For many skilled migrants dreaming of building a future in Australia, Tasmania continues to offer something that is becoming increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: opportunity, lifestyle, community and a genuine sense of belonging.
The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program will reopen to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) from Monday, 17 August 2026, with the first round of invitation selections commencing from 20 August 2026. Candidates seeking Tasmanian nomination for either the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) can submit their Expressions of Interest through SkillSelect and then register their interest through the Migration Tasmania Gateway. Invitations will be issued on a weekly basis to the most competitive candidates.
More Than Points and Skills
While qualifications, work experience and priority attributes remain important, Tasmania continues to focus on attracting migrants who are likely to make a genuine long-term contribution to the state and its communities. Recent program updates place an even stronger emphasis on applicants who have demonstrated integration into Tasmania through employment, study and community connections, reflecting the state’s ongoing commitment to long-term settlement outcomes.
This means that applicants should not simply view Tasmania as a pathway to receiving an invitation. It is increasingly important to demonstrate a genuine intention to live, work and build a future in Tasmania. Those who can clearly show why Tasmania is their preferred long-term home are often better positioned than those who see the state as just another migration option.
Why Tasmania?
Perhaps I am a little biased.
Many people don’t know that I am actually half Tasmanian! My father was born and raised in Tasmania, and I still have close relatives living there today. In fact, some members of my family have never left the island.
Having spent time in Tasmania throughout my life, I’ve seen firsthand why so many people fall in love with it. From the stunning coastlines and national parks to the welcoming communities, slower pace of life and incredible fresh produce, Tasmania offers a quality of life that is difficult to match.
Whether it’s enjoying a weekend exploring Cradle Mountain, dining on world-class local seafood, or raising a family in a safe and supportive community, Tasmania continues to attract people seeking more than just a job opportunity. It attracts people looking for a lifestyle.
Your Tasmanian Dream Could Become Reality
With the program reopening on 17 August, now is the time for eligible skilled migrants to ensure their Expressions of Interest are current and to understand how the updated priority attributes may affect their competitiveness. Several changes have been introduced for the 2026-27 program, including revised priority settings designed to recognise applicants who have demonstrated stronger employment, study and settlement outcomes in Tasmania.
For many migrants, a Tasmanian nomination can be the key to securing an invitation for either a Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa and taking the next step towards permanent residency in Australia.
If Tasmania has always been part of your Australian dream, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
At Migration Downunder, we have helped skilled migrants navigate state nomination pathways for more than 25 years and would be delighted to discuss whether Tasmania could be the right option for you and your family.
The program opens on Monday, 17 August 2026. Make sure you’re ready when the invitations begin on 20 August!