2025 EOI Update: ARE ANY STATES STILL OPEN??
for 189, 190 and 491 Visa Invitations
Last updated: 19 June 2025
If you're waiting for an invitation to apply for an Australian Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa, here’s the latest picture based on data recently published by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN? If you are waiting on an invitation and if your current visa expires within the next 4-6 months, now is time to look seriously into any back up options (such as employer sponsorship).
BOOK A STRAT CHAT WITH US TO DISCUSS BACK UP OPTIONS
📊 190 & 491 Visa: Where Each State Is At (as at 31 May 2025)
Here’s a breakdown of state and territory nomination allocations vs actual nominations for subclass 190 and 491 visas:
ACT: 190 – 889/1000 | 491 – 750/800
NSW: 190 – 2930/3000 | 491 – 1174/2000
NT (combined): 190 – 792 | 491 – 596 (out of 1600 total)
QLD: 190 – 582/600 | 491 –576/600
SA: 190 – 2792/3000 | 491 – 774/800
TAS: 190 – 1973/2100 | 491 – 747/760
VIC: 190 – 3000/3000 | 491 – 1997/2000
WA (combined): 190 – 2378 | 491 – 1633 (out of 5000 total)
🛑 Which States Are Essentially Closed for 2024–25?
While no states have formally announced closures, the numbers speak for themselves. Several states are very close to reaching their limits:
Victoria: At exactly 100% capacity for 190 and only 3 to spare for 491. They closed their ROI system to new applicants in April. CLOSED
South Australia: At 95% across for both visa types and closed ROI system. Effectively CLOSED
Queensland: Only a small handful of places left (approx 42 total - even small than our last update)
Tasmania and ACT: Have some remaining spots, but numbers are small
NT: CONFIRMED CLOSED
NSW: CONFIRMED CLOSED
WA: ~1500 invitations were issued since the last DHA update in April. Have about 1000 places left across both subclasses as at 31 May 2025.
💥 189 Visa Program Has Surpassed Its Annual Cap
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) had 16,000 places allocated for the 2024–25 program year. However, 22,973 invitations have already been issued - and that’s just from two invitation rounds in September and November 2024.
👉 Takeaway: Unless there are withdrawals or reallocations, further 189 rounds this financial year are unlikely.
🔍 What This Means for Skilled Visa Applicants
As we are at the final weeks of the program (financial) year, if you haven’t received a notice with an invitation/state selection yet, and your visa expires in the next few months (July-Sept) it would be wise to look into back up options ASAP.
If you are considering this visa type and have some time up your sleeve (eg if you are onshore with another WHV to go) get started ASAP. For the best chance of an invitation, you want to be in the system for the maximum number of rounds while you have a valid visa to remain in Australia. This is the time of year where we engage with clients who successfully receive invitations in the following year. Book a call with us to chat your options.
With most states either full or getting close, and the 189 program already overshooting its allocation, it’s crucial to:
Stay informed of state updates — some may formally close their programs early
Ensure your EOI is up to date and accurate
Have all documents ready if invited, as competition for remaining spots is fierce
⚠️ Disclaimer
This update is based on publicly available data from the Department of Home Affairs and state/territory websites, accurate as at 31 May 2025. Some updates have been added on 3 June 2025 based on our recent observations. It is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as migration advice. We don’t have insight into internal processes or invitation timing decisions by the states. We have not taken into account your specific circumstances in providing this information, but if you would like us to you can book in a time with us here.