[2025-2026 Guide] Major Australian Immigration Updates: QLD Opens, ACT Invites 550+, Hobart 485 Extended

TL;DR: Queensland has officially opened its 2025-2026 state nomination program with four distinct pathways, while Canberra issued over 550 invitations in its first round. In significant news for international graduates, Hobart and surrounding areas have been upgraded to Category 2, allowing eligible graduates to access a 2+2 year Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). These developments signal a proactive start to the new program year, with states anticipating full quota allocations soon.

The Australian skilled migration landscape is rapidly taking shape for the 2025-2026 program year. Key states have moved quickly to launch their nomination programs, providing much-needed clarity and opportunity for thousands of prospective migrants. This analysis breaks down the most critical updates from Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and a significant visa policy change affecting Tasmanian graduates, providing expert guidance on how to navigate these new opportunities effectively.

Queensland State Nomination Program: Full Policy and Occupation Lists Revealed

Queensland has launched its complete state nomination program for 2025-2026, establishing four clear pathways for skilled migrants. The state government has moved efficiently through the entire process—from policy announcement and FAQ sessions to occupation list publication and ROI (Registration of Interest) opening on September 19, 2025.

Critical starting point: All applicants must submit a new ROI for the 2025-2026 year, including the Small Business Owner (SBO) pathway. However, existing Expressions of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect remain valid unless nearing expiration. The first round of invitations is anticipated in October, with Queensland planning to issue invitations in smaller batches every 2-3 weeks throughout the year.

Queensland’s Four Nomination Pathways

1. Queensland Graduates Pathway

• Eligibility: Occupation on Queensland’s Onshore List (featuring construction, engineering, healthcare, and select IT/service roles)
• Points: Minimum 65 points in SkillSelect EOI
• English: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in all bands)
• Study Requirement: Bachelor, Master, or PhD completed after July 1, 2021, with 100% of studies in Queensland (no requirement for qualification to relate to nominated occupation)
• Work Experience: Post-study work in Queensland for 6 months (491 visa) or 9 months (190 visa); must be closely related to nominated occupation; minimum 20 hours/week (casual work and multiple jobs accepted; remote work permitted but employer must be Queensland-based)
• Employment Status: Must remain employed when submitting ROI, receiving invitation, and at nomination approval

2. Queensland Workers Pathway

• Eligibility: Occupation on Queensland’s Onshore List
• Points: Minimum 65 points in SkillSelect EOI
• English: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• Work Experience: Living and working in Queensland for 6 months (491 visa) or 9 months (190 visa); must be post-qualification and closely related to nominated occupation; minimum 20 hours/week
• Employment Status: Must remain employed throughout application process

3. Building and Construction Priority Pathway (190 visa only)

• Eligibility: Occupation on Queensland’s Onshore List in Building & Construction priority sector (includes trades, architectural drafters, construction estimators, project managers)
• Points: Minimum 65 points in SkillSelect EOI
• English: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• Work Experience: Living and working in Queensland for 3 months; must be post-qualification and closely related to nominated occupation; minimum 20 hours/week

4. Offshore Applicants Pathway

• Eligibility: Occupation on Queensland’s Offshore List (primarily engineering, construction, and trades)
• Points: Minimum 65 points in SkillSelect EOI
• English: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• Work Experience: Minimum 1 year of experience in nominated occupation; must remain employed in nominated occupation when invited and nominated

Key Considerations for Queensland Applications

• Relevant Work Experience: Defined as ANZSCO first three digits matching nominated occupation
• Selection Process: Queensland has shifted from EOI points-based selection to holistic ROI assessment considering occupation, qualifications, English proficiency, and partner skills
• No Priority Between Pathways: The graduates and workers pathways receive equal consideration, though Queensland study is considered favorably
• Quota Status: Queensland has received 250 temporary allocations with expectations of increased full-year quotas following September 12 federal-state meetings

For applicants evaluating their eligibility, using tools like the EOI Points Calculator can provide clarity on competitive scoring before submitting ROIs.

ACT Matrix Round: Over 550 Invitations Issued in Comprehensive Opening

The Australian Capital Territory has commenced the program year with a substantial invitation round, issuing 559 Matrix invitations across various categories. This represents one of the most comprehensive opening rounds in recent memory, indicating confidence in forthcoming quota allocations.

Breakdown of ACT Invitations (September 15-16, 2025)

By Visa Category:

• 190 Skilled Nominated visa: 235 invitations
• 491 Skilled Work Regional visa: 324 invitations

By Pathway:

• Small Business Owner: 9 (190), 18 (491)
• 482 Visa Holder: 41 (190), 16 (491)
• General Onshore: 167 (190), 225 (491)
• General Offshore: 18 (190), 65 (491)

Notable Occupation Invitations:

• Secondary School Teacher: 65 points (491), 120 points (190)
• Accountant (General): Multiple invitations between 115-125 points
• Civil Engineering Draftsperson: 95 points (190)
• Cafe/Restaurant Manager: 120 points (491)
• Quantity Surveyor: 110 points (491), 115 points (190)

The ACT had previously received 165 temporary allocations, of which 71 had been allocated to previous year applicants. The decision to issue 559 invitations with only 94 temporary allocations remaining suggests anticipation of imminent full quota receipt—a sentiment echoed by Queensland officials.

The ACT government has indicated pending adjustments to its occupation list, which applicants should monitor closely before subsequent invitation rounds. For those considering a move to Canberra, NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor incorporates real-time invitation data to assess likelihood across different regions and occupations.

Hobart 485 Visa Extension: Category 2 Status Confirmed

In a significant boost for Tasmanian international education, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that Hobart and surrounding areas have been reclassified as Category 2 regional areas for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) purposes.

Key Changes Effective September 12, 2025

Previous Arrangement:

• Category 1 regional area: 2 years initial 485 visa + 1 year second post-study work visa

New Arrangement:

• Category 2 regional area: 2 years initial 485 visa + 2 years second post-study work visa

Affected Postcodes:
7000, 7004-7026, 7030-7109, 7140-7151, 7170-7177

Implications for Current and Future Graduates

• New Applicants: Graduates who study at institutions in these postcodes can now access up to 4 years total post-study work rights
• Current 485 Holders: Those on their first 485 visa who continue residing in Hobart and surrounding areas will be eligible for a 2-year second visa (rather than 1 year)
• Transitional Cases: Clarification is pending for applicants already on their second 485 visa regarding potential extensions

This policy change significantly enhances Tasmania’s competitiveness in attracting international students, particularly in the context of Australia’s broader Migration Strategy focusing on regional development and skills retention.

Real-World Application Successes: Recent Grants and Approvals

This week’s outcomes demonstrate active processing across multiple visa categories, providing valuable insights into current timeframes and success patterns.

State Nomination Grants

• ACT 190: Financial Investment Adviser (lodged Sep 2023, granted Sep 2025)
• ACT 190: Early Childhood Teacher (lodged Apr 2025, granted Sep 2025)
• ACT 190: Chiropractor (lodged Mar 2025, granted Sep 2025)

Employer Sponsorship Approvals

• 482 Visa: Granted within approximately 6.5 months of lodgement
• 186 TRT: Marketing Manager (lodged Jan 2024, granted Sep 2025)
• 186 DE: Software Engineer (lodged Mar 2024, granted Sep 2025)
• 186 DE: Accountant (lodged Feb 2024, granted Sep 2025)

Partner Visa Processing

• 820 visas: Consistently granted within approximately 12 months of application

Skills Assessments

• Engineers Australia: Civil engineering assessment completed within 13 days
• VETASSESS: Civil Engineering Draftsperson assessment completed within 59 days

These processing times indicate relatively efficient administration despite high application volumes, particularly for state-nominated and employer-sponsored pathways.

Strategic Implications and Next Steps for Applicants

The simultaneous opening of Queensland’s program and ACT’s substantial invitation round creates strategic opportunities for skilled migrants. Applicants should consider several key factors when planning their approach to the 2025-2026 program year.

Priority Action Items

1. Queensland Applicants: Submit ROIs immediately if eligible, as invitations will be issued on a rolling basis from October
2. ACT Candidates: Monitor occupation list changes while preparing Matrix submissions for upcoming rounds
3. Tasmanian Students: Factor extended work rights into long-term migration planning
4. All Applicants: Ensure English test validity and skills assessments are current, as these are key selection criteria

Policy Context and Future Outlook

These developments occur within the framework of Australia’s broader 2024-25 Migration Program, which aims to balance economic, social, and demographic objectives. The proactive stance of states in issuing invitations based on anticipated quotas suggests confidence in continued strong migration settings aligned with skills needs.

The shift toward holistic assessment (as seen in Queensland’s ROI approach) rather than pure points ranking reflects evolving selection methodologies that consider a broader range of factors beyond points scores. Applicants should accordingly focus on comprehensive profile development rather than points optimization alone.

For personalized guidance on navigating these opportunities, NovenAI’s migration mentorship platform provides real-time policy updates and strategy recommendations based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion: A Promising Start to the Program Year

The rapid-fire announcements from Queensland and ACT, coupled with enhanced post-study work rights for Hobart graduates, create multiple pathways for skilled migrants in the early stages of the 2025-2026 program year. The substantial invitation numbers indicate robust demand and processing capacity, while the detailed pathway specifications provide clarity for prospective applicants.

As states await full quota allocations following federal-state consultations, applicants should prepare documentation and submit expressions of interest promptly to position themselves for upcoming invitation rounds. The diversity of pathways—from state nomination to employer sponsorship—continues to provide multiple avenues for skilled migration to Australia.

With strategic planning and timely action, qualified candidates have significant opportunities in the current migration environment. For ongoing updates and personalized strategy development, explore NovenAI’s comprehensive migration platform to maximize your chances of success.