NSW closes 491 nominations for the year, and Tasmania issues no overseas 491 invitations in 2026-27

What changed

NSW has closed Subclass 491 nomination for the current program year because every nomination place has been allocated. Applications that were already lodged continue to be assessed once new places arrive.

Migration Tasmania is not issuing invitations in its invitation-only overseas 491 pathway for the 2026-27 program year, because the federal government is prioritising visa processing for applicants already in Australia.

Who it affects

People who hope for state nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) in NSW, and skilled workers living overseas who hoped for an invitation from Migration Tasmania’s overseas pathway.

Key numbers

• NSW: the 491 is closed for the current program year because all nomination places are allocated, and lodged applications keep being assessed once new places arrive.
• Tasmania: no invitations in the invitation-only overseas 491 pathway for the 2026-27 program year.

What to check

• The NSW and Migration Tasmania pages for the current status, because places and pathways can change.
• For your own case, ask a registered migration agent (MARA) or an Australian legal practitioner.