Tasmania’s 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program Details

TL;DR

• Tasmania’s Skilled Migration Program helps skilled workers and graduates move to the state through Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.
• Nomination Pathways: Tasmania offers multiple nomination pathways for skilled workers, including those already in Tasmania and those living overseas.
• Visa Options: The Subclass 190 is a permanent visa, while the Subclass 491 is temporary, offering a pathway to permanent residency after two years.
• Application Process: Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, register with Migration Tasmania, and apply for state nomination and your visa.
• Requirements: Key requirements include having a valid skills assessment, being under 45, meeting language proficiency, and scoring 65 points on the points test.

Looking to move to Tasmania for a fresh start? The 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program could be your opportunity to live and work in one of Australia’s most sought-after states. Whether you’re a skilled worker or a recent graduate, Tasmania is offering an exciting range of nomination pathways that can help you secure a permanent or provisional visa. In this article, we’ll break down the key details of Tasmania’s skilled migration program, including eligibility, visa options, and how you can apply.

Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

Also Note:

1. Each visa under the Skilled Occupation List has specific requirements, such as certain qualifications, relevant skills, and sometimes even location preferences, depending on the role and demand in different regions.
2. Although there is a generic website hosted by the Australian government for SOL that lists out all the occupations that are in available/demand, in reality, there are visa subclasses and each subclass has its own specific occupation list.
3. The Skilled Occupation List is frequently updated to align with the state’s labour market needs, and navigating these changes can be complex. Consulting with a Registered Migration Agent like Knowbal ensures you choose the most appropriate visa for your occupation and personal circumstances.

Tasmania’s Skilled Migration Program

Tasmania’s skilled migration program is designed for people who want to settle in the state and possess the skills that are in demand. Skilled migrants are attracted to Tasmania for its excellent lifestyle, career opportunities, world-class education, and vibrant community. The Tasmanian Government is keen on encouraging skilled and business migrants, recognising the significant contribution they make to the state’s economy and cultural diversity.

All the occupations that are listed on the Australian Government’s Subclass 190 and 491 Skilled Occupation Lists are eligible for at least one of Tasmania’s nomination pathways.

There are 2 nomination options for Tasmania’s skilled migrants:

1. Skilled Workers and Graduates living in Tasmania
2. Skilled Workers living overseas

Let’s explore these options in more detail.

Skilled Workers and Graduates Living in Tasmania

Tasmania offers exciting opportunities for skilled workers and graduates looking to live and work in the state. Through the Skilled Migration Program, Tasmania provides two key visa options. Both pathways enable skilled professionals to contribute to Tasmania’s economy and experience the state’s high quality of life.

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent visa that lets you live and work in Tasmania. Being nominated by Tasmania for this visa adds five extra points to your points test score, making it easier to meet the Department of Home Affairs’ pass mark of 65 points.

Upon receiving your nomination, you must agree to live in Tasmania for at least two years. This is important to ensure that you contribute to the local economy and workforce.

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is a temporary visa allowing you to live and work in Tasmania for up to five years. By receiving a nomination from Tasmania, you’ll gain 15 additional points, helping you meet the Department of Home Affairs’ points test.

After two years, you may be eligible to apply for an Australian PR through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa. Keep in mind, state nomination and your visa application are separate processes: Tasmania assesses your nomination, while the DHA handles your visa application.

Visa Requirements: Department of Home Affairs

To qualify for state nomination, you need to meet specific criteria:

1. Be under 45 years of age.
2. Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
3. Have a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
4. Prove English language proficiency at a competent level.
5. Score at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test.

In addition, you must meet Tasmania’s nomination requirements. Let’s dive deeper into Tasmania’s nomination process.

Nomination Requirements 

Migration Tasmania offers several pathways for skilled workers and graduates living in the state to apply for nomination. Each pathway has specific eligibility criteria, and meeting these does not guarantee selection. Tasmania’s nomination process is competitive, with only the most eligible candidates being invited to apply.

To be eligible, you must:

1. Meet the minimum requirements for your selected visa pathway.
2. Submit your Registration of Interest (ROI), with evidence of any claims made.
3. Avoid providing misleading or fraudulent information.

Applicants for the Subclass 491 visa will not be eligible for future Subclass 190 nominations. Also, if you or any family member owes fees to Tasmanian Government agencies (e.g., education or health), those must be settled before you can apply for nomination.

Nomination Pathways

Tasmania offers a variety of Nomination Pathways to cater to skilled workers and business owners. Each of these pathways has some specific eligibility requirements. Understanding which pathway fits your profile is crucial to a successful application. Below, we outline the key pathways available for skilled migrants seeking to move to Tasmania.

1. Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathways (TSE)

The Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathway is ideal for individuals who have secured employment or are currently employed in Tasmania. To be eligible for this pathway, you must:

1. Meet the minimum nomination requirements, including relevant skills and experience in your nominated occupation.
2. Demonstrate that you have a job offer from an eligible Tasmanian employer or are currently working in Tasmania in an eligible occupation.
3. Submit the required documentation, such as proof of employment, skills assessments, and evidence of meeting language requirements.

This pathway offers a streamlined option for those already contributing to Tasmania’s workforce.

Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathways (TSG)

The Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathway is available for individuals who have graduated from an accredited Tasmanian institution. This pathway is open to all skill assessments, providing a flexible option for recent graduates who wish to live and work in Tasmania. To apply for this pathway, ensure you:

1. Meet the minimum nomination requirements set by Migration Tasmania.
2. Provide proof of graduation from a recognised Tasmanian educational institution.
3. Submit the required documentation, including your qualifications, English language proficiency, and skills assessment.

This pathway is an excellent option for international graduates who have built connections and skills during their studies in Tasmania.

Tasmanian Established Resident Pathways (TER)

The Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway is designed for individuals who have been living in Tasmania for a period of time. This pathway is open to all occupations, and it’s ideal for those who have established ties in the state through work, study, or family connections. Eligibility criteria include:

1. Having lived in Tasmania for a certain period (usually a year or more), and contributing to the local economy.
2. Meeting the minimum criteria for your chosen visa subclass.
3. Submitting the required documentation that supports your long-term residency and ties to Tasmania.

This pathway is ideal for those already settled in Tasmania and wishing to take the next step in their migration journey.

Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway (TBO)

The Tasmanian Business Operator Pathway supports business owners who are seeking to relocate to Tasmania and establish or expand their business operations. To qualify for this pathway, you must:

1. Be an established business owner with a proven track record in managing or owning a business.
2. Demonstrate that your business will benefit Tasmania’s economy and create employment opportunities.
3. Provide the necessary documentation, such as business ownership records, financial documents, and proof of the sustainability of your business plan.

This pathway is well-suited for individuals looking to contribute to Tasmania’s economy by bringing their entrepreneurial expertise and business acumen to the state.

These nomination pathways offer a range of options depending on your skills, qualifications, and status in Tasmania. Before you apply, be sure to carefully review the eligibility requirements and gather the necessary documentation. Remember, Tasmania’s skilled migration process is competitive, and meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee a nomination. Always ensure you are presenting your strongest case for nomination.

Skilled Workers Living Overseas

Tasmania provides skilled migration pathways for workers who are currently living outside Australia and wish to settle in the state. These pathways are available through two main visa options: the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa and the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa.

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa

The 190 visa is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers from overseas to live and work in Tasmania indefinitely. If you are nominated by Tasmania, you will receive five additional points for the points test, helping you meet the required 65 points needed to apply.

Once granted, you must agree to live and work in Tasmania for at least two years.

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The 491 is a temporary visa that permits skilled workers from overseas to live and work in Tasmania for up to five years. Nomination from Tasmania grants you 15 extra points to help meet the DHA’s 65-point threshold.

After residing in Tasmania for two years, you could be eligible to apply for an Australian PR through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

Subclass 190 Overseas Applicant (Health or Education Sector Job Offer) Pathway

This pathway is available for skilled workers in the health and education sectors who have received a formal job offer from a Tasmanian employer.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a health, allied health, or education-related skills assessment for an occupation in the relevant ANZSCO 3-digit group.
2. Possess a formal job offer from a Tasmanian employer that aligns with your skills assessment. For School Teachers, the job offer must be for a Tasmanian school position.
3. You (and your dependents) must not have lived in another Australian state or territory in the past 12 months.
4. Your employer must be a well-established business in Tasmania, operating for at least 12 months.
5. The job offer must meet or exceed local market wages and conditions.
6. There must be a genuine need for your role within the business and the capacity to sustain your employment.

Eligible occupations for this pathway include:

1. 241 School Teachers
2. 251 Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals
3. 252 Health Therapy Professionals
4. 253 Medical Practitioners
5. 254 Midwifery and Nursing Professionals

All Registrations of Interest for this pathway will receive a Gold Pass, allowing them to lodge an application for nomination immediately.

Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles – Invitation Only Pathway

For this pathway, you must first receive an invitation via SkillSelect from Migration Tasmania to apply for state nomination. Once invited, you will need to:

1. Demonstrate your research into the Tasmanian job market, including networking with employers, HR representatives, or recruitment agencies (e.g., through emails or LinkedIn).
2. Provide evidence of at least two relevant job vacancies in Tasmania, advertised no more than six months before your application. You must explain how your qualifications and skills meet the job requirements.
3. Show sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your dependents for at least six months while seeking employment in Tasmania.

Similar to the Subclass 190 pathway, all Registrations of Interest for this pathway will receive a Gold Pass and can apply for nomination immediately.

These pathways provide skilled overseas workers with clear routes to live, work, and eventually settle in Tasmania while contributing to the state’s workforce and economy.

The Application Process

Applying for a Tasmanian state nomination is a separate process from applying for your visa. Tasmania evaluates your nomination, while the Department of Home Affairs handles your visa application. Both processes must be completed successfully to secure your skilled migration. Here’s how the process works:

1. Check your visa eligibility: Ensure you meet the basic requirements for a skilled migration visa through the Department of Home Affairs.
2. Confirm nomination eligibility: Review the criteria set by Migration Tasmania to verify that you qualify for state nomination.
3. Register an Expression of Interest (EOI): Create your EOI in the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. This helps determine if you meet the points and eligibility requirements for a skilled visa.
4. Register your interest with Tasmania: Once your EOI is submitted, you can register your interest for state nomination through the Migration Tasmania Gateway. Competitive candidates will be invited to apply.
5. Apply for state nomination: Submit your nomination application to Migration Tasmania with all required documents and supporting evidence.
6. Apply for your visa: After receiving a nomination, apply for your skilled migration visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
7. Follow undertakings: Comply with any conditions or commitments required by Tasmania after nomination approval, such as living and working in the state for the specified period.

It’s important to note that the Tasmanian Government cannot provide migration advice specific to your situation. Only registered migration agents or lawyers can offer guidance. You can find a complete list of migration agents at www.mara.gov.au or consult your local state or territory Law Society or Bar Association.

Once you’ve completed these steps, Tasmania will assess your nomination while the Department of Home Affairs processes your visa, keeping the two applications separate but sequential.

Confused about the application process? Our experts at Knowbal can assist you with your visa and state nomination applications, helping you with the complexities of skilled migration to Tasmania. Reach out to us today for personalised guidance.

Final Thoughts

Tasmania’s 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program is a great opportunity for skilled workers and graduates looking to live and work in a beautiful and thriving part of Australia. Whether you’re already in Tasmania or coming from overseas, there are clear pathways to help you secure a permanent or provisional visa. Knowing the requirements and following the process carefully will make your application much stronger.

If you want guidance you can trust, Knowbal is here to help. We make the migration process easier and guide you throughout, so you can focus on starting your new life in Tasmania with confidence. Book a call today and take your first step towards this exciting opportunity!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the processing time for Tasmania’s Skilled Migration Program?

Processing times can vary, but applications may take several months. Check with the Department of Home Affairs and Migration Tasmania for updates.

2. Can I apply for both the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visa?

Yes, you can apply for both, but candidates nominated for the Subclass 491 visa will not be eligible for the Subclass 190 in the future.

3. What happens if I don’t meet the requirements for nomination?

If you don’t meet the requirements, you may not receive an invitation to apply for nomination. Make sure all your documents are correct and meet the minimum criteria.

4. What are the most important eligibility requirements for skilled migration to Tasmania?

You must be under 45, have a positive skills assessment, meet English language proficiency requirements, and achieve at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test.

5. How do I know if my occupation is eligible for nomination?

You can check the eligible skilled occupations list provided by the Australian Government to confirm if your occupation is on the list.

Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!