Australia 190 and 491 Visa Invitations 2026–27: How to Track State Nomination Updates
By BCS Global | Information checked: 3 October 2026
Waiting for a state nomination invitation can feel frustrating. You have submitted your Expression of Interest, checked your points and started planning your future in Australia. Then you see a post announcing a new invitation round—and wonder whether it applies to you.
For anyone following Australia state nomination 2026–27, the most useful information comes from two places: the Department of Home Affairs and the migration authority for your chosen state or territory.
This guide explains where to find reliable 190 visa invitation updates and 491 visa state nomination information, how to understand the different stages, and what to check while you wait.
Australia state nomination 2026–27: what is confirmed?
The official pages checked for this article do not yet provide a complete, confirmed national picture of 2026–27 state nomination allocations and opening arrangements.
At the time of checking:
- The Home Affairs nomination allocation page still displays 2025–26 allocations. Those figures should not be presented as 2026–27 quotas.
- Victoria’s official website says its 2025–26 program is closed, all places have been filled, and information about the 2026–27 program will be published when available.
- The NSW subclass 190 page says program settings and eligibility criteria for the next program year are under review, with updated information to follow.
These updates show why the year attached to an announcement matters. A page may still contain previous program information beneath a newer closure or review notice.
Before acting, check the latest notice, the relevant program year and the requirements for your specific pathway.
What is the difference between the 190 and 491 visas?
The two visas offer different migration pathways.
| Feature | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa name | Skilled Nominated visa | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa |
| Visa type | Permanent | Provisional, valid for five years |
| Pathway covered in this guide | State or territory nomination | State or territory nomination |
| Regional requirement | Check the nominating state’s commitments | Regional visa conditions apply |
| Permanent residence | Permanent residence on grant | Potential subclass 191 pathway, subject to eligibility |
NSW describes subclass 190 as a points-tested permanent visa. Home Affairs confirms that subclass 491 is a five-year provisional visa with a potential pathway to subclass 191 permanent residence for eligible applicants. A 491 visa does not automatically become permanent residence. NSW Government
Your choice should take account of where you can realistically live and work, as well as the nomination criteria you can meet.
How do state nomination invitations work?
Each state and territory receives an allocation of nomination places and assesses applicants against its own criteria. These programs help jurisdictions address their workforce needs and skills shortages.
An allocation represents the number of new primary applicants a jurisdiction can nominate during the program year. It does not represent the number of visas that Home Affairs will grant in that year. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
The application process also varies.
For example, NSW’s published subclass 190 process uses selection from SkillSelect and requires an invitation before a nomination application can be submitted. Victoria’s published 2025–26 process required both a SkillSelect EOI and a separate Registration of Interest, or ROI. Applicants must check the new program’s instructions before assuming those arrangements continue unchanged. NSW Government
Submitting an EOI is therefore only part of the preparation. You also need to understand what your chosen jurisdiction requires.
Are Home Affairs invitation rounds the same as state nomination rounds?
No. State nomination selection operates separately from departmental invitation rounds.
Home Affairs explains that state and territory nominations for subclass 190 and state-nominated subclass 491 visas are not affected by its departmental invitation rounds. Relevant state and territory agencies make their own nomination decisions using SkillSelect. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
This distinction matters when reading headlines. An announcement about a subclass 189 invitation round does not establish when your state will select subclass 190 or state-nominated subclass 491 applicants.
When checking an update, identify:
- The visa subclass.
- The nominating state or territory.
- The pathway or applicant group.
- Whether the announcement concerns selection, nomination approval or a visa invitation.
Where to track 190 and 491 state nomination updates
Bookmark the official migration website for each jurisdiction you are considering.
| State or territory | Official source | Information to look for |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | NSW Visas and Migration | Program notices, nomination criteria and pathway updates |
| Victoria | Live in Melbourne | Opening announcements, ROI instructions and selection information |
| Queensland | Migration Queensland | Program availability and applicant requirements |
| South Australia | Move to South Australia | Nomination pathways, occupation information and updates |
| Western Australia | Skilled Migration WA | Nomination requirements and published invitation information |
| Tasmania | Migration Tasmania | Pathway criteria, registration instructions and program notices |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT Migration | Canberra Matrix information and invitation announcements |
| Northern Territory | Northern Territory migration information | Nomination availability and eligibility requirements |
Home Affairs lists these jurisdiction websites as the official sources for state and territory nomination requirements. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Also bookmark the Home Affairs nomination allocations page and SkillSelect invitation rounds page. Always check the reporting period attached to any figures.
How to track Australia state nomination 2026–27 effectively
1. Start with the program notice
Read the opening, closure or review notice before reading the detailed eligibility page.
A previous year’s occupation list or application guide may remain online while the next program is being prepared. Keep historical information for reference, but confirm which rules currently apply.
2. Check the pathway that matches your circumstances
An update may apply only to applicants living overseas, people already working in the state, or a particular regional pathway.
Compare the announcement with your actual circumstances. Review your occupation, residence, employment and any required connection to the jurisdiction.
3. Subscribe through the official website
Use government migration newsletters where available. NSW provides a skilled migration subscription link, while Victoria directs applicants to its newsletter and news page for program notifications. NSW Government
A newsletter can alert you to a change. The linked official announcement should still be your reference when deciding what to do next.
4. Keep a simple nomination tracker
A short tracker makes it easier to compare updates without losing important details.
| Field | What to record |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction and subclass | State or territory, plus 190 or 491 |
| Program year | The year the announcement applies to |
| Program status | The exact published status |
| Your pathway | Relevant applicant category |
| Required action | EOI, ROI, Matrix or application step |
| Source and check date | Official URL and date reviewed |
| Deadline |
Published deadline, including time zone |
Review it regularly and whenever an official notification arrives. Keep confirmed announcements separate from predictions.
5. Maintain your SkillSelect EOI
Home Affairs states that an EOI remains active for two years from submission and can be updated before a visa invitation is received. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Check that changes to your circumstances are reflected accurately. Keep supporting evidence organised so that you can substantiate the claims you make.
Does having 65 points guarantee an invitation?
No. Meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee state nomination.
Home Affairs publishes a minimum points requirement of 65 for these points-tested visas. States and territories also apply their own nomination criteria, and selection can be competitive. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
NSW, for example, says its subclass 190 selection considers several factors, including points, English proficiency, education, age and skilled employment experience. NSW Government
Avoid treating another applicant’s invitation score as a guaranteed threshold for your case. Their occupation, pathway and circumstances may differ from yours.
What should you do while waiting?
Use the waiting period to make your information and evidence ready.
A practical preparation checklist includes:
- Reviewing your EOI for accuracy.
- Checking the validity of your skills assessment and English evidence.
- Organising employment records that support your claims.
- Monitoring requirements for your chosen nomination pathway.
- Considering other suitable pathways rather than relying on one possible invitation.
NSW specifically advises applicants to explore other migration options because its nomination process is highly competitive. NSW Government
The aim is to be ready to respond when an opportunity applies to you.
What happens after you receive an invitation?
Read the invitation carefully to establish what it allows you to apply for.
An invitation to submit a state nomination application is different from an invitation to submit a visa application to Home Affairs.
Follow the deadline in your state nomination invitation. Once Home Affairs issues a SkillSelect visa invitation, its published guidance gives applicants 60 days from the invitation date to submit the visa application online. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Neither selection nor nomination approval is a visa grant. The visa application still needs to be assessed.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next 190 visa invitation round?
Check your chosen state or territory’s official announcements. There is no single national state nomination calendar, and departmental invitation dates do not determine state nomination selection dates. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Can I rely on 2025–26 nomination figures for 2026–27?
Use them only as historical information. At the time of this check, the Home Affairs allocation page still labels its published figures as 2025–26. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Is a SkillSelect EOI enough to be considered?
Check the jurisdiction’s instructions. Some nomination processes require an additional registration or selection step. Victoria’s published previous program, for example, required a separate ROI. Live in Melbourne
How long will I wait for state nomination?
There is no guaranteed invitation waiting time. Meeting published eligibility requirements does not ensure selection; NSW explicitly describes its nomination process as highly competitive and discretionary. NSW Government
Does a state nomination invitation mean my visa is approved?
No. State nomination and the Home Affairs visa decision are separate stages. Nomination allocations also do not determine annual visa grant numbers.
Planning your next step with BCS Global
Following Australia state nomination 2026–27 is easier when you know which updates matter to your circumstances.
Before changing your plans, confirm the program year, check your pathway and make sure your evidence supports your EOI. A headline can alert you to an opportunity; the official requirements tell you whether you can act on it.
Considering a subclass 190 or 491 pathway? Contact BCS Global to discuss your circumstances and the requirements to check before your next step.
Program availability and nomination criteria can change. Refer to the relevant government website before submitting an EOI, registration or application.
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