2025 EOI Update: Which States Are Still Open for 190 and 491 Visa Invitations?

*CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR 19 JUNE 2025 UPDATE*

*CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR 4 JUNE 2025 UPDATE*

Last updated: 3 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).

💥 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.

📊 190 & 491 Visa: Where Each State Is At (as at 30 April 2025)

Here’s a breakdown of state and territory nomination allocations vs actual nominations for subclass 190 and 491 visas.

  • ACT: 190 – 719/1000 | 491 – 689/800

  • NSW: 190 – 1919/3000 | 491 – 1137/2000

  • NT (combined): 190 – 791 | 491 – 527 (out of 1600 total)

  • QLD: 190 – 546/600 | 491 – 489/600

  • SA: 190 – 2544/3000 | 491 – 735/800

  • TAS: 190 – 1678/2100 | 491 – 624/760

  • VIC: 190 – 2991/3000 | 491 – 1914/2000

  • WA (combined): 190 – 1439 | 491 – 1244 (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 99.7% capacity for 190 and 95.7% for 491. They closed their ROI system to new applicants in April. Effectively closed

  • South Australia: At 85%+ for both visa types. UPDATE: They have just closed their ROI system to new applicants. Effectively closed

  • Queensland: Only a small handful of places left

  • Tasmania and ACT: Have some remaining spots, but not many

  • NT: CONFIRMED CLOSED

  • NSW: Over 60% of its places used, so still open but filling steadily

🐢 What About Western Australia?

WA received a large combined allocation of 5,000 nominations. While there seems to be significant capacity left, the pace of their state nomination process is slower, and based on their figures the nominations issued may not accurately represent their actual remaining availability in the current program year.

UPDATE: State nomination processing is picking up so the next update should give a better indication of how many places they have left.

🔍 What This Means for Skilled Visa Applicants

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 was first published on 8 May 2025, based on publicly available data from the Department of Home Affairs and state/territory websites, accurate as at 30 April 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.

Visa Sidekick