Program Update - August 2026 - 2026-27 Program Opening

Program Update - August 2026 - 2026-27 Program Opening

2026-27 Program Opening - 17 August 2026

The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program will open to new ROIs on 17 August 2026.

Some changes to priority attributes for selection will apply. Full details of nomination requirements and priority attributes are on our website.

A detailed summary of the key changes can be found here HERE

Tasmania has now received a total 2,050 nomination allocations for the 2026-27 program year.

This comprises:

  • 1,250 nomination places for subclass 190
  • 800 nomination places for subclass 491.

Invitations to apply for nomination - 2026-27 Program

Migration Tasmania will commence weekly invitations to apply for nomination from Thursday 20 August 2026. Invitations will be issued progressively throughout the year to ensure places remain available across the program year.

Information will be posted on the Migration Tasmania website every week detailing:

  • the number of Registrations of Interest (ROIs) invited to apply for nomination
  • the lowest scores invited
  • nomination places available
  • number of ROIs on hand.

It will also show the lowest ROI score you would need to get a nomination at time of processing. This number is based on the average of the lowest scores invited over the past three months. If, during assessment, any of the selected priority attributes are not met and the applicant’s score falls below this published three‑month average, the nomination will not be approved.


Program Changes and New Features

After reviewing program results and listening to stakeholder feedback, we’ve made some updates to the priority attributes, selection policy and program guidance. These changes are designed to better match our nomination priorities, make it easier for applicants to choose the right attributes, and reduce program risks.


What we found

  • Some people found it difficult to choose the right attribute for their situation, especially when the attribute involved a salary range or a required length of employment.
  • Some priority attributes didn’t clearly distinguish between candidates who had worked in Tasmania for different lengths of time.
  • The Gold Pass requirement didn’t always reflect genuine commitment, job security, or the likelihood of long‑term settlement. At times, it rewarded short‑term or insecure work arrangements over applicants who had demonstrated a much stronger and more sustained contribution.
  • The policy guidance in the “Additional information, exclusions and definitions” section of the website needed more detail.

Key changes we have made:

  • Clearer, easier to understand priority attribute wording.
  • Revised scoring of priority attributes to better recognise longer contribution to Tasmania.
  • Greater differentiation in points available according to duration of employment.
  • Updated policy guidance for leave periods and breaks between jobs.
  • The TSE Gold priority attribute updated to require at least 30 hours per week in at least one job to qualify.
  • Income attributes updated to Australian median and average earnings and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (the Priority Income Level of $57,000/year or $28.85/hour has not been changed).
  • Additional caveats on recognising employment matching skills assessments or study for massage therapist and motor mechanics / service technicians.
  • The service fee to apply for nomination has increased to $387 ($425.70 including GST). There remains no charge to submit a Registration of Interest.

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 for many people.

If you'd like to compare scores under the old and new settings, the 2025-26 priority attributes and scores can be found HERE.

Important note:

The domain name to access the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway portal to submit ROIs and lodge nomination applications has changed. If you have bookmarked the site, please update your bookmark to https://apply.migration.tas.gov.au.

Note that the Application Gateway will not be available until 17 August 2026.


Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles - Invitation Only Pathway - No invitations planned for 2026-27

This pathway allows overseas individuals to be nominated by Tasmania where they do not have a job in Tasmania but have skills and experience that would make them readily employable in key areas of need.

As the Australian Government has announced that it will be prioritising visa processing for applicants in Australia. Therefore, Migration Tasmania will not be issuing invitations in this pathway this program year. 

Overseas health and teaching professionals who gain employment with a Tasmanian health provider or school will still be eligible for nomination for a subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa in the Overseas Applicant - Health or Education Sector Job Offer Pathway.



Online Webinar – 2026-27 program settings


An online webinar will cover all the main changes to the program for 2026-27.

Thursday 13th August 2026
11:00am – 12:00pm AEST.

Click HERE to join the event (you do not need to pre-register).


Topics will include

  • Nomination allocations
  • Program purpose and selection priorities
  • Changes to the priority attributes and ranking system
  • Selected policy clarification updates
  • Overseas candidate requirements

Audience questions


More news...

This page was last updated on 5 August 2026