In total, more than 18,600 nomination places have been used out of the 20,350 allocations available for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, representing approximately 91% of the total quota. This is a remarkably high utilisation rate, reflecting continued strong demand for skilled workers across Australia and the proactive use of allocated places by state and territory governments.

Several states and territories have now reached, or are very close to reaching, their allocated quotas:

- NSW has nearly exhausted its Subclass 190 allocation.

- WA has fully utilised its Subclass 491 quota.

- Victoria has virtually no remaining Subclass 491 places and only a limited number of Subclass 190 places left.

- ACT, Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia have also used the majority of their nomination allocations.

As a result, most states and territories have either stopped accepting new applications or significantly reduced the frequency of invitation rounds as the financial year draws to a close. For many applicants still waiting for an invitation or state nomination, opportunities during the remainder of this financial year are becoming increasingly limited.

However, this does not mean the door has closed. On the contrary, attention is now shifting toward the new financial year, when the Australia Government is expected to announce fresh migration allocations and states begin reopening their nomination programs.

This is the time to prepare, not to wait.

If you are planning to migrate to Australia, now is the ideal time to:

- Complete your Skills Assessment.

- Improve your English test results and maximize your points.

- Update your EOI and ROI.

- Prepare all supporting documents so you are ready to lodge an application as soon as state programs reopen.

At the same time, many applicants are also looking ahead to the next Subclass 189 invitation round, hoping it will create additional opportunities for candidates with competitive points scores and occupations in demand.

Applicants who prepare early and strategically will be in a strong position when the first invitation rounds of the new financial year commence.

Want to know whether your profile is better suited to a subclass 189, 190 or 491 visa? Curious about your prospects in the upcoming financial year?

Contact Skill Direct today to have your profile assessed by our migration specialists, receive personalised migration advice and ensure you are fully prepared for the first opportunities of the new financial year.