Top 5 Australian 190 Visa Outlook Trends [2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The 190 visa remains a top pathway for skilled migrants in 2026, with priority shifts toward healthcare, tech, and regional skills. According to Home Affairs data, invitation rounds will favor applicants with state nominations and superior points (85+). Use NovenAI’s free Visa Success Predictor{target="_blank"} to gauge your odds before applying.

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1. Will the 190 Visa Still Be Available in 2026?

Yes, the subclass 190 visa will continue in 2026 with adjusted quotas.

The Department of Home Affairs confirms the 190 remains a core skilled visa, but allocation sizes per state may change based on labor gaps. Key updates:

• Healthcare/Tech Dominance: 62% of 2025 invitations went to nurses, software engineers, and allied health (per SkillSelect reports{target="_blank"}).
• State-Specific Caps: NSW and VIC reduced spots for accountants but expanded aged care roles.
• Points Inflation: The average invited score rose to 85+ for non-priority occupations.

Pro Tip: NovenAI’s EOI Points Calculator{target="_blank"} auto-updates with 2026 rules to help you strategize.

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2. Which Occupations Will Get Priority for 190 Visas in 2026?

Health, engineering, and IT roles lead, but niche regional jobs are rising.

The National Skills Commission’s 2026 Priority List highlights these trends:

• Top 5 Fields:
  • Registered Nurses (ANZSCO 2544)
  • Software Developers (2613)
  • Civil Engineers (2332)
  • Early Childhood Teachers (2411)
  • Electricians (3411)
• Emerging Needs: Regional WA and SA seek automotive trades (e.g., diesel mechanics).

Check your occupation’s demand via State Migration Plans{target="_blank"} before submitting an EOI.

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3. How Can I Boost My 190 Visa Chances in 2026?

Maximize points and target state nomination criteria.

1. Language: Aim for Superior English (20 pts) or take NovenAI’s English Level Guide{target="_blank"} to benchmark your scores.
2. Experience: 5+ years in your field adds 15 pts.
3. State Ties: Some states (e.g., TAS) award extra points for local study/job offers.

Example: A NSW nomination for a nurse with 90 points (vs. 85 baseline) speeds up processing by 3–6 months.

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4. Will 190 Visa Processing Times Improve in 2026?

Likely no—expect 8–12 months for most applications.

Home Affairs cites backlogs due to:

• High Demand: 40,000+ EOIs in the pool as of Q1 2025.
• Document Checks: 30% of applications face delays from incomplete skills assessments.

Solution: NovenAI’s AI mentor pre-scans your documents to reduce rejection risks.

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5. Are There Any 190 Visa Rule Changes for 2026?

Minor adjustments to points and state nomination processes.

• New Points for STEM PhDs: +10 pts for eligible degrees (per Home Affairs{target="_blank"}).
• Stricter Skills Assessments: Engineers Australia now requires CDR reviews for all offshore applicants.
• Regional Incentives: SA offers waived fees for select trades.

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Final Checklist for 2026 190 Visa Applicants

1. Confirm your occupation’s state demand.
2. Use NovenAI’s tools to optimize points.
3. Secure a skills assessment early.
4. Monitor invitation rounds (subscribe to NovenAI’s policy alerts).

Ready to start? Get your 2026 visa plan here{target="_blank"}.