The Tasmanian Government has announced significant updates to the 2026–27 Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program, with new eligibility requirements, revised priority attributes, updated income thresholds, and changes to supporting documentation.
These changes affect applicants seeking nomination under the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491).
If you are planning to apply for Tasmanian state nomination, understanding these updates is essential.
Tasmania Receives 2,050 Nomination Places
For the 2026–27 program year, Tasmania has received:
- 1,250 nomination places for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
- 800 nomination places for the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa
Major Changes to Eligibility Requirements
Several important updates have been introduced across the Tasmanian Skilled Employment, Tasmanian Skilled Graduate, Tasmanian Established Resident and Business Operator pathways.
Key changes include:
- Applicants who meet the Subclass 190 pathway requirements but are not eligible for a Subclass 190 visa due to skills assessment or SkillSelect point limitations may still submit a Registration of Interest (ROI). If approved, they may instead receive nomination for the Subclass 491 visa.
- References to the previous salary requirement have been replaced with a new “Priority Income Level.”
- Business income thresholds have been updated in line with the increased Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Updated Income Thresholds
The revised income levels include:
- Priority Income Level: $57,000 per year or $28.85 per hour
- TSMIT: $79,423 per year
- 90% of TSMIT: $71,480 per year
- Average Annual Earnings: $106,600 per year
These figures are now used across several nomination pathways and priority attributes.
Changes to the Tasmanian Skilled Employment (TSE) Pathway
Applicants under the Tasmanian Skilled Employment pathway will notice several important changes:
- Gold priority now requires applicants to have worked in Tasmania for the past six months, with at least one job providing a minimum of 30 hours per week.
- New point allocations have been introduced for different employment durations.
- Greater emphasis has been placed on Tasmanian employment as an indicator of long-term settlement.
- Some previous industry experience attributes have been reduced in priority.
Updates for Tasmanian Skilled Graduates
Graduates will benefit from several new priority attributes, including:
- Additional points for applicants who have lived, studied and worked only in Tasmania.
- New Orange-Plus priority attributes for employment directly related to Tasmanian study.
- Increased points for higher salary levels.
- Recognition of employment gained before graduation where it meets eligibility requirements.
Changes for Established Residents
The Tasmanian Established Resident pathway now includes:
- New priority attributes for applicants with two years’ industry experience while earning above the Priority Income Level.
- Additional points for applicants who have only lived in Tasmania during their Australian residence.
- New scoring options for applicants earning below the Priority Income Level.
Important Employment Rule Changes
Migration Tasmania has clarified several employment assessment rules, including:
- Employment must generally average at least 20 hours per week.
- Multiple jobs may be combined to meet minimum hours in some pathways; however, each job must independently satisfy income requirements where applicable.
- Annual leave, personal leave and maternity leave may count towards eligible employment if residency requirements are maintained.
- Significant employment gaps may reset qualifying employment periods.
New Occupation-Specific Rules
Additional guidance has been introduced for certain occupations.
Massage Therapists
From 1 December 2026, employment will only be recognised where work is performed in health, allied health, aged care or disability care settings.
Motor Mechanics and Auto Service Technicians
From 1 December 2026, stricter employer eligibility requirements will apply.
Applicants may also be required to provide additional evidence, including manufacturer training certificates, diagnostic reports and customer service records.
Stronger Employment Verification
Migration Tasmania has introduced additional measures to verify genuine employment.
Applications may receive additional scrutiny where:
- Employment appears inconsistent with the employer’s business.
- Unusual financial transactions exist between employer and employee.
- Salary arrangements do not align with market rates.
Applicants must also demonstrate that wages comply with the relevant Australian award or enterprise agreement.
Supporting Document Updates
Several supporting document requirements have been strengthened.
Applicants may now need to provide:
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO) superannuation payment statements.
- Casual employment summaries (where multiple casual jobs are claimed).
- Evidence confirming pay rates meet applicable award requirements.
- USI transcripts for eligible VET graduates.
- Additional evidence for PhD research claims.
What These Changes Mean for Skilled Migrants
The 2026–27 changes place a stronger emphasis on:
- Genuine long-term employment in Tasmania
- Employment related to skills assessments or Tasmanian study
- Higher income levels
- Strong evidence supporting employment claims
- Long-term commitment to living and working in Tasmania
Applicants should carefully review the updated eligibility criteria before lodging a Registration of Interest or nomination application.
Need Help with Your Tasmania Skilled Migration Application?
At EMK Global Education & Migration, our registered migration professionals can assess your eligibility, explain the latest policy updates, and help you prepare a strong application for Tasmanian State Nomination under the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa pathways.
Contact EMK Global today for expert migration advice and personalised assistance.
