Comprehensive Comparison of Australia’s State Nomination Allocation: 2023-2024 vs 2024-2025
Australia’s state nomination allocations for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years reflect strategic adjustments to address the country’s economic needs, skill shortages, and demographic objectives. This comparison will outline the key differences and implications of these allocations, focusing on the distribution of skilled migration places, the introduction of new visa categories, and state nomination levels for 190 subclass visa.
Every year, Australia adjusts its migration program to ensure it meets the country’s evolving needs. The focus is not just on bringing in more people, but on attracting the right kind of people – those with skills that are in demand, those who can fill critical shortages, and those who can help drive economic growth. By comparing the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 state nomination allocations, we can see how these strategic adjustments reflect the government’s priorities and plans for the future.
Comparison of State Nomination Allocations: FY 2023-2024 vs. FY 2024-2025
State Nomination Allocations: 2023-2024
| State/Territory | Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) | Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) |
| ACT | 600 | 600 |
| NSW | 2,650 | 1,500 |
| NT | 250 | 400 |
| QLD | 900 | 650 |
| SA | 1,100 | 1,200 |
| TAS | 600 | 600 |
| VIC | 2,700 | 600 |
| WA | 1,500 | 850 |
| Total | 10,300 | 6,400 |
State Nomination Allocations: 2024-2025
| State/Territory | Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) | Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) |
| ACT | 1000 | 800 |
| NSW | 3000 | 2000 |
| NT | 800 | 800 |
| QLD | 600 | 600 |
| SA | 3000 | 800 |
| TAS | 2100 | 760 |
| VIC | 3000 | 2000 |
| WA | 3000 | 2000 |
| Total | 16,500 | 9,760 |
In the fiscal year 2023-2024, there were notable differences in state nomination allocations across the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa categories.
- New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) were the leading states for Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) allocations in FY 2023-2024, with 2,650 and 2,700 places respectively. These states also received significant allocations for Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491), with NSW receiving 1,500 and VIC 600 places. In contrast, states like South Australia (SA) and Western Australia (WA) had relatively smaller allocations for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa category but received higher allocations for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491).
- Moving to FY 2024-2025, there is a clear shift in the allocation strategy. New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) continued to lead in the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) category with 3,000 places each, showing an increase in their allocation compared to the previous year. South Australia (SA) also saw a substantial rise in its allocations, reaching 3,000 places for Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), which was significantly higher compared to FY 2023-2024.
- In terms of Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491), the FY 2024-2025 allocations saw increases in most states. NSW and Western Australia (WA) both received 2,000 places, reflecting a considerable rise from the previous year’s allocations. South Australia (SA), on the other hand, saw a decrease to 800 places, compared to 1,200 in FY 2023-2024.
- Notably, Tasmania (TAS) and Northern Territory (NT) saw changes in their allocations. TAS’s Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) allocations increased to 2,100 in FY 2024-2025, while NT’s allocations rose to 800 for both visa categories. This contrasts with their more modest allocations in FY 2023-2024.
Migration Planning Levels: State Nominations
The planning levels for both the State/Territory Nominated and Regional visa categories have been boosted to 33,000 visas each for 2024–25. These categories now represent 36% of the total planning level and 50% of the Skill stream. This increase aims to help states and territories attract skilled migrants to address specific economic and labor needs, while also supporting regional Australia through enhanced migration strategies and priority visa processing.
| Skilled Visa Category | 2023–24 Planning Levels | 2024–25 Planning Levels |
| Employer Sponsored | 36,825 | 44,000 |
| Skilled Independent | 30,375 | 16,900 |
| Regional | 32,300 | 33,000 |
| State/Territory Nominated | 30,400 | 33,000 |
| Business Innovation & Investment | 1,900 | 1,000 |
| Global Talent (Independent) | 5,000 | 4,000 |
| Distinguished Talent | 300 | 300 |
| Skill Total | 137,100 | 132,200 |
The Australian Government’s 2024–25 Migration Program, set at 185,000 places, is focused on addressing skills shortages and enhancing economic productivity. Approximately 71% of the program is allocated to the Skill Stream, which aims to fill labor market gaps and boost the workforce, particularly in regional areas. In addition, the Family Stream receives 52,500 places, primarily for Partner and Child visas, to support family reunification and community cohesion. The remaining 300 places are designated for the Special Eligibility Stream, covering unique cases such as returning permanent residents. Overall, the program balances enhancing the labor force with maintaining strong family ties and addressing special circumstances.
New Visa Categories and Changes 2024
Subclass 482 Visa and Skills in Demand visa:
Australia is replacing the Subclass 482 visa with the new Skills in Demand visa, which features a three-tiered system for different skill levels. This new visa aims to streamline the application process and offer clearer paths to permanent residency. Key changes include faster processing times, simplified sponsorship obligations, and increased job mobility for migrants. The Skills in Demand visa eliminates occupation list requirements for some tiers and adjusts salary thresholds. While it presents opportunities for quicker residency and more flexibility, it also introduces new challenges, including higher salary requirements and complex regulations. The visa will be fully operational by the end of 2024.National Innovation Visa:
Replacing the Global Talent visa, the new National Innovation visa is set to attract exceptionally talented migrants who can drive growth in key sectors. This change is part of the broader strategy to ensure that Australia’s migration program supports innovation and economic development.Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES):
The MATES program, starting in November 2024, is another new initiative. It allows up to 3,000 young professionals from India to live and work in Australia for up to two years. This program aims to foster closer ties between Australia and India while addressing specific skill needs in the Australian economy.Concluding notes
It is quite evident that Australia is taking action towards it Migration Policy announced in November 2023. And as part of that the migration planning levels and state allocation is clearly indicating:
- More power to States / Territories to attract skilled migrants to meet their specific economic and labour force challenges – by virtue of higher 190/491 subclass visa distribution in general
- Allow a greater proportion of temporary migrants to secure permanent residence – by virtue of increased allocation in employer sponsored visa category
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