There are massive reductions of around 70% to all the state nomination allocations for General Skills Migration (GSM) for 190 and 491 visas. These allocations were released by the federal government on Thursday, August 25th.
We have created a chart to compare last year’s allocations with this year’s, and percentage cuts. The shocking overall numbers are that the combined state allocations for 190 and 491 visas in 2022-23 were 62,416, while for 2023-24, the number has reduced to just 16,700.
Numbers of allocations in 2022-23:
State | Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa | Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa | A total of 491 and 190 allocations |
ACT | 2025 | 2025 | 4,050 |
NSW | 9,108 | 6,168 | 15,276 |
NT | 600 | 1400 | 2,000 |
QLD | 3000 | 2000 | 5,000 |
SA | 3,000 | 5,800 | 8,800 |
TAS | 2150 | 2100 | 4,250 |
VIC | 12,900 | 2000 | 14,900 |
WA | 5,350 | 2790 | 8,140 |
Total | 38,133 | 24,283 | 62,416 |
Numbers of allocations in 2023-24:
State | Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa | Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa | A total of 491 and 190 allocations |
ACT | 600 | 600 | 1,200 |
NSW | 2,650 | 1,500 | 4,150 |
NT | 250 | 400 | 650 |
QLD | 900 | 650 | 1,550 |
SA | 1,100 | 1,200 | 2,300 |
TAS | 600 | 600 | 1,200 |
VIC | 2,700 | 600 | 3,300 |
WA | 1,500 | 850 | 2,350 |
Total | 10,300 | 6,400 | 16,700 |
The state with the highest reduction was Victoria, with a combined cut of 74.53% for visas 190 and 491. Following closely was New South Wales with 73.29%, Tasmania with 71.76%, South Australia with 71.32%, Western Australia with 70.75%, Australian Capital Territory with 70.37%, Queensland with 68.75%, and with the lowest but still substantial reduction, Northern Territory with 64.88%. When all states are considered, the overall average reduction in state nomination visas 190 and 491 for 2023-24 is 73.32%, compared to 2022-23, as you can see in the table below:
Percentage cuts:
State | 190 Cut by | 491 Cut by | Total cut % |
VIC | 79.07% | 70.00% | 74.53% |
NSW | 70.90% | 75.68% | 73.29% |
TAS | 72.09% | 71.43% | 71.76% |
SA | 63.33% | 79.31% | 71.32% |
WA | 71.96% | 69.53% | 70.75% |
ACT | 70.37% | 70.37% | 70.37% |
QLD | 70.00% | 67.50% | 68.75% |
NT | 58.33% | 71.43% | 64.88% |
Total | 72.99% | 73.64% | 73.32% |
Some states have already announced their reductions, while we are still waiting for news from other states. We will update as soon as we have more information.
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory announced today that it has a 70% reduction in allocations. It will be holding its first invitation round on 29 September.
Read more: https://www.act.gov.au/migration
South Australia
South Australia has announced that the state government's allocation of 2,300 nomination places contrasts significantly with the 8,800 places assigned in the previous year. Despite this change, South Australia remains committed to supporting priority industries with the limited places available, including our focus on attracting overseas skilled migrants in critical sectors such as Health and Defence.
Updates on the 2023–2024 General Skills Migration (GSM) program are expected soon, with the finalization of GSM applications from the 2022–2023 financial year in the coming weeks.
Western Australia
Premier Roger Cook is calling on the Federal Government to reverse a decision to slash WA’s nominated skilled migrant intake by 70%. In the Western Australian, he says that workers are “desperately” needed to build new homes and fill a range of jobs.
Based on the new allocations, Western Australia’s skilled nominated visa allocation will drop from 5350 to 1500, while skilled work regional visa will plummet from 2790 to 850.
Sources:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels?fbclid=IwAR0yKGvYqtJrAPKMoYngxdZoGG1mQre2rFawfz2XAWYSvuXnKgfDpZxG9TU
https://www.migration.tas.gov.au/news/2023-24_program_allocations
https://migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/skilled-and-business-migration-update-2023-24-nomination-allocations
https://www.act.gov.au/migration/skilled-migrants
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