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State nomination for 2026-27: what Tanzanian skilled workers outside Australia can plan around

Visa guide · 2026-08-19 · 4 min read

If you need a decision today, here is the shortest version: Tasmania is the clearest, the ACT is smoother but unconfirmed, and Queensland is still waiting. For a skilled worker in Dar es Salaam or Arusha, the rest of this article explains why and what to prepare.

If you need clarity: Tasmania

• 2,050 nomination places are confirmed: 1,250 for subclass 190 and 800 for subclass 491, up from 1,200 and 650.
• Registrations of Interest reopened on 17 August 2026 and weekly invitations started on 20 August.
• Registering costs nothing; nomination now costs $387 plus GST, which is $425.70.
• Overseas applicants no longer receive subclass 491 invitations this year, a flow-on from Ministerial Direction 119.
• Overseas health professionals and teachers with a job offer from an eligible Tasmanian employer can still apply for the 190 through a Health or Education Sector Job Offer Pathway.

If a 491 application is already in the queue it will not convert. Withdraw it, lodge a fresh Registration of Interest for the 190 and accept that an invitation is not certain.

If you can wait for process improvements: the ACT

Canberra spent the lead-up rebuilding its systems. The new Migration Application portal went live on 30 July 2026 and replaces the old route for Canberra Matrix entries and nominations, with multi-factor login, a mobile-friendly interface, real-time tracking and edits after lodging. Earlier submissions carry over once you create a new account with the same email. The fee is $350: $25 for the Matrix and $325 for nomination. A Matrix entry lasts six months, extendable to twelve if you update it before it lapses; updating costs nothing but resets your tie-break position, because the most recent update wins. Expedited processing is available for expiring visas or documents, but only after an invitation. The allocation for 2026-27 is not confirmed and the occupation list is under review.

If you can wait longer: Queensland

Queensland has not opened yet because the final nomination allocation is outstanding. Fees went up from 1 July 2026 to $573 for offshore applicants and $630.30 including GST for onshore applicants, whether the invitation is for subclass 190 or 491. The advice for now is to have documents ready.

Employers in Far North Queensland

If your future employer uses the DAMA, you may hear about a 50% reduction on certain subclass 186 endorsement fees where a position is bundled with a subclass 482 position, and about asking for age or English concessions upfront because late additions can incur administration fees. Three aged care occupations, Personal Care Assistant, Nursing Support Worker and Aged or Disabled Carer, remain available for now, with a proposed variation that would remove them reportedly on hold.

Preparing from Tanzania

Collect NECTA and VETA or degree certificates, references and, if a police certificate is requested, one from the Tanzania Police Force. A Tanzanian qualification does not equal an Australian skills assessment or licence, so confirm what your occupation requires, and use a migration agent registered with the MARA to check your plan. A strong CV matters when employers nominate; Build AI CV is one tool for preparing yours, and the jobs page shows how roles are described.

Common mistakes this program year

People often rely on last year's rules, assume every state still invites offshore applicants, or forget that fees changed. Another trap is paying someone who cannot show registration with the MARA. Finally, many applicants ignore job-offer routes; the Tasmanian pathway for health professionals and teachers shows how much they can matter.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a job offer for Tasmania?

For the offshore 190 route, yes: health professionals and teachers need one from an eligible Tasmanian employer.

Why did the 491 close to overseas applicants in Tasmania?

It is a flow-on from Ministerial Direction 119's processing priorities.

Is the ACT cheaper than Queensland?

Fees are $350 in the ACT; Queensland is $573 offshore and $630.30, GST-inclusive, onshore.

What happens if I update my Matrix entry?

It stays valid longer but your tie-break position resets.

Is this only for Tanzanians?

No. Jobs are open to everyone; this article speaks to readers in Tanzania.

Key takeaways

• Tasmania offers the most clarity but a narrow route for people abroad.
• The ACT is easier to use but has no confirmed allocation.
• Queensland remains a waiting game, with higher fees.
• More context: why the national migration debate matters and New Zealand's trades pathways.

#state nomination #tanzanian #skilled workers #tasmania #2026-27 #fees