July 15, 2025
2025-26 state nomination allocations: 20,350 places for the 190 and 491
By Roman Lama
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the state and territory nomination allocations for 2025-26: 12,850 places for the subclass 190 and 7,500 for the 491, a national total of 20,350.
How places are split
Each state gets its own allocation. NSW received 3,600 places (2,100 for the 190 and 1,500 for the 491). The ACT received 1,600 (800 and 800). Smaller states and territories get proportionally fewer, and some open and close their programs within weeks once their allocation is committed.
What this means in practice
State nomination is a race against a fixed pool. When a state opens its program, occupations in demand there can be nominated at scores well below what a 189 round would require, because the 5 or 15 point bonus and the state's own list both work in your favour. Once the allocation is spent, that route closes until the next program year.
If your occupation is competitive somewhere, monitor that state's page and submit as soon as it opens rather than waiting to polish your profile.