EOI Update: 2025/2026 INVITATION ROUNDS CHEAT SHEET
Which States Are Sending Invites for 190 and 491 Visa Invitations? Plus 189 updates.
Last updated: 16 January 2026
Originally Posted: 4 December 2025
Where are we at with the invitation rounds for 189s and 190s?
November was a HUGE month for all EOI hopefuls. There was a second and BIG round for the 189 visa from the federal government; plus the state governments were issued their final allocations and a number of them ran invitation rounds!
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) and state government sources.
189
As at 16 Jan 2026
Allocation: 16,900*
Invites issued: 16,887
Rounds so far: 2x
What we know so far:
DHA stated they would be doing quarterly rounds, which suggests at least one, if not two, more
Allocation, based on planning levels, is basically exhausted BUT it seems the state governments got a smaller allocation than planned (20,350/33,000)
Maybe more, maybe in Feb, maybe not, mostly unconfirmed
Occupation lists – MLTSSL only
State Nominated
As at 31 Dec 2025
Planning Levels: 33,000*
Total allocation: 20,350
Total issued: 4,472
190
190 allocation: 12,850
190 total issued: 2,943
491
491 allocation: 7,500
491 total issued: 1,529
Occupation List: MLTSSL & STSOL, but some states may have shortlists
State by state info below…
NSW
As at 31 Dec 2025
Allocation: 2,100 for 190 + 1,500 for 491
Invites issued: 700 for 190 + 330 for 491
Rounds so far: At least 1x on 6 Nov 2025
Next invitation round? Jan 2026, then monthly from there
What else do we know:
Approx 25% of allocation issued already
Modified residence criteria for 190 – can now be living in NSW less than 6 months if also working in the nominated position, otherwise the strict 6 months living in NSW OR 6 months living offshore applies
VIC
As at 31 Dec 2025
Allocation: 2,700 for 190 + 700 for 491
Invites issued: 839 for 190 + 312 for 491
Rounds so far: At least 3x on 15 Jan 2026 + 3 Dec 2025 + 18 Nov 2025
Next invitation round? Unconfirmed, likely in Feb 2026
What else do we know:
Your EOI must have a separate ROI to be eligible & new ROIs need to be submitted for certain updates – see here
Must be living in VIC if onshore
Victoria have stated that they have their own ranking system that is based on EOI details plus ROI details, like age, education, language, income etc. They don’t abide strictly by higher points & earlier EOI like the 189s.
Prioritising health, social services, education, construction, new energy, advanced manufacturing (plus hospitality & tourism in regional Victoria only)
WA
As at 9 Dec 2025
Allocation: 2,000 for 190 + 1,400 for 491
Invites issued: Approx 1152 for 190 + 814 for 491
Rounds so far: Some invites issued in Oct 2025 under interim allocation. One recently on 5 Dec 2025.
Next invitation round? Likely from Jan 2026.
What else do we know:
$200 state nomination fee is back
Preference given to those living in WA
Prioritising construction plus a preference to healthcare and social assistance; hospitality and tourism; education and training – see here
Most occupations, excluding certain construction/trades, must have full time employment contract for state nomination
NT
As at 31 Dec 2025
Allocation: 850 for 190 + 800 for 491
Invites issued: 243 for 190 + 152 for 491
Rounds so far: Program commenced on 24 Nov 2025
Next invitation round? Unconfirmed
What else do we know:
Residence requirement requires 2 years residence in NT
Occupation shortlist for offshore candidates; onshore candidates must meet specific stream requirements
SA
As at Jan 2026
Allocation: 1,350 for 190 + 900 for 491
Invites issued: 610 for 190 + 321 for 491 (as at 4 Dec 2025)
Rounds so far: At least 3x in Jan 2026 + Dec 2025 + Nov 2025 - The January round included 235 invites for 190 and 109 for the 491 visa.
Next invitation round? From Feb 2026, to run monthly
What else do we know:
State specific occupation shortlist – see here
ACT
As at 31 Dec 2025
Allocation: 800 for 190 + 800 for 491
Invites issued: 275 for 190 + 244 for 491
Rounds so far: At least 1x on 15 Sept 2025.
Next invitation round? Next round to be held Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025 (updated 9 Dec 2025)
What else do we know:
New occupation shortlist plus complex matrix criteria to be eligible
Occupations targeted in construction, health, social, education, IT
QLD
As at 31 Dec 2025
Allocation: 1,850 for 190 + 750 for 491
Invites issued: 118 for 190 + 123 for 491
Rounds: Unconfirmed
What else do we know:
Separate occupations shortlists for onshore candidates vs offshore candidates – targeting construction, farming, health and education
Must have work experience in your occupation
Must submit a ROI with QLD
TAS
As at 8 January 2026
Allocation: 1,200 for 190 + 650 for 491
Invites issued: 387 for 190 + 115 for 491
Rounds: At least two so far, with most recent being 8 January 2026 where 36 invites for 190 and 26 for 491 were issued.
What else do we know:
Complex nomination pathway system remains that generally requires existing long-term residence and work in Tasmania – see here
Tas have an online eligibility checker, though this is currently undergoing maintenance and not available
Requires separate ROI which is valid for 6 months
⚠️ Disclaimer
This update is was first published on 4 Dec 2025, based on publicly available data from the Department of Home Affairs and state/territory websites, plus recent observations from our own clients. 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.