory maintains its own occupation lists, points score thresholds, and residency or employment requirements. Meeting the general visa criteria does not guarantee a state nomination invitation.

What This Means for Your EOI Strategy

If you have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and are targeting a state or territory nomination, the April 2026 data signals that you are now in the final stretch of the 2025-26 program year. Key strategic considerations include:

1. Review whether your nominated occupation remains open in your target jurisdiction as at May-June 2026.
2. Assess whether your points score is competitive against recent invitation rounds for your target state.
3. Consider whether broadening your EOI to include additional states or territories improves your chances before 30 June 2026.
4. If quota has closed in your preferred state, assess whether a new-year strategy targeting post-1 July 2026 quota allocation is appropriate for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• MIA Notice 59 (15 May 2026) released April 2026 state and territory nomination figures for the 190 and 491 visa programs.
• The final quarter of the 2025-26 program year means available quota is likely to be diminishing across most jurisdictions.
• State nomination is a mandatory prerequisite for the 190 visa and most 491 visa pathways.
• Each jurisdiction applies its own occupation lists, points thresholds, and local criteria independently of the general visa requirements.
• Applicants should verify current quota status and occupation eligibility directly with each state or territory authority before submitting or updating an EOI.
• A migration lawyer can assess your overall EOI strategy across multiple jurisdictions and help you plan for the new program year if required.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For skilled migration and skills assessment matters, we recommend speaking with Scott Gan, our lawyer specialising in points-tested visas and occupation skills assessments. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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