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Skilled Migration Hobart & Tasmania — Subclass 190 & 491 State Nomination 2026

If Hobart or Tasmania is your target, Subclass 190 gives you permanent residency from day of grant — and every single Tasmanian postcode qualifies as a designated regional area under the federal framework, making Subclass 491 available throughout the entire state, including metropolitan Hobart. This gives Tasmania one of the broadest regional visa coverages in Australia.

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What makes Tasmania unique is how it manages selection. Rather than monthly rounds like SA or QLD, Tasmania invites the highest-ranked Registrations of Interest weekly — and publishes the cut-off scores every week on its official portal. Your ROI receives a priority pass — Gold, Green, Orange-plus, or Orange — and that pass determines how quickly you are invited. The offshore pathway for 491 is currently invitation-only and not open for new ROIs. Tasmania also has a critical rule: if you are nominated for 491, you cannot be re-nominated for 190 through Tasmania in the future.

Tasmania Program Status
⚠ Program Status — Tasmania 2025–26 (Last verified: May 2026)
Tasmania's 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program is OPEN but approaching end of allocation. As of March 2026, Migration Tasmania is temporarily pausing invitations for ROIs that do not attract a Gold pass while focusing on processing applications already on hand. ROIs can continue to be submitted. Gold pass ROIs continue to be invited. 2025–26 allocation not yet confirmed publicly — monitor migration.tas.gov.au/news/processing_times_and_allocation_usage (updated weekly) for current invitation round data. Offshore 491 pathway (OSOP) is NOT currently open for 2025–26 — invitation-only and not accepting new ROIs. Source: migration.tas.gov.au — May 2026.

Quick Visa Facts — Tasmania 2025–26

Tasmania Comparison Table
Subclass 190Subclass 491
Visa typePermanent residencyProvisional (5 yrs) → PR via Subclass 191
2024–25 allocation (latest confirmed)2,100760
2025–26 allocationNot yet publicly confirmed — verify at migration.tas.gov.auNot yet publicly confirmed — verify at migration.tas.gov.au
Minimum points65 total (60 base + 5 nomination)65 total (50 base + 15 nomination)
AgeUnder 45 at nominationUnder 45 at nomination
EnglishCompetent English minimumCompetent English minimum
All TAS postcodes regional?✓ Yes — entire Tasmania is regional under DHA framework✓ Yes — entire Tasmania including Hobart is regional
Selection systemROI-based with Gold/Green/Orange priority pass — highest ranked invited weeklyROI-based with Gold/Green/Orange priority pass — highest ranked invited weekly
Invitation frequencyWeekly — scores published weekly on official portalWeekly — scores published weekly on official portal
Offshore 190 pathwayHealth or Education sector job offer required — openHealth or Education sector job offer required — open
Offshore 491 pathway (OSOP)N/ANOT OPEN for 2025–26 — invitation only from Migration Tasmania
Response window28 days to submit nomination application after invitation28 days to submit nomination application after invitation
491 → 190 re-nominationN/A — 190 onlyIf nominated for 491, cannot be re-nominated for 190 through Tasmania
Two-year commitmentYes — must live in Tasmania for ≥2 years after nominationYes — must live in Tasmania for ≥2 years after nomination
Dependants living interstateNot permitted — dependants must be in TasmaniaNot permitted — dependants must be in Tasmania
ROI expiry (Orange pass)6 months if not invited — must resubmit6 months if not invited — must resubmit

Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and All of Tasmania — Every Postcode is Regional

Tasmania has a major advantage that no other state with a capital city offers: the entire state is designated as regional under the DHA framework — including metropolitan Hobart and Launceston. There is no metro/regional split in Tasmania. Every Tasmanian postcode qualifies for Subclass 491. This means you can target Hobart’s job market, lifestyle, and career opportunities while accessing the 15 nomination bonus points from the 491 pathway.

TAS Regional Areas Eligibility
City / Area190 Eligible?491 Eligible?DHA CategoryIndustry Strength
Hobart (metro)✓ Yes✓ Yes — whole TAS is regionalCategory 2Government, healthcare, education, technology, tourism. Tasmania's economic and cultural hub.
Launceston✓ Yes✓ Yes — Category 3Category 3Healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education. Tasmania's second largest city.
Burnie / Devonport✓ Yes✓ Yes — Category 3Category 3North-west industrial corridor — manufacturing, healthcare, energy, port logistics.
George Town / Beaconsfield✓ Yes✓ Yes — Category 3Category 3Industrial and mining history — growing in clean energy manufacturing.
Huon Valley / Southern TAS✓ Yes✓ Yes — Category 3Category 3Agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, tourism.
East Coast (St Helens / Swansea)✓ Yes✓ Yes — Category 3Category 3Tourism, aquaculture, agriculture — growing lifestyle region.
Smithton / North-West Coast✓ Yes✓ Yes — Category 3Category 3Agriculture, dairy, timber. Remote and outer regional — stronger priority attributes possible.
Tasmania Regional Classification

All of Tasmania is Regional — Hobart Included

Unlike any other state with a major capital city, metropolitan Hobart is classified as Category 2 designated regional under the DHA framework.

This means Subclass 491 is available in Hobart CBD with full access to the 15 nomination bonus points.

Verified information sourced from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs – regional postcode classification framework.

The Gold/Green/Orange Priority Pass System — How Tasmania Selects

Tasmania’s selection system is unlike any other state. Rather than ranking by EOI points or a separate Matrix score, Tasmania ranks ROIs by priority attribute score — a set of criteria specific to each pathway. The highest-ranked ROIs are invited weekly, and the invitation data is published publicly every week.

Priority Pass Levels
Priority PassWhat it meansTimeline
Gold Highest priority — includes critical roles (3+ months in Tasmania in a role on the critical roles list). All overseas pathway ROIs receive Gold automatically. Invited immediately in the next weekly round (subject to allocation remaining).
Green High priority — includes 9+ months Tasmanian employment in a skilled role (ANZSCO 1–3) directly related to your skills assessment. Likely invited within approximately 8 weeks.
Orange-plus Above standard Orange — includes Orange-plus attributes such as high salary ($98,218+/year), business investment criteria, 2+ years prior Australian industry experience. Higher priority than Orange — invited before standard Orange ROIs in the same allocation period.
Orange Standard priority — meets minimum requirements but lacks Gold, Green, or Orange-plus attributes. May be invited within 6 months depending on demand. ROI expires after 6 months if not invited.
ROI Expiry Warning

Critical: Orange Pass ROIs Expire After 6 Months

If you submit an ROI and receive an Orange pass, and you are not invited within 6 months, your ROI expires automatically. You must submit a new ROI.

This means the timing of your ROI submission matters. If your circumstances are expected to improve soon (for example, completing more months of Tasmanian employment), it may be better to wait and apply later with a stronger priority attribute score rather than submitting early with a lower pass.

Tip: A stronger priority level (Gold, Green, or Orange-plus) can significantly improve your invitation chances.

Migration Tasmania publishes the weekly invitation round results — including the lowest attribute score that received an invitation — at migration.tas.gov.au/news/processing_times_and_allocation_usage. Always check current cut-off scores before submitting your ROI.

Tasmania's Nomination Pathways — Which One Applies to You?

Migration Tasmania offers distinct pathways for onshore and offshore applicants. All onshore pathways share the ROI and priority attribute system. Offshore pathways are limited.

Tasmanian Pathways Table
PathwayWho it is forKey requirementsVisa subclassStatus
Tasmanian Skilled Employment (TSE)Working in Tasmania in a skilled role ≥6 months employment in TAS at ≥20 hrs/week | Genuine ongoing position with 12-month contract, ≥3 months remaining | Employment must be within same ANZSCO 3-digit group as skills assessment | Health/teaching: 3–6 months instead of 6 months | Living in TAS; dependants not interstate190 & 491Open — submit ROI via Gateway
Tasmanian Skilled Graduate (TSG)Graduated from a Tasmanian institution Completed qualifying qualification in Tasmania | Working in nominated occupation post-graduation | Living in TAS; dependants not interstate190 & 491Open — submit ROI via Gateway
Tasmanian Established Resident (TER)Long-term TAS residents with TAS work history Extended residence in Tasmania; skilled employment in TAS | Specific criteria apply — read migration.tas.gov.au before applying | Living in TAS; dependants not interstate190 & 491Open — submit ROI via Gateway
Tasmanian Business Operator (TBO)Business owners operating in Tasmania Business actively operating in TAS for ≥12 months | Skills assessment related to business | Business investment and revenue criteria — read migration.tas.gov.au190 & 491Open — submit ROI via Gateway
Overseas — Health/Education Job Offer (190)Offshore applicants with TAS health/education job offer Job offer from Tasmanian employer in health or education sector | Standard DHA visa criteria | Not currently onshore in Australia190 onlyOpen
Overseas — Occupation Profiles (491 OSOP)Offshore applicants in specific in-demand occupations Invitation only — Migration Tasmania contacts candidates | Not currently open for 2025–26; no new ROIs accepted491 onlyNOT OPEN — invitation only
TSE Requirement Note

TSE — Health & Teaching Reduced Requirement

If your skills assessment is for a teaching occupation (school-based) or a health / allied health occupation, the minimum Tasmanian Skilled Employment requirement is reduced from 6 months to 3–6 months depending on the occupation.

Applicants should check the TSE Priority Roles list for specific occupation conditions.

Source: migration.tas.gov.au — TSE Priority Roles and eligibility guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements — Tasmania

You must meet both Department of Home Affairs visa criteria AND Migration Tasmania’s nomination requirements. Meeting federal criteria alone is not sufficient.

Tasmania Requirements
RequirementDetail — verified from migration.tas.gov.au (May 2026)
AgeUnder 45 at time of nomination — DHA requirement
Points — Subclass 19065 total = 60 base + 5 nomination points
Points — Subclass 49165 total = 50 base + 15 nomination points
Occupation All occupations on the federal 190/491 Skilled Occupation List are eligible for at least one Tasmania pathway. Specific pathways (TSE, TSG) have their own occupation list requirements — verify at migration.tas.gov.au.
Skills assessment Valid, positive skills assessment — must be dated within last 3 years at time of nomination application. Provisional assessments not accepted.
English language Competent English minimum — English test results dated within last 3 years. UK, Canada, NZ, USA, Ireland passport holders exempt from test.
Employment (TSE) ≥6 months in TAS at ≥20 hrs/week; employment within same ANZSCO 3-digit group as skills assessment; genuine ongoing position with 12-month contract (≥3 months remaining at nomination)
Employment (health/teaching — TSE) Reduced to 3–6 months for eligible health, allied health, and teaching occupations — verify specific occupation caveat
Dependants Must be living in Tasmania — not in another Australian state or territory
Two-year commitment Must live in Tasmania for ≥2 years after nomination is approved
491 re-nomination block If nominated for 491 by Tasmania, cannot be re-nominated for 190 by Tasmania in the future. The 491 pathway to PR is through Subclass 191.
ROI — Gold/Green/Orange ROI is assigned a priority pass based on attributes claimed. Only the highest-ranked ROIs are invited weekly. Orange pass ROIs expire after 6 months if not invited.
28-day response window 28 days to submit nomination application after invitation — longer than other states but still fixed

How to Apply — Tasmania State Nomination

  1. Check eligibility and identify your pathway: Confirm you meet DHA visa criteria AND Migration Tasmania nomination requirements. Identify which pathway applies: TSE (working in TAS), TSG (TAS graduate), TER (established resident), TBO (business operator), or overseas (health/education job offer for 190 only). Verify your occupation eligibility at migration.tas.gov.au.
  2. Submit your SkillSelect EOI: Lodge your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and select Tasmania as your preferred state. Keep your EOI current — you must meet all DHA criteria from ROI submission through to nomination date.
  3. Create a Gateway account and submit your ROI: Create an account at migration-apply.stategrowth.tas.gov.au and submit your Registration of Interest. You will receive an email confirming your ROI and your priority pass (Gold/Green/Orange-plus/Orange). The highest-ranked ROIs are invited weekly.
  4. Monitor weekly invitation results: Migration Tasmania publishes weekly invitation round data — including the lowest attribute score that received an invitation — at migration.tas.gov.au/news/processing_times_and_allocation_usage. This tells you how competitive your pass is in the current program environment. Orange pass ROIs expire after 6 months.
  5. Respond within 28 days and submit your visa application: If invited, log back into your Gateway account, upload all required supporting documents, and pay the service fee within 28 days. After lodgement you can update some documents until assigned to a case officer. If nomination is approved, DHA issues your visa invitation and you have 60 days to lodge your visa application.

Common Mistakes — Tasmania Skilled Migration

Most Tasmania applications fail for very predictable reasons

Dependants living interstate. Employment not within the same ANZSCO 3-digit group as skills assessment. Submitting an ROI too early with a low pass when waiting would yield a higher pass. Not checking weekly invitation data before applying. Choosing the wrong pathway.

  • Dependants living in another Australian state — this is a hard eligibility block. All dependants (except in limited circumstances) must be residing in Tasmania before you apply for nomination. This is one of Tasmania’s strictest and least-understood requirements
  • Employment not within the same ANZSCO 3-digit group as your skills assessment — Tasmania’s TSE pathway requires employment closely related to your skills assessment. Working as a Project Manager (2132) with a skills assessment for Computer Network Professional (2631) will not satisfy the requirement
  • Submitting with an Orange pass when waiting would qualify for Green or Gold — your ROI gets one priority pass that does not improve over time. If completing 3 more months of Tasmanian employment would earn you Gold pass (critical role), wait and submit with Gold rather than submitting now with Orange
  • Not monitoring the weekly cut-off scores — Migration Tasmania publishes what scores were invited each week. Before submitting your ROI, check whether your attribute score is likely to be competitive in the current allocation environment
  • Being nominated for 491 and expecting to get 190 later — if Tasmania nominates you for 491, you cannot be re-nominated for 190 through Tasmania. The pathway to permanent residency from 491 is through Subclass 191 after meeting 3-year regional requirements
  • Using migrationtasmania.com.au as the official source — this is a private law firm’s website, not the Tasmanian Government portal. The official government source is migration.tas.gov.au and the official application gateway is migration-apply.stategrowth.tas.gov.au
  • Assuming the overseas 491 pathway (OSOP) is open — it is not currently open for 2025–26 and is invitation-only. Migration Tasmania contacts eligible candidates directly. You cannot apply by submitting an ROI for this pathway.

Related Visas and Resources

  • State Nomination Hub — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination
  • Skilled Migration Hub — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration
  • Subclass 190 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-190
  • Subclass 491 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-491
  • Subclass 189 — visaadvisor.com.au/skilled-migration/subclass-189
  • NSW Skilled Migration — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination/nsw-subclass-190-491
  • SA Skilled Migration — visaadvisor.com.au/state-nomination/south-australia-subclass-190-491
  • Points Calculator — visaadvisor.com.au/tools/points-calculator
  • Check My Eligibility — visaadvisor.com.au/check-my-eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

The 2025–26 program is open but approaching the end of its allocation as of May 2026. As of March 2026, Migration Tasmania is temporarily pausing invitations for ROIs without a Gold pass while processing applications on hand. Gold pass ROIs continue to be invited. ROIs can continue to be submitted. Check migration.tas.gov.au/news/processing_times_and_allocation_usage — updated weekly — for current invitation status. Last verified: May 2026.

Yes. Metropolitan Hobart — and every other Tasmanian postcode — is classified as a designated regional area under the Department of Home Affairs regional framework. Tasmania is the only state where the entire jurisdiction qualifies as regional, including the capital city. Verified at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list/regional-postcodes.

When you submit a Registration of Interest, Migration Tasmania assesses your priority attributes and assigns a pass. Gold pass applicants are invited immediately (or within the next weekly round). Green pass applicants are likely invited within approximately 8 weeks. Orange pass applicants may be invited within 6 months — if not invited, the ROI expires automatically and must be resubmitted. The highest-ranked ROIs across all passes are invited first each week. Source: migration.tas.gov.au.

No. Migration Tasmania explicitly states that candidates nominated for a Subclass 491 visa will not be re-nominated for a permanent Subclass 190 by Tasmania in the future. If your strategy begins with 491, your pathway to permanent residency is through Subclass 191 after meeting three years of regional residence and income requirements — not through a fresh 190 nomination from Tasmania. Source: migration.tas.gov.au.

No. Migration Tasmania requires that your dependants are not living in another Australian state or territory. They must have moved and settled in Tasmania before you apply for nomination. This is one of Tasmania’s strictest requirements and is different from most other states. The only exception is that some circumstances may allow dependants who have not yet moved — check the detailed eligibility at migration.tas.gov.au before applying. Source: migration.tas.gov.au.

The Tasmanian Skilled Employment (TSE) pathway is for applicants currently living and working in Tasmania in a skilled role. You must have been working in Tasmania for at least 6 months at 20+ hours per week, in a role within the same ANZSCO 3-digit group as your skills assessment, in a genuine ongoing position with a 12-month contract (at least 3 months remaining at nomination). Health, allied health, and teaching occupations have reduced experience requirements of 3–6 months. Source: migration.tas.gov.au.

No. The Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles (OSOP) pathway for Subclass 491 is not currently open for 2025–26. Migration Tasmania has not finalised the occupation list for this pathway and is not accepting new ROIs. Tasmania contacts eligible overseas candidates directly when this pathway opens. The offshore 190 pathway (health/education job offer) remains open. Source: migration.tas.gov.au.

Weekly. Tasmania is unique among Australian states and territories in conducting weekly invitation rounds and publishing weekly data on the lowest attribute scores that resulted in an invitation. This data is available at migration.tas.gov.au/news/processing_times_and_allocation_usage and is updated weekly. Checking this data before submitting your ROI is strongly recommended. Source: migration.tas.gov.au.

Orange pass ROIs expire automatically 6 months after submission if no invitation has been issued. You will receive an automatic email notification. You must then complete a new ROI through the Gateway — a new submission date applies. Your attribute score should be reassessed at the time of resubmission, as your circumstances may have changed (more employment months, higher salary, etc.). Source: migration.tas.gov.au.

Ready to Explore Your Tasmania Skilled Migration Options?

Whether you are assessing your priority pass, choosing between TSE and TSG pathways, understanding the 491-to-190 re-nomination rule, checking the weekly invitation cut-off data, or preparing your ROI for the strongest possible pass — Visa Advisor can help you build a strategy that is accurate, well-timed, and avoids the mistakes that Tasmania’s strict residency and employment rules make so costly.

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Disclaimer
Information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. Tasmania nomination criteria, pathway eligibility, priority attribute settings, invitation data, and program allocations change regularly. The official government source for Tasmania skilled migration is migration.tas.gov.au — not migrationtasmania.com.au (a private law firm). Always verify current requirements at migration.tas.gov.au and immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before making decisions. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent. Visa Advisor Pty Ltd — MARA 0852408. Last reviewed: May 2026.