Skilled Migration Alert: Australia’s Skilled Visa Quotas Nearly Full

Australia's immigration system is at a pivotal juncture, with evolving visa policies, rising applicant interest, and sophisticated nomination procedures creating both opportunity and urgency. Understanding current processing times and how nomination places are utilized is essential for skilled migrants aiming to secure a future in Australia. As the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas remain in high demand, staying informed can significantly enhance application success rates.

Near Capacity: Visa Nomination Places Almost Filled

As of now, 1,828 of 2,100 subclass 190 nomination places and 690 of 760 subclass 491 places have already been used. With the program year nearing its end, this indicates an impending saturation. When 90% of the allocation is consumed, restrictions may be placed on further ROI submissions, impacting new applicants.

For those considering Tasmania as their migration destination, it is crucial to understand the latest changes in Tasmania's skilled visa pathways.

Prioritization via Orange-Plus Attributes

Candidates with at least one "Orange-Plus" attribute are prioritized for invitations to apply. These attributes are internal metrics used by Migration Tasmania to fast-track high-potential candidates. If you're aiming for subclass 190, having even a single Orange-Plus attribute ensures an invitation within the program year.

You can explore the official Migration Tasmania skilled migration site for full policy documents and attribute explanations.

Skilled Employment Clarification

Migration Tasmania has refined what qualifies as "skilled employment." Only roles categorized under ANZSCO Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 are eligible for Gold, Green, or Orange-Plus attributes. Assessments include:

• Alignment with ANZSCO job descriptions

• Required qualifications and duties

• Pay rate (above the current threshold of $73,150 recommended)

For instance, a cook earning $25/hour may be categorized similar to a kitchenhand (Skill Level 5), making them ineligible for skilled attributes. In contrast, a mechanic earning comparable pay might also fall short despite having the right qualifications, due to industry pay comparisons.

Long Wait Times and Backlog

Currently, the oldest nomination application awaiting allocation was lodged on 24 April 2025. This highlights a substantial processing delay, particularly for applicants who do not possess priority attributes. Delays are likely to increase as the remaining nomination places get exhausted.

For applicants in the ROI stage:

• Subclass 190: 271 ROIs on hand

  
  

• Subclass 491: 251 ROIs on hand

Applicants are advised to prepare thoroughly and submit high-quality, priority-aligned applications.

Post-Cap Application Handling

Even after the nomination cap is reached, applications can still be submitted. However, these will be queued and only processed after Tasmania receives its next nomination allocation in the 2025-26 program year. Hence, early and strategic application planning is key.

Understanding processing timelines and how nomination slots are filled is vital for any serious Australia migration applicant. With nearly full allocations, now is the time to assess your profile and make informed decisions. Ensure your employment claims match ANZSCO Skill Levels and secure those Orange-Plus attributes for the best chances.

Need help with assessing your visa eligibility or understanding your priority status? Schedule a consultation with A2Zimmi today and get expert guidance tailored to your case.

Visit A2Zimmi to explore more insights, updates, and visa tips to boost your migration success.