Migration Solutions

Tasmania Skilled Migration Program Update – 2026–27

The Tasmania Skilled Migration State Nomination Program opens for new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 17 August 2026.

There are 2,050 nomination places available this program year:
• 1,250 places for Subclass 190
• 800 places for Subclass 491

Importantly, no invitations will be issued for the Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles - Invitation Only Pathway in 2026–27. The Australian Government is prioritising visa processing for applicants already in Australia, making this an excellent opportunity for onshore applicants to take the next step towards permanent residency.

If you submitted an ROI within the last six months, you may wish to withdraw it and lodge a new ROI, as the updated priority attribute ranking criteria may significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation. You can also compare your score under the old and new priority settings before submitting a new ROI.

If you would like to assess your eligibility or discuss how these changes may affect your migration plans, contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Ministerial Direction 117 – New Processing Priorities for Family and Partner visa applications

The Australian Government has introduced this Direction, altering the way in which family visa applications are processed.

Priority is now given to onshore applicants over offshore applicants.

An applicant’s location and place of grant now shape priority before the usual family order is applied. Onshore applicants who can be granted a visa onshore are prioritised ahead of offshore applicants or applicants who must be offshore at time of grant.

This applies to visa applications already lodged and to new applications.

The new processing priority is:

1) Minister-substituted ART decisions
2) Partner and child applications
3) Orphan relative applications
4) Contributory parent categories
5) Carer applications
6) Parent, aged parent, remaining relative and aged dependent relative

If you would like to discuss how these changes may affect your migration plans or visa application, contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Ministerial Direction 119 – New Processing Priorities for Skilled Visa Applications (Effective 25 July 2026).

Nomination and visa applications for certain skilled visas are processed according to Government policy priorities outlined in Ministerial Direction 119, which came into effect on 25 July 2026.

Processing priority is based on both the applicant's occupation and whether they are in Australia or overseas at the time of application.

Highest priority is given to applications supporting Australia's law enforcement and defence interests, followed by occupations in construction, healthcare, and teaching.

Applicants who are in Australia generally receive higher processing priority than those applying from overseas.

If you would like to discuss how these changes may affect your migration plans or visa application, contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program Update – July 2026

The Tasmanian Government has announced the 2026–27 Skilled Migration State Nomination Program allocations, with a total of 2,050 nomination places available:

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa: 1,250 places
• Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) Visa: 800 places

The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program is expected to reopen to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) in the coming weeks. Further details will be announced by the Tasmanian Government shortly.

Please note that an invitation to apply for Subclass 190 state nomination will depend on the level of interest and the availability of pro-rata nomination places at the time of assessment.

If you have any questions about the program, your Registration of Interest (ROI), or your state nomination application, the team at Migration Solutions is here to help.

Contact us today on 08 8210 9800 to book an appointment with one of our experienced migration experts.

The next invitation round for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is expected to be held by 30 September 2026. If you are hoping to receive an invitation, now is the time to ensure your EOI is accurate, up to date and supported by appropriate evidence.

While lodging an EOI may appear straightforward, claiming points under the GSM program requires a sound understanding of migration legislation and policy. Incorrectly claiming points can have serious consequences.

If you receive an invitation based on points that you cannot substantiate when lodging your visa application, your application may be refused.

An invitation to apply does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. The Department will assess whether you were entitled to claim the points that resulted in your invitation.

At Migration Solutions, our experienced migration professionals can assess your eligibility, verify your points claim and ensure your EOI accurately reflects your circumstances before you receive an invitation.

Now is the ideal time to seek professional advice.

Contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to arrange a consultation.

Careful preparation today can help avoid costly delays, unnecessary expense, and the risk of a visa refusal.

Is renewing your Resident Return Visa still the best option?

If you’re an Australian permanent resident, it’s worth taking a closer look at the numbers.

A Resident Return Visa renewal every five years now costs $1,475.00.

By comparison, an Australian Citizenship application together with a 10 year Australian passport costs $1,017.00.

If you’re eligible for Australian citizenship and expect to travel overseas, becoming an Australian citizen may not only provide greater security and certainty, but it could also be the more cost effective option.

Not sure if you are eligible?

Contact our office today on 08 8210 9800 to arrange an eligibility assessment. Our experienced team can advise you on your options and guide you through every step of the application process.

The right advice today could save you time, money and future visa renewals.

Another Friday and this week Migration Solutions are excited to announce that we have successfully received 27 Visa Grants!! This brings our year total to 314 Visa Grants!!
Contact Migration Solutions today on 08 8210 9800 to see how we can assist you with your visa application or AAT Appeal.

It’s Friday and this week Migration Solutions are happy to announce that we have successfully received 27 Visa Grants!! This brings our year total to 287 Visa Grants!!
Contact Migration Solutions today on 08 8210 9800 to see how we can assist you with your visa application or AAT Appeal.