Tasmania will reopen its Skilled Migration State Nomination Program on 17 August 2026 with revised priority scoring, updated eligibility rules, 2,050 nomination places and weekly invitation rounds.
Tasmania has announced that its 2026-27 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program will open for new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 17 August 2026, introducing several changes that could affect applicants’ chances of securing state nomination for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas.
The state has received 2,050 nomination allocations for the 2026-27 program year, comprising 1,250 places for the subclass 190 visa and 800 places for the subclass 491 visa. Migration Tasmania will begin issuing invitations to apply for nomination on 20 August 2026, with invitation rounds scheduled to occur weekly throughout the program year.
The updated program aims to better recognise applicants who have made a stronger and more sustained contribution to Tasmania while making the nomination process clearer and easier to navigate.
Tasmania introduces revised priority scoring
Migration Tasmania has updated its priority attributes following a review of previous program outcomes and stakeholder feedback. The changes are intended to better distinguish applicants based on factors such as employment duration, job security and long-term commitment to living and working in Tasmania.
The revised program includes:
- Clearer wording for priority attributes
- Updated scoring that gives greater recognition to applicants with longer employment in Tasmania
- More distinction in points awarded based on the length of employment
- Revised guidance on leave periods and breaks between jobs
- Additional policy guidance to clarify eligibility requirements
These changes are designed to help applicants better understand how their circumstances affect their ranking and nomination prospects.
Gold Pass and income requirements updated
Tasmania has also updated several eligibility requirements.
Applicants seeking to qualify under the TSE Gold priority attribute must now work at least 30 hours per week in at least one position.
Income-based priority attributes have also been updated to reflect current Australian median earnings, average earnings and the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). However, the existing Priority Income Level of $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour remains unchanged.
Migration Tasmania has also introduced additional guidance for applicants whose employment relates to skills assessments or study in the occupations of massage therapist and motor mechanic/service technician.
Existing ROI holders may benefit from submitting a new application
One of the most significant announcements affects applicants who have already submitted an ROI.
Migration Tasmania advises that applicants who lodged an ROI within the past six months may wish to withdraw their existing registration and submit a new one, as the revised priority attribute rankings could improve their chances of receiving an invitation.
Applicants should carefully review the updated nomination requirements before deciding whether resubmitting their ROI would be beneficial.
Weekly invitation updates will improve transparency
From 20 August 2026, Migration Tasmania will publish weekly program updates, including:
- The number of ROIs invited
- The lowest scores invited
- The remaining nomination places available
- The number of ROIs currently awaiting assessment
The state will also publish the average lowest ROI score invited over the previous three months. Applicants whose assessed score falls below that published average because they do not meet selected priority attributes will not receive nomination approval.
Other important updates
The service fee for lodging a nomination application has increased to $387 (or $425.70 including GST). However, there remains no fee to submit an ROI.
Migration Tasmania has also changed the web address for its Application Gateway portal. The new Application Gateway address is now https://apply.migration.tas.gov.au.
The Application Gateway will become available on 17 August 2026, when applicants can submit new ROIs and lodge nomination applications.
Overseas invitation-only pathway will not operate in 2026-27
Migration Tasmania has confirmed that it will not issue invitations under the subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles pathway during the 2026-27 program year. The state said the decision reflects the Australian Government’s priority processing arrangements for visa applicants already in Australia.
However, overseas applicants working in the health or education sectors may still be eligible for nomination under the subclass 190 Overseas Applicant – Health or Education Sector Job Offer pathway, provided they obtain employment with a Tasmanian health provider or school.
What this means for skilled migrants
The latest changes place greater emphasis on genuine employment, longer-term contribution to Tasmania and stronger evidence of commitment to settling in the state.
Applicants planning to seek Tasmanian nomination should review the revised priority attributes before submitting an ROI. Those who already have an active ROI may also benefit from reassessing their application under the updated scoring system before invitation rounds begin.
Key Dates
Applicants should take note of the following important dates:
- 17 August 2026: The program opens to new ROIs. The Application Gateway will become available on this date, with the updated portal address.
- 20 August 2026: Migration Tasmania begins weekly invitation rounds for the 2026-27 program year. Invitations will be issued progressively throughout the year to help ensure nomination places remain available across the program period.
How SALIA Lawyers & Associates Can Help
Changes to state nomination programs can affect eligibility, application strategy and the timing of a skilled visa application. Understanding how updated priority attributes and nomination requirements apply to your circumstances can help you make informed decisions before submitting or updating your ROI.
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we assist individuals and families in understanding their Australian migration options and navigating the skilled visa process. If you are considering Tasmanian state nomination or would like guidance on your eligibility, our team can provide advice tailored to your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Tasmania Skilled Migration Program open?
The 2026-27 Tasmania Skilled Migration State Nomination Program opens for new ROIs on 17 August 2026.
When will Tasmania start issuing invitations?
Migration Tasmania will begin issuing invitations from 20 August 2026, with invitation rounds expected to occur weekly throughout the program year.
Should I withdraw my existing Tasmania ROI?
Migration Tasmania has advised that applicants who submitted an ROI within the last six months may wish to consider withdrawing it and lodging a new one, as the revised priority attribute rankings could improve their chances of selection.
Is the Tasmania overseas invitation-only pathway open?
No. Tasmania has confirmed it will not issue invitations under the subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles pathway during the 2026-27 program year.
Can overseas applicants still receive Tasmania state nomination?
Yes. Overseas applicants who secure employment with a Tasmanian health provider or school may still be eligible for nomination under the subclass 190 Overseas Applicant – Health or Education Sector Job Offer pathway.
Has the Tasmania nomination application fee changed?
Yes. The nomination application fee has increased to $387 (or $425.70 including GST). There is still no fee to submit a ROI.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
