[2025-2026 Guide] Australian Immigration Update: State Quota Cuts & November 189 Invitation Round

Australia’s skilled migration landscape sees significant changes with state quota reductions up to 35% and the next 189 visa invitation round scheduled for November 13th, 2025. Three states have confirmed their complete 2025-2026 allocations with substantial cuts, while Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia prepare for new invitation rounds following temporary quota allocations.

State Nomination Quota Reductions: NSW, ACT, Tasmania

Three Australian states have confirmed significant reductions in their 2025-2026 migration program allocations, with Tasmania experiencing the most substantial cut at 35%. The Department of Home Affairs has distributed complete quotas to all states and territories, though official announcements are being made progressively throughout November 2025.

The confirmed quota changes represent a substantial reshaping of state nomination opportunities:

• New South Wales: 28% overall reduction
• Australian Capital Territory: 11% overall reduction
• Tasmania: 35% overall reduction

Migration experts anticipate that states which previously received larger allocations may face more significant reductions as the complete picture emerges. The ACT’s relatively modest 11% decrease suggests some states are managing to maintain more stable migration programs despite nationwide adjustments to immigration planning levels.

“The quota reductions reflect broader adjustments to Australia’s migration program following the government’s comprehensive migration strategy review,” explains NovenAI’s immigration policy analysis. “Applicants should prepare for increased competition and potentially higher points requirements across most state nomination programs.”

November 189 Visa Invitation Round & EOI Backlog

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the next 189 skilled independent visa invitation round will occur on November 13th, 2025, maintaining the quarterly invitation pattern established earlier this year. The previous round occurred on August 21st, 2025, with the upcoming round expected to follow similar invitation patterns and occupation priorities.

Current Expression of Interest (EOI) backlog data reveals intense competition across popular occupations:

• Early Childhood Teachers: 760+ applicants at 85+ points, 1000+ in lower point ranges
• Secondary School Teachers: 516 applicants at 80+ points, fewer than 100 at 85+ points
• Registered Nurses: 400+ applicants at 85+ points, 1000+ at 80 points, 3000+ in lower ranges
• Civil Engineering Professionals: 771 applicants at 90+ points, 118 at 95+ points
• Accountants: 86 applicants at 100 points, 1,613 at 95 points

The points landscape remains extremely competitive, with construction and engineering occupations potentially receiving priority attention in the upcoming round based on government skills priority lists. Understanding your exact points calculation is crucial - use the EOI Points Calculator{:target=“_blank”} to assess your competitive position accurately.

Queensland, Western Australia & South Australia Updates

Three states have announced upcoming nomination activities following receipt of second temporary quota allocations, providing new opportunities for skilled migrants in November 2025.

Queensland Migration Program

Queensland has committed to establishing “regular fixed invitation rounds” but hasn’t specified exact dates or frequency. The state was first to announce its 2025-2026 program guidelines but has primarily issued invitations through the small business pathway rather than bulk nomination rounds to date.

Western Australia Immigration Plans

Western Australia confirmed it will conduct its second invitation round for 2025-2026 in November, following receipt of additional temporary quotas. The state will now begin processing first-round pre-invitations that were held pending full quota allocation, addressing concerns about processing delays that affected applicants in previous years.

South Australia Program Launch

South Australia, first to confirm receipt of second temporary quotas, has announced it will shortly release its 2025-2026 program details and open Registration of Interest (ROI) pathways. The state had maintained limited activity while awaiting quota confirmation but now prepares for full program implementation.

September 2025 Visa Grant Analysis: Three-Track Processing

September visa grant data reveals Immigration’s ‘three-track’ processing approach for 190 and 491 visas, while 189 visa acceptance rates provide insights into applicant behavior following invitations.

189 Skilled Independent Visa Trends

The 189 program saw 3,135 new applications with 2,142 primary applicants in September. Of the 3,687 invitations issued in the August 21st round, 53.5% had been accepted and converted to visa applications by September’s end. With 60 days to lodge after invitation, the final acceptance rate is projected between 50-55%.

Backlog reduction continues impressively:

• November 2024 backlog reduced by 198 cases to under 300 remaining
• December 2024 backlog reduced by 530 cases to approximately 1,800
• Both cohorts expected to clear completely in coming months

190 State Nominated Visa Processing

190 visa grants exceeded 2,000 in September, increasing by 247 from August. The department is simultaneously processing applications across three time periods:

• Historic backlog: 252 grants from June 2023 cohort, leaving 1,000+ remaining
• Staged processing: Monthly selections of approximately 100 applications from July 2023-April 2024
• Recent applications: Peak processing of 459 grants from May 2025 applications

491 Regional Visa Grant Patterns

491 visa grants reached 1,545 in September, increasing by 335 but still approximately 800 below expected processing volumes. Mirroring the 190 approach, the 491 program also demonstrates three-track processing:

• Backlog reduction: 189 grants from June 2023, 188 from July 2023 (1,200+ and 1,100+ remaining respectively)
• Staged processing: Dozens monthly from July-December 2023
• Recent applications: Processing peak of 200 grants from February 2024 applications

NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor{:target=“_blank”} incorporates these processing patterns to provide applicants with realistic timeframe expectations based on their specific visa pathway and lodgment date.

Recent Success Cases & Processing Times

This week’s successful applications demonstrate current processing timeframes across multiple visa categories:

State Nomination Approvals

• ACT 190: Multiple Accountant approvals late September-early October applications
• ACT 491: Cafe/Restaurant Manager approval from September 29th application

Visa Grants

• 190 Visa: Systems Administrator granted after 25-month processing time (October 2023 lodgment)
• 491 Visa: Early Childhood Teacher granted after 6.5-month processing (April 2025 lodgment)
• 887 Visa: Permanent residency granted after 5.5-month processing (May 2025 lodgment)

Employer Sponsorship

• 482 Sponsorship: Approval in 7 weeks (September 2025 application)
• 186 Visa: Software Engineer nomination and visa granted in 12 months (November 2024 application)

Other Visa Categories

• 858 GTI: Grant after 25-month processing (September 2023 application)
• Partner Visa: 820/801 grants after 73-month processing (September 2019 application)
• Parent Visa: Grant after 89-month processing (May 2018 application)

Skills Assessments

• ACS ICT: 3-week processing (October 2025 application)
• TRA JRP: Motor Mechanic successful assessment

Strategic Implications for Skilled Migrants

The confirmed quota reductions and ongoing high points requirements demand strategic adaptation from skilled migration applicants. With state nomination opportunities contracting in key jurisdictions, applicants should consider:

• Diversified application strategy across multiple states and visa categories
• Points optimization through superior English scores, partner skills, and regional study
• Professional year considerations for eligible international graduates
• Employer sponsorship pathways as alternative routes to permanent residency

The English Level Guide{:target=“_blank”} provides detailed strategies for maximizing points through language testing, while NovenAI’s comprehensive migration platform continuously updates with the latest policy changes and processing trends across all Australian visa categories.

Navigating Australia’s Evolving Migration Landscape

Australia’s skilled migration program continues its recalibration with significant state quota reductions and maintained quarterly 189 invitation patterns. The November 13th invitation round represents a critical opportunity for high-points candidates, while state nomination pathways require careful strategic planning given reduced allocations in NSW, ACT, and Tasmania.

The emerging 2025-2026 migration year demands increased flexibility, comprehensive points optimization, and sophisticated application timing. With processing patterns showing consistent improvement in backlog reduction and new application handling, well-prepared applicants still have substantial opportunities despite the more competitive environment.

Ready to optimize your Australian migration strategy? Explore NovenAI’s comprehensive migration platform{:target=“_blank”} for real-time policy updates, points calculation, and personalized pathway recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances.