After a quiet winter, state nomination is moving again. In the space of three weeks, New South Wales opened its subclass 190 program, South Australia opened registrations, the Australian Capital Territory ran a round, and the Department moved the subclass 189 invitation round it had skipped. Each program runs on its own rules, so this article takes them one at a time.
It is written from MIA Notices 22, 23 and 24 of October 2026, which report each government’s published announcements.
New South Wales: subclass 190 open, 491 closed
- The NSW nomination program for the subclass 190 is open.
- The first invitation round was planned for the week beginning 19 October 2026. At 23 October the Migration Institute had not been told it had run.
- The NSW 190 skills list has been updated.
- The NSW subclass 491 program remains closed for all pathways.
NSW invites from SkillSelect, so the advice is simple. Keep the expression of interest current, and be able to evidence every point claimed. An invitation can only be accepted on the claims made.
South Australia: registrations open for visas ending by 31 January 2027
South Australia’s general skilled migration program for 2026-27 is open for registrations of interest.
- Onshore: people living and working in South Australia whose current visa expires by 31 January 2027 submit a registration of interest.
- Offshore: no registration is needed. Suitable candidates are invited directly from their SkillSelect expression of interest.
- Everyone needs a current expression of interest in SkillSelect.
- Priority sectors are building and construction, defence, education, engineering, health and manufacturing. High ranking candidates in other sectors may also be considered.
South Australia has also extended its two Designated Area Migration Agreements to 31 January 2027 while a new five year statewide agreement is negotiated. Our South Australia Regional DAMA guide covers that route for employers.
Australian Capital Territory: 261 invitations on 12 October
The ACT held a nomination round on 12 October 2026 and issued 261 subclass 190 invitations. No subclass 491 invitations were issued.
| Stream | Invitations |
|---|---|
| Doctorate streamlined pathway | 54 |
| Canberra residents, small business owners (minimum matrix score 120) | 18 |
| Canberra residents, critical skill occupations | 126 |
| Overseas applicants, critical skill occupations | 63 |
The minimum matrix score is an indication only and does not guarantee an invitation. The ACT’s 2026-27 allocation of places has not yet been confirmed by the Commonwealth. The portal remains open for Canberra Matrix submissions, and the ACT has published tentative dates for its remaining rounds: the weeks starting 25 January, 22 March and 24 May 2027. The dates may change without notice.
Victoria: not yet open
Victoria’s 2026-27 program had not opened at 25 October 2026. Its fees, points test and priority industries are already published, and we cover them in our article on Victoria’s 2026-27 nomination settings.
The subclass 189 round moved
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the Skilled Independent visa invitation round proposed for 30 September 2026 did not occur. It was postponed and is expected by 31 October 2026. Nothing is lost by the delay. An expression of interest stays in SkillSelect for two years. However, the round will invite on the claims as they stand, so anyone whose English score or experience has improved should update now. Our article on the 189 invitation round explains how invitations work.
Two settings that sit behind all of this
First, processing priorities changed on 19 September 2026. Ministerial Direction 122 now orders the 189, 190 and 491 by occupation first, with construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, fishing and resources at the front. Our full guide to Directions 121 and 122 lists the occupations.
Second, the points test is being redesigned. The Minister has said housing trades will score like a university degree once the new test is implemented, but no date has been published. Our article on the points test changes covers what was announced.
What to do this month
- Check the expression of interest is current in every respect, because NSW, South Australia and the 189 all invite from it.
- If you live and work in South Australia on a visa ending by 31 January, register now. The window is time limited.
- If Victoria is the target, prepare the English result and the earnings evidence before the program opens, because previous registrations do not carry over.
- Do not assume an invitation from one state means an invitation from another. Each runs its own list and its own rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is NSW nominating for the subclass 491?
No. The NSW 491 program remains closed for all pathways. The 190 program is open.
Who should register with South Australia?
People living and working in South Australia whose visa expires by 31 January 2027. Offshore candidates are invited directly from SkillSelect and do not register.
When is the next 189 invitation round?
The Department has said the postponed round is expected by 31 October 2026.
How many invitations did the ACT issue in October?
261 subclass 190 invitations in the round of 12 October 2026. No 491 invitations.
Sam Kanjo, Migration Lawyer, Skyline Migration Lawyers, Melbourne.
Sources: MIA Notices 22, 23 and 24 of October 2026, reporting announcements by the Department of Home Affairs and the NSW, South Australian, ACT and Victorian governments.
Not sure which state fits your occupation?
We compare the programs against your points, occupation and location. Call 03 8108 8748 or email info@skylinemigrationlawyers.com.au.
This article is general information only. It is not legal advice. Please seek advice about your own circumstances before you act.
