Tasmania Skilled Migration changes 2026–27

Tasmania has introduced significant updates to its 2026–27 Skilled Migration Program, bringing changes that affect both Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) applicants.

The new policy aims to reward genuine employment, strengthen the integrity of the migration program, and provide clearer pathways for applicants who have studied and worked in Tasmania.

Here’s a detailed overview of the key changes and what they mean for prospective migrants.

Greater Flexibility for the 190 Pathway

One of the most welcome changes is that applicants who apply under the Subclass 190 pathway but do not meet the final requirements for a 190 nomination—such as insufficient SkillSelect points or an issue with their skills assessment—may still be considered for a Subclass 491 nomination.

This provides applicants with an additional opportunity to receive state nomination instead of starting the process again under a different pathway.

Higher Priority Income Threshold

Tasmania has increased its priority income level.

Applicants seeking priority processing should now earn at least:

• $57,000 per year, or
• $28.85 per hour

Meeting this threshold may improve an applicant’s competitiveness when seeking state nomination.

TSE Gold Requirements Have Changed

The Tasmanian Skilled Employment (TSE) Gold pathway now has stricter employment requirements.

Applicants must now:

• Complete at least six months of employment in Tasmania
• Work 30 hours per week
• Work those hours in one single job

This ensures that applicants demonstrate stable and ongoing employment within Tasmania.

More Points for Longer Skilled Employment

Tasmania now rewards applicants who have accumulated longer periods of employment directly related to their skills assessment.

Applicants with 9–18 months of relevant employment can receive substantially higher priority than before.

This encourages migrants to establish stronger employment histories before seeking nomination.

Major Benefits for Tasmanian Skilled Graduates

Graduates who remain in Tasmania and obtain employment related to their studies can receive significant additional points.

Employment Related to Tasmanian Study

These changes strongly encourage international graduates to remain and build their careers in Tasmania.

Additional 15 Priority Points

Applicants who have:

• lived,
• studied, and
• worked

only in Tasmania may now receive an additional 15 priority points under the relevant graduate or resident pathways.

This recognises applicants who have made Tasmania their long-term home.

Work Before Graduation May Count

Another positive update is that employment completed before graduation can now count toward eligibility.

However, the work must:

• be relevant to the qualification,
• satisfy all pathway requirements, and
• demonstrate a genuine connection between the qualification and employment.

Stronger Requirement for Study-Related Employment

Tasmania will now examine employment more closely.

To claim employment as related to your studies, there must be a clear and substantial connection between:

• the subjects you studied, and
• the duties you actually perform at work.

Simply working in the same industry may no longer be sufficient.

Updated Minimum Employment Requirements

The program now specifies minimum working hours more clearly.

General Applicants

• Minimum 20 hours per week

Graduates Working During Study

• Average 9 hours per week

TSE Gold

• Minimum 30 hours per week
• Must be in one job

Rules for Multiple Jobs

Applicants can usually combine hours from multiple jobs to satisfy employment requirements.

However:

• Lower-paid employment cannot be combined with higher-paid work simply to reach the required income threshold.

Applicants should ensure each claimed position genuinely meets the program requirements.

Stricter Salary Assessment

Tasmania has clarified how salaries will be assessed.

Annual salary calculations are generally based on:

• 38 hours per week

For casual employees:

• only the base hourly rate is used,
• casual loading is excluded when calculating salary thresholds.

Greater Scrutiny of Employment Arrangements

Tasmania has announced closer examination of employment arrangements that appear unusual or non-genuine.

Applicants should expect increased verification of:

• employment duties,
• employer arrangements,
• working hours,
• salary payments, and
• business legitimacy.

Providing accurate and genuine documentation is now more important than ever.

New Occupation Restrictions from 1 December 2026

From 1 December 2026, additional restrictions will apply for employment claimed as related to studies for certain occupations, including:

• Massage Therapists
• Motor Mechanics
• Service Technicians

Applicants in these occupations should carefully review the updated requirements before relying on employment for nomination eligibility.

Stronger Evidence Requirements

Supporting documentation requirements have also become stricter.

Applicants may now need to provide:

• ATO superannuation statements
• Proof of the correct award or employment classification
• Employment-hour summaries for multiple casual jobs
• Additional evidence confirming genuine employment

Preparing complete documentation early can help avoid unnecessary delays.