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Exclusive Australian Immigration News, Updates & Opportunities
May 2026
This bulletin is for members only, and provides our members with month to month updates on Australian immigration policy changes and consequential opportunities. Opportunities are found via federal and state government policy shifts for the demand and supply for certain occupations.
This bulletin will keep you up to date so that you do not have to employ expensive immigration lawyers to provide you with monthly research.
May 2026 is in motion, packed with big shifts, fresh opportunities, and major developments shaping Australia’s immigration story. Let’s dive in!
In this month’s Federal News: Australia’s migration levels remain historically high, with net overseas migration on track to exceed 300,000 for a fourth consecutive year, continuing to drive the majority of population growth. Current intake levels are significantly above long-term averages, and overseas-born residents are expected to soon make up more than one-third of the population. Looking ahead, Australia’s population is projected to reach 31.5 million by 2035, reinforcing migration’s central role in shaping the nation’s future.
At the same time, Australia’s global appeal continues to strengthen, attracting increasing numbers of skilled migrants from countries like the United States, drawn by economic opportunity, quality of life, and long-term stability. Supporting this growth, infrastructure improvements—such as faster processing times at Sydney Airport—are enhancing the arrival experience, reflecting a system adapting to sustained high levels of international movement.
In this month’s State News: Skilled workers residing offshore remain eligible to be considered for State and Territory nominations! Please view the State Migration Section of this month’s bulletin for all State and Territory program updates and opportunities available!
In this month’s Economic News: Australia’s labour market remains strong and resilient, with South Australia leading job creation and maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 4.0%. Employment growth continues to rise, reflecting steady economic performance at the state level. At the same time, high-earning opportunities are emerging across unconventional sectors, with some young Australians generating up to $4,000 a week through small business ventures—highlighting the potential for entrepreneurship in a tight labour market.
However, significant skills shortages persist across Australia, as seen in Western Australia, where nearly one-third of assessed occupations are experiencing shortages. This ongoing gap is reinforcing the importance of skilled migration as a key workforce solution. Alongside strong employment prospects, Australia’s lifestyle appeal remains a major drawcard, with destinations like Albany, Margaret River, and Broome ranked among the most beautiful in the country, further enhancing its attractiveness for both workers and migrants.
In this month’s Student News: Melbourne has been named the Best City in the World for 2026, marking a historic achievement as the first Australian city to top Time Out’s global rankings. The recognition highlights the city’s exceptional quality of life, cultural vibrancy, and appeal as a leading destination for living, studying, and global talent.
At the same time, Australia’s international education sector continues to shine, with outstanding student achievements celebrated at the national level. Recognition of international students at events such as the Universities Australia Solutions Summit underscores the value of global education and the important contributions students make to Australian society and innovation.
All this and much more in the May issue of The Australian Immigration Bulletin! Let’s take a deeper look at what has happened so far and what is planned for the remainder of May 2026 in Australian Immigration, so that you can start planning!
All members now have FREE access to an online IELTS English Platform and course to practice, study and improve their English and IELTS score. The IELTS exam is one of the key recommended exams you will need to take in order to Apply for Skilled Migration to Australia and the better your results, the higher points you will get when submitting an expression of interest. The advanced English and IELTS platform will allow all members to practice Mock IELTS Exams, learn cutting edge tips and gain a greater understanding of how to achieve a Band 7+.
All members also have access to “ImmiConnect” which is now available in the member’s area. ImmiConnect is the Office of Immigration Australia’s Employer Sponsored program which allows overseas workers to receive job interview invitations from Australian employers, when job opportunities come available.
The program aims to bring globally mobile, highly-skilled and specialised individuals to Australia who can fill critical areas of need.
ImmiConnect is exclusive to active Australian Immigration Bulletin Members only. You must be a current Australian Immigration Bulletin Member to be eligible to receive job interview invitations.
So if you are interested in receiving these invitations, please sign up for FREE by Clicking “ImmiConnect” and adding your name and email address.
*2 WINNERS DRAWN EVERY MONTH:
Current Round: April 2026 – August 2026 (10 Winners/Prizes in total)
There is always a winner, and the next one could be you!
The winners of the May 2026 Immigration Prize Giveaway were drawn at 10am AEST on 1st May 2026.
Congratulations to the May 2026 winners! You have been sent a confirmation email with details on how to claim your prize!
The next 2 lucky winners will be drawn at 10am AEST on 1st June 2026.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics just updated its National State and Territory Population database for the reference period September 2025, which shows…………Read more
If you are interested in applying for a general skilled migration visa to Australia, it is important to have a good understanding……… Read more
The South Australian economy continues to perform strongly as the state maintains its position at the front of the national pack when it comes to creating jobs……………. Read more
The announcement highlights Melbourne’s allure as not just a great place to visit, but also an extraordinary place to live and study………… Read more
The Sydney Roosters crushed the St George Illawarra Dragons 62-16 in the 2026 Anzac Day NRL clash! Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW. April 2026 ……. Read more
This Bulletin and its contents is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.
As legislation and travel requirements are constantly changing, we strongly recommend obtaining advice on your individual situation from a Registered Migration Agent.
Please click here to book a consultation with one of our Registered Australian Migration Agents, located in Australia.
Forster, New South Wales
The Results of the August 2021 census were made public on 12th July 2022, and revealed that Australia has become a majority migrant nation, as the census data shows for the first time that more than 50 per cent of residents were born overseas or have an immigrant parent.
Australia’s 2026 Migration Program has been carefully designed to boost the social and economic outcomes that meet Australia’s needs. In fact, the migration programme was first launched in 1945 following the aftermath of World War 2. Given this long history, it is worth understanding how it works. The Australian Immigration Bulletin exists to help explain this in more detail.
As we’ve entered the 5th month of the year, join us for a look at the latest news and developments in the world of Australian Immigration!
We asked those who have established themselves with skilled jobs to share their experience and tips for a career in Australia
We spoke with Juliana, a skilled migrant who is an architect graduate from Brazil currently living and working for a private company in Australia.
Tell us about your work
I have a passion for minimalist and tiny house movements as alternative expressions of sustainable lifestyles. I have been in Australia for 4 years now and loving it. I got my first job in architecture in Australia in January this year and I have been there for 7 months now. It is a small practice with 6 professionals sharing a common space. I work very closely with the director, a senior architect, and the other 3 graduate architects, and everyone is very experienced and supportive.
We do a lot of projects for public and private schools, housing projects, and also a few clinics and residence renovations.
What was the biggest challenge and how did you deal with it?
Communication is probably the biggest challenge for me. You have that huge responsibility for what you’re doing, so you have to make sure all information you get is correct, express your ideas clearly, and speak up when necessary.
So, every time I have to speak on the phone with builders, consultants, council, and representatives, or go to meetings, I try to prepare myself and take some notes to make sure I know what to say and how to express my ideas.
I have also been trying to read more texts in English and listen to podcasts related to architecture to improve my vocabulary. Grammarly is also a great app to help with writing emails and documents.
How did you find out about it?
I was working in a café for one year and there I got the chance to meet many locals. So after a while, I started mentioning my background in casual conversations with regular customers.
I think networking is very important especially in Australia. So, I would recommend someone looking for a job in Australia to visit your industry’s institute, tell them your story and ask to receive their newsletter. They are very supportive and may inform you about some good opportunities.
Another idea is to keep an eye on the events organized by your industry as they are a great opportunity to meet people and get involved in your local industry community.
How did you apply?
One of the interviews I went was for an Engineers and Planner’s office. The interview was great but both parties understood I wasn’t a good fit because my main interest and experience was Architecture rather than Urban Planning. So, I didn’t get the job, but after a few weeks, they referred me to my boss who was looking for a graduate architect at that time.
How did you convince them you had the skills to do the job?
I think it was a good idea to print my portfolio and to take it with me to my interview to support my speech. The portfolio helped me when speaking about the projects I’ve done in the past, to show my abilities in design and architectural representation, and what I could do with the software I use. Even if you have already sent the portfolio by email, I think most people are too busy to look at them carefully enough and it pays off to bring a copy with you and leave it with them at the end of the interview.
I believe it also helped me to study the business I was applying to, understand their projects, and demonstrate proactivity and enthusiasm to learn.
What have you learned from this job that you will take to your next job?
This is still my first job here in Australia, and I am learning new things each day. But in the future when I feel it is time to move on for something new, I hope I’ll take with me a much better understanding of the local industry: the construction methods, local suppliers and materials, the Australian Standards for drafting and documentation, and also some knowledge on Contract Administration.
What did you learn about yourself doing this job?
It may sound a bit cliché, but I learned that I am capable to do absolutely anything. What we don’t know, we can learn with time and patience, we just need the motivation.
So, I feel I’ve been improving my confidence in myself every day. Because we come from another country, sometimes we tend to think we are not good enough, or that have to wait until our English is perfect, or until we study this or that software. But I believe that businesses are also interested in motivated and creative professionals with the ability to adapt and that’s where we stand out.
What tip would you give job seekers from other backgrounds eager to get their first job in Australia?
I would say that networking is a must in Australia. Go to as many events as you can, and get involved with the local community in your industry. Talk to people, listen to them and show you are interested.
Also, make sure you have a good portfolio or CV that expresses the knowledge you have, and remember to ask someone to proof read it. Show enthusiasm and motivation to learn.
It is sometimes hard when you are looking for your first job in your area because you may get a few no’s before you have a yes. But you only need your first ‘yes’, so be patient with yourself throughout that process. We already have the determination to start all over again, so know that the experience and knowledge we bring with us are valuable and unique.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics just updated its National State and Territory Population database for the reference period September 2025, which shows:
The current intake is still massive by historical standards and the proportion of Australian residents born overseas will soon surge to more than a third of the population.
Australia’s population is expected to grow by another four million people. The federal government’s latest population statement predicts the current population of 27.5 million will grow to 31.5 million by the end of 2035. It’s roughly 150,000 lower than projected in the previous population statement. The Centre for Population, which collates the report, had previously predicted Australia would reach 31.65 million people by 2035.
Australia is attracting growing interest from high talent individuals in the United States. This noticeable increase from US citizens wanting to move to Australia is reported to be driven by a mix of factors. The appeal is not just about lifestyle. It is also about opportunities, security and long-term stability.
Australia offers a strong economy, a high quality of life and access to a universal public healthcare system. It is also known for its cities, beaches, excellent education options and safer living environment. That can be especially attractive for professionals and families who are thinking beyond short-term career moves.
Australia also continues to welcome skilled professionals, founders, researchers, investors and other high-performing individuals. It is a globally connected market with opportunities across technology, health, research, clean energy and other growth sectors.
For Americans seeking career progression and a clear pathway to permanent residence, Australia is becoming an increasingly attractive option.
Sydney Airport says 2025 was its best year on record for inbound traffic, with 99.4 % of international passengers clearing security in under 10 minutes during Q4 after new screening lanes went live in December. Inbound immigration processing also improved: 90 % of arrivals cleared passport control within 34 minutes, an 8-percentage-point gain year-on-year.
Chief Executive Scott Charlton flagged a continued focus on “capacity and passenger-experience” projects in 2026, including completion of a A$200 million T2 upgrade and the forthcoming T2/T3 integration.
If you are interested in applying for a general skilled migration visa to Australia, it is important to have a good understanding of the skilled visa options and how the migration points test works, so that you can maximise your chances of being eligible to apply for a skilled visa.
The General Skilled Migration Program
A general skilled migration visa is an option available to skilled workers who are seeking to qualify for a skilled visa independently, or under a state or family sponsorship. It is an alternative to an employer sponsored visa.
One of the key criteria to qualify for a general skilled migration visa is the points test (a criterion that does not apply to employer sponsored visas). This is often the most challenging aspect for prospective skilled visa applicants to overcome when seeking an invitation to apply for the relevant skilled visa.
If you are considering applying for a general skilled migration program visa, an important concept to understand is the Expression Of Interest (EOI).
What Is An Expression Of Interest (EOI)?
If you are considering applying for a general skilled migration visa, it is important to be aware that for certain visas in this visa class, you will first be required to lodge an EOI with the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) through SkillSelect. The EOI is not a visa application, but rather, it is the process by which you can express your interest in applying for the relevant skilled visa (It’s important to note, that there is NO fee to submit an EOI).
This requirement applies to the following skilled visa subclasses:
Let’s take a brief look at each of these visas below:
The ‘subclass 189’ is a federal sponsored visa that grants automatic permanent residence in Australia. It is subject to nil visa conditions or obligations. For this reason, it is often considered to be the most flexible of the skilled visa options available.
A subclass 189 points-based visa allows you to live and work in any state or territory permanently.
The ‘subclass 190’ is a state/ territory sponsored permanent residence visa. It is another points-based visa for which invitations are issued throughout each month by individual states and territories. One of the benefits of applying for state nomination is that you will be granted an additional 5 points.
An important aspect to consider, which does not apply to the subclass 189 visa is that there is an added step in the application process. In this case, you must also apply for nomination approval to a state or territory government. Only upon receipt of an invitation from the relevant state or territory to which you apply can you then apply to the Department for the visa itself.
Your obligations as a subclass 190 visa holder are that you must commit to your nominating jurisdiction’s obligations and commit to residing in your nominating State or Territory for two years from visa grant.
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The ‘subclass 491’ is also a points-based state/ territory (or family) sponsored visa. It is a regional visa with a term of five years. The Department issues invitations for family sponsored EOI applications only (in invitation rounds). Invitations for state sponsorship are issued by individual states and territories throughout each month. This will grant you an additional 15 points for the nomination.
Being a provisional visa, this means it provides a pathway to permanent residence in Australia with the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, subject to meeting specified requirements.
Be mindful that as a subclass 491 visa holder, you must abide by visa condition 8579, which requires you to live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia. For migration purposes, most locations of Australia outside of major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc.) are classed as regional areas.
How Can You Receive An Invitation To Apply For A Skilled Visa?
If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa, as specified in the invitation letter. This then enables you to proceed with lodgement of your visa application (provided you meet all other visa lodgement and visa grant requirements).
Please note, the below State and Territory program updates is a general overview only. It does not take into account any of your personal circumstances. You must check the State/Territory information carefully to ensure you can meet all the requirements for nomination.
Australia is currently facing a shortage of skilled migrants to fill workforce demands. In response, states and territories have been easing the conditions of their visa programs to help attract skilled workers from overseas.
Below is the monthly update for some of the State and Territory opportunities available.
Program Status Update
Update on NT General Skilled Migration (GSM) nomination applications for 2025-26
The NT Government has now received sufficient applications to fill the nomination allocation for the 2025-26 program year.
The NT nomination portal is now closed to new applications. Applications lodged prior to the closure will continue to be assessed with outcomes to be provided by 30 June 2026.
New nomination applications will only be accepted by exception for applicants who meet the NT Graduate or NT Resident eligibility criteria and have one of the following visa deadlines falling before 31 December 2026:
Please note that the Northern Territory government cannot guarantee nominations before visa deadlines. Those who are onshore and have visas expiring should seek professional advice from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner on their visa options and ensure that they remain lawful in Australia.
People residing offshore are eligible to be considered for Northern Territory (NT) nomination. Invitations to apply for Northern Territory nomination will be via the ranking system.
The ‘Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupation List’ identifies the occupations in current demand in the Northern Territory. This List is important if you want to apply for Northern Territory nomination for either a:
The ‘Northern Territory Offshore Migration Occupation List’ is only applicable for those applying for NT nomination from outside Australia, under the Priority Occupation stream.
Please note: The Northern Territory government has advised that offshore applicants will generally only be offered a Northern Territory nomination for a subclass 491 visa. Subclass 190 nominations will only be offered in exceptional circumstances, such as cases where the applicant has strong connections to the NT.
The NT advises eligible applicants to apply as soon as they meet the eligibility criteria. To receive a nomination from the NT Government, you must:
Before submitting an EOI for The Northern Territory, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For information on how to submit an application, view how to apply.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Northern Territory Government website.
Program Status Update
Program Status Update: Important Announcement
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government announced the total number of places in its 2025-26 Migration Program. But it is still finalising state and territory allocations.
Queensland will not open the 2025-26 State Nominated Migration Program until our final program allocation is confirmed.
You can however submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland nomination from 19 September 2025, in preparation for the program opening.
In the meantime, take a look here at which skilled visas and pathways might best suit you, including instructions for how to apply for Queensland nomination.
Once the above mentioned temporary suspension is lifted, you may be able to proceed with Queensland’s usual skilled migration program. Program details below:
Depending on your occupation and situation, there are two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through Queensland.
For Queensland state nomination, prospective applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements, state-specific occupation requirements and have skills in an occupation that is available on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List.
You may undertake employment once onshore in Queensland through:
Offshore applicants meeting the minimum published requirements are eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) on Skill Select and then a Registration of Interest (ROI) on the Migration Queensland portal.
Migration Queensland criteria requires you to:
The 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program is open to both onshore and offshore applicants and provides pathways for skilled workers, graduates, and small business owners.
Before submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
Note: In the EOI, select ‘Queensland’ as the only state of interest in the EOI, if you wish to be considered for an invitation to apply for Queensland nomination.
For information on how to submit an application, view how to apply.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Queensland Government website.
Program Status Update
Victoria’s 2025-26 state nominated skilled visa program closed to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) at 4pm AEST on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
In 2025-26 the Australian Government allocated Victoria 3,400 skilled visa places, including 2,700 for the subclass 190 visa and 700 for the subclass 491 visa. The program has attracted significant interest this year and has received many more ROIs than available places.
Victoria will continue to consider all submitted ROIs for remaining nomination places in the 2025-26 program year.
The 2026-2027 program year will begin on 1 July 2026.
Open to offshore applicants, the program provides skilled migrants with a pathway to permanent residency in Victoria. The skills that successful applicants bring to Victoria benefits employers and the broader Victorian economy.
The program provides two visa pathways:
As with previous years, applicants will first need to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) and then be selected on competitive merit to apply for visa nomination.
*Please note: Invitation rounds occur frequently throughout the financial year with no set date.
To be invited to apply for Victorian skilled visa nomination, you must firstly make or update an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Australian Government’s SkillSelect and then submit a Registration of Interest (ROI).
Both onshore and offshore applicants are eligible to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.
If you previously submitted an ROI in the 2024-25 and wish to be considered for invitation in the 2025-26 program, your ROI is still valid. You do not need to withdraw your ROI unless the information in the ROI has changed.
Your ROI will remain in our system for selection until it is withdrawn or selected.
You can check if your ROI is active via the Live in Melbourne portal. Login to your account > Applications > Click into the relevant NFR number > If active, the status will show ‘Submitted’ or ‘Received’.
Before submitting an ROI for Victoria, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Victoria Government website.
Program Status Update
Western Australia’s 2025-26 skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and subclass 491) is now open.
People residing offshore are eligible to be considered for Western Australia (WA) State nomination. Invitations to apply for WA State nomination will be via the ranking system.
The Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List identifies the occupations in current demand in Western Australia. This List is important if you want to apply for Western Australia nomination for either a:
Please note that to be eligible for an invitation in the WA State Nominated Migration Program, you must meet both:
Before starting your application, you will need to check whether your occupation is available on either the WA Skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) Schedule 1 or 2, or the Graduate occupation list. You can search for your occupation here. (The occupation list search bar is located under the heading ‘Eligible Occupations’.)
Features of the 2025—26 program:
Before submitting an EOI for Western Australia, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Western Australia Government website.
Program Status Update
Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) 2025-26 skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and subclass 491) is now open.
2025-26 Nomination Allocation: The ACT has received a final nomination allocation of 1,600 places for the 2025-26 program year.
The ACT Critical Skills List identifies the occupations in current demand in the ACT. This List is important if you want to apply for ACT nomination for either a:
The ACT Government will update this list every four months to make sure that the ACT Skilled Migration Program adapts and responds to the evolving critical skills needs of the ACT economy.
The Canberra Matrix is weighted to ensure that applicants who will make a positive economic contribution to the Territory and/or have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the ACT are more likely to be ranked and invited to apply for ACT nomination.
*ACT nomination does not guarantee a migration outcome. You must still meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria.
Every month, a certain number of nomination invitations are available (prorated on the annual allocation) to those working in the highest ranked Matrix in each occupation.
You can view the ACT’s most in-demand skills for skilled migration by consulting the ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.
Before submitting an EOI for The Australian Capital Territory, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
Once you’ve submitted a valid Department of Home Affairs Skill Select EOI, follow the ACT Government Process to apply for ACT nomination.
For a further explanation, see the Resources page on the ACT Government website.
Program Status Update
South Australia’s 2025-26 skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and subclass 491) is now open.
Depending on your occupation and situation, there are two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through South Australia.
For South Australian state nomination, prospective applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements, state-specific occupation requirements and have skills in an occupation that is available on the South Australian Skilled Occupation List. Offshore applicants meeting the minimum published requirements can now lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
There is an enormous range of occupations on South Australia’s Skilled Migration Occupation List in a range of industries – search for your occupation here.
South Australia will select offshore applicants to apply for state nomination from those who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Offshore applicants will not need to lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) for this year’s program. South Australia will be nominating offshore applicants from over 250 occupations on South Australia’s Skilled Migration Occupation List.
If you are currently residing offshore and seeking to move to South Australia, the first step is to create an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect ensuring you select South Australia as your first preferred State or Territory.
The South Australian Government can then review your EOI for consideration under the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491).
For most occupations, applicants must have a minimum of three years of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 5 years to secure an invitation to apply for SA nomination.
To be considered for South Australian nomination, you must:
For occupations in the construction trades (as listed here) applicants must have a minimum of one year of skilled employment in their nominated or related occupation within the last 3 years.
Applicants in the construction trades will be assessed on merit by the following factors:
*Work experience must be in a role deemed full-time, defined as 20 hours per week according to SkillSelect.
Before submitting an EOI for South Australia, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements.
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the South Australia Government website.
Program Status Update
Tasmania’s 2025-26 skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190 and subclass 491) is now open.
Subclass 190
Subclass 491
Migration Tasmania has now commenced weekly invitations to apply for nomination.
Information will be posted on the Migration Tasmania website every week detailing:
Program Changes and New Features
Following analysis of program outcomes and stakeholder feedback, updates have been made to improve the application process, clarify requirements and priorities, and manage program risks.
Key changes include:
Detailed information about the changes can be found HERE
Candidates who have submitted an ROI in the last six months may wish to withdraw it and submit a new one, as the changes to priority attribute ranking criteria may significantly improve chances of selection.
Processing times and remaining nomination quota are updated every week on the Migration Tasmania website HERE
Working in Tasmania
The two state nomination options available for skilled migrants through Tasmania are:
The Tasmanian State Nomination Skilled Migration Program supports Tasmanian businesses and increases the state’s working age population. It does this by attracting and retaining migrants with skills genuinely in need by employers, or with the capacity to settle in Tasmania through skilled employment in the long-term, and business activities that will increase employment opportunities.
Tasmania’s skilled migration program is for people wanting to move to the state who have skills that Tasmania need. Skilled migrants are attracted to Tasmania because of the state’s enviable lifestyle, career opportunities, affordable housing, reputable schools and a globally recognised university.
The Migration Tasmania Application Gateway is now available for registrations of interest (ROI) and applications for skilled visa nomination from Tasmania.
Anyone seeking Tasmanian nomination for a Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa or Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa must first register in the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway .
Before submitting an ROI for Tasmania, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements for either;
For a further explanation, see the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Tasmania Government website.
Program Status Update
NSW 2025-26 skilled visa nomination program (subclass 190) is now open.
Important Notice: Closure of the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 to new applications
Subclass 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 are now closed to new applications for the program year which ends 30 June 2026.
Due to an overwhelming response, NSW has reached their allocation for the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) under Pathway 1 and Pathway 3.
Therefore, NSW has closed the application portals, and you will no longer be able to lodge an application under Pathway 1 and Pathway 3.
Applications that have already been submitted will be finalised, and there is no need to take further action.
For a further explanation, view the following page on the NSW Government website.
The New South Wales government has invited applications from offshore migrants under the following nomination streams:
The NSW State Government announced that offshore applicants skilled in certain ANZSCO unit groups are eligible for NSW nomination.
*Please note: Invitation rounds occur frequently throughout the financial year with no set date.
NSW invites and nominates SkillSelect EOIs at the ANZSCO unit group level. To be eligible for NSW nomination (for either Subclass 190 or Subclass 491), your occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skills List which reflects skills in high demand across the state, and be eligible for the visa.
Before submitting an EOI for New South Wales, applicants should check that they meet all eligibility requirements for either;
For a further explanation of how the skills list works, see the Common questions about skilled visas page on the NSW Government website.
The South Australian economy continues to perform strongly as the state maintains its position at the front of the national pack when it comes to creating jobs.
The latest ABS Labour Force data for March 2026 shows South Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 4.0 per cent – well below the national average of 4.3 per cent and the second lowest of any state in the country.
The number of South Australians in full-time work climbed to 654,900, an increase of 6,000 people over the month.
Meanwhile, the number of South Australians unemployed fell by 900 to 41,000.
South Australia’s unemployment rate has now had a 3 or 4 in front of it for an extended and historically significant run under the Malinauskas Labor Government.
South Australia’s economy continues to perform well in the face of mounting international economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty, including an escalating global fuel crisis which is placing pressure on economies around the world.
The figures underscore the resilience and confidence in the Malinauskas Labor Government’s record of economic management.
Today’s figures are a powerful endorsement of the resilience of the South Australian economy.
A Sydney man has shared how he is earning thousands of dollars a week as the owner of a cleaning business. The young Aussie shared he only started the job just over a year ago and encouraged others to “get started”.
The 21-year-old was stopped at the beach and revealed he was earning roughly between $2,000 to $4,000 a week “washing the outside of luxury properties”. He said he was inspired by American content creator Josh Lester, who has made more than $1.5 million knocking on people’s doors and asking to clean their windows.
“I thought that was really cool so I tried it out and it actually worked. Got a couple of clients and then just went from there,” he said.
He shared it usually took just a day to clean a property and he worked with two other blokes. He said he hoped to franchise the business and make it similar to Jim’s Mowing in the future.
While the young man admitted he didn’t know all the answers, he encouraged other young people wanting to start a business to just do it.
“I’m not in a position to give any advice. I don’t know any of the answers but for me starting a business, the biggest thing I would say is just go out there and get started really. The hardest thing is just starting,” he said.
“Forget about overthinking and just take one thing at a time, just start. Think about if Zuckerberg had all the issues placed on his desk at day one, he would never start.”
Aussies encouraged to ‘give it a crack’
Owning your own cleaning business can be a lucrative endeavour, with another Brisbane man sharing he was earning about $3,000 a week as the owner of a window cleaning business.
“It is very different depending on the weather. So maybe some weeks I’ll make a few thousand and other weeks a lot more than that. It really depends,” he said.
The young man said he had been running the business for a few years now and had managed to grow it through social media, advertising, and marketing his brand.
“It started off me just door-knocking with a few squeegees and brushes from Woolworths but it’s now big, we’re employing people,” he said.
He encouraged people to “give it a crack” if they wanted to start their own business.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. At the start, I was told, ‘You can’t do this, and it’s going to be hard’,” he said.
“Everyone was laughing at the fact I was cleaning windows and cleaning but there’s so much money out there to be made.
Western Australia continues to face widespread skills shortages across multiple sectors. Using the Occupation Shortage List (ANZSCO 6-digit level), there are 916 occupations assessed nationally. Of these, around one-third (298 occupations) are flagged as experiencing some form of shortage in Western Australia across three classifications: “Shortage”, “Regional shortage” and “Metro shortage.
For Western Australian employers, local recruitment alone is not meeting demand, and state sponsorship of skilled migrants will remain a critical workforce strategy.
Where are the shortages in Western Australia?
298 occupations are in shortage, including:
Shortages are concentrated in higher skilled roles:
By ANZSCO major group:
This shows Western Australia is struggling to attract and retain highly skilled professionals and qualified tradespeople, not just entry-level workers.
Key sectors feeling the pressure
Demand continues to outpace local supply, making sponsorship essential for hospitals, aged care and disability providers.
With national shortages in these roles, interstate recruitment alone is insufficient. Planned overseas recruitment is increasingly necessary.
Regional operators are particularly affected, reinforcing the value of regional migration pathways and DAMAs.
This continues to challenge schools and training providers, especially in regional Western Australia.
A Western Australia destination has taken out the No. 1 spot as the State laid claim to four of the top 10 most beautiful places to visit in the nation.
Residents in the Great Southern would not be too surprised to find that Albany topped the charts across the country in a list compiled by data experts who analysed Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok to compile the line-up.
Loved by social media users for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle, it proved a gem across Instagram and Pinterest, attracting 1.3 million photos combined.
Its natural rugged coastline and rich maritime history also garnered 67,000 TikTok hashtags, with the dramatic cliffs of Torndirrup National Park and its breathtaking views proving particularly popular.
It was followed by the serene landscapes of Richmond in Tasmania with nearly five million hashtags on Instagram.
The historic village also boasted the highest number of Pinterest pins, with 1088 to testify to the town’s picturesque landscapes.
The bohemian vibes of Byron Bay in NSW came in at third with 3.3 million hashtags on Instagram, with the tropical Queensland town of Port Douglas landing at four before another WA destination pushed itself into five — the incredibly popular South West town of Margaret River.
Located in the heart of WA’s premier wine region, Margaret River’s charming beaches boast some of the world’s best surf, which helped it make waves on Instagram with 874,000 hashtags and more than 10,000 TikTok videos.
Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast was sixth, with the Kimberley town of Broome in seventh.
The beach resort has long been a tourist mecca, with the 22km-long stretch of Cable Beach offering a dramatic backdrop for beautiful sunsets.
At night and during the right months, usually between March and October, the Staircase to the Moon (when the moonlight glistens off the Indian Ocean) is a photographer’s dream.
Daylesford in Victoria took eighth spot from another WA town, Exmouth, in ninth.
The North West Cape town is a gateway to nearby Ningaloo Marine Park with its coral reefs, colourful fish and migratory whale sharks.
Nearly surrounding the town is the Cape Range National Park with its abundance of kangaroos, sheer cliffs and red, rocky gorges.
Rounding out the top 10 was the South Australian town of Moonta.
Settled about 160 years ago, it is one of three towns known as the Copper Coast through their shared copper mining history.
TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN AUSTRALIA
Melbourne has been officially crowned the Best City in the World for 2026 by Time Out’s annual global ranking!
This is the first time an Australian city has topped the annual list, beating Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York.
The announcement highlights Melbourne’s allure as not just a great place to visit, but also an extraordinary place to live and study.
How the ranking was measured
Key findings
Events
Here’s a snapshot of Melbourne’s quintessential events students can immerse themselves in:
To learn more about why Melbourne is the perfect study destination, check out the Why Melbourne page!
A University of Melbourne international student has been recognised at the Universities Australia Solutions Summit for her remarkable story and achievements, illustrating the impact of global education and scholarships.
Australia’s Minister for Education, Jason Clare, acknowledged Nancy’s journey during the Summit in Canberra last night.
Nancy, who grew up in one of Delhi’s underprivileged communities, is the first recipient of the Melbourne Welcoming Universities Scholarship – Asha. She will begin her Master of International Relations in March, with the support of the Faculty of Arts and Ormond College.
The scholarship, offered by the University of Melbourne in partnership with Asha Community Health and Development Society (Asha), covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses and health insurance.
Asha is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers health, education and social development programs to slum communities in India’s capital city.
Mr Clare met Nancy in December 2025 during an official visit to India, when he and a University of Melbourne delegation, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley, connected with Asha students who had overcome significant barriers to achieve their dream of study.
Reflecting on her journey, Nancy said: “I hope to grow both academically and personally. I am excited about Australia’s inclusive academic culture, where students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions and learn from different perspectives.”
Nancy and Minister for Education Jason Clare.
Mr Clare said Asha’s journey shows the success of widening education opportunities.
“Talent is everywhere,” Mr Clare said. “It’s opportunity that’s not. Nancy’s story shows us the power of education. That a child born into a world with almost nothing, can become anything.”
Asha’s founder, Dr Kiran Martin, highlighted the significance of the partnership and Nancy’s success.
“This is a historic first for Asha and for our slum communities,” Dr Martin said.
“For the first time, the University of Melbourne has opened a fully supported master’s pathway in partnership with Asha for students from Delhi’s slum communities.
“When a leading global institution places this level of trust in our graduates, it reshapes how they see themselves, their worth and their future.”
Professor Michael Wesley lauded the Asha program.
“As a university, we are committed to reaching beyond borders and unlocking opportunities for talented students from around the globe,” Professor Wesley said.
“Through scholarships like the Melbourne Welcoming Universities Scholarship – Asha, we support bright minds like Nancy and build a community of globally engaged graduates ready to tackle the world’s challenges together.”
The Sydney Roosters crushed the St George Illawarra Dragons 62-16 in the 2026 Anzac Day NRL clash! Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW. April 2026
Collingwood defeated Essendon by 77 points in the annual AFL ANZAC Day blockbuster at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MSG)! Melbourne, Victoria. April 2026
Gabriela Bryan (Hawaii) and Miguel Pupo (Brazil) Win the 2026 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach! Bells Beach, Victoria. April 2026
Hundreds of yellow caps, one wild dash into paradise! Whitehaven Beach, Queensland. April 2026
‘The Run Club at The Rocks’ is a free weekly running and activity session, which offers a challenging and exciting fitness program for individuals of all fitness levels! Sydney, NSW. April 2026
‘Get Messy-Splatter Paint’ is a fun-filled activity for all ages and abilities, requiring no prior experience and offers the option to create custom products from the finished artwork! Sydney, NSW. April 2026
Australia’s largest community-driven heritage event the ‘Australian Heritage Festival’ featured hundreds of free and ticketed events and activities for all ages & interests! Sydney, NSW. April 2026
The Tasmanian Autumn Festival invited everyone to the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands for a month-long celebration of the season’s beauty, rich history, culture, and natural wonders through various events and experiences! Derwent Valley and Central Highlands, Tasmania. April 2026
A beautiful afternoon to soak up the last rays of the day! Sydney, NSW. April 2026
That cuteness is priceless! Mudgee, NSW. April 2026
A magical day for a swim at Teardrop Falls! Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Northern Territory. April 2026
A beautiful sunset at Uluru! Uluru, Northern Territory. April 2026
This Bulletin and its contents is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.
As legislation and travel requirements are constantly changing, we strongly recommend obtaining advice on your individual situation from a Registered Migration Agent. Please click here to book a consultation with one of our Registered Australian Migration Agents, located in Australia.