Preface:
Previously, the actual allocation data for state nominations had remained stagnant at the end of October. However, in the short span of just two months, many things have transpired. Victoria has been issuing invitations on time every month, Western Australia has experienced a resurgence, New South Wales has started to take action, South Australia has already informed applicants about the large volume of applications, and the Northern Territory recently announced it would stop accepting new applications.

As a result, many people are concerned: what’s the situation now?

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Main Body:

As the 2025-26 fiscal year reaches its halfway point, the Department of Home Affairs has officially announced the remaining state nomination quotas for this fiscal year as of today (January 20, 2025). Without discussing dreams and plans, let’s look at which states will "survive" the longest in the second half of the fiscal year and which might “close their doors” early.

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Victoria: Struggling with Over-Commitment, Quotas Running Low!

Victoria continues its usual intense efforts, with officials pushing themselves to the limit. In the two weeks following the completion of the Federal 189 invitations in November, they rushed to issue another round of ROI invitations. In just two months, 1,174 190 visas and 460 491 visas were granted, nearly overwhelming the daily workload!

However, problems have emerged:

• The remaining 190 quotas are less than 33%, and the 491 quota is less than 50%. How long can this last? Additionally, there was another round of invitations in January, though it wasn’t large, so the actual remaining quota may be even lower.
• If Victoria wishes to maintain its regular monthly invitation cycle, upcoming invitations may prioritize "priority occupations," so don’t expect every occupation to be included.

Suggestion:
For applicants in Victoria’s priority occupations, this is the last window of opportunity! If you haven’t received an invitation yet, now is the time to optimize your points, find a job, and take action. For those who already have a skills assessment, ensure your points are up to par and submit your ROI as soon as possible.

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New South Wales: Lazy and Slow, Can’t You Do Better?

New South Wales has a long-standing reputation for being “lazy,” but its policies and remaining quotas make it both frustrating and hopeful:

• Humanities applicants have been almost entirely "neglected," but the remaining quotas still provide hope for other applicants.
• Historically, New South Wales has never wasted its quota:
  • The 491 quota was expanded due to slow issuance, and they forced through additional occupations to use up the quota.
  • IT and engineering professionals, especially those with strong qualifications in computing, can now consider New South Wales as a viable option.

Warning:
New South Wales, please don’t repeat the “boom and bust” drama again. Can you please proceed steadily with monthly invitations?

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Western Australia: Surprising Pre-Invitations, Quota Dilemma Unresolved!

Western Australia has sufficient total quotas this fiscal year, but their methods are confusing—either very cautious or suddenly issuing nearly 5,000 pre-invitations, which could consume a large portion of the actual quota. While not all pre-invitations will convert into applications, even with a low conversion rate, it’s still a “quota consumption battle.”

Overall, Western Australia’s quota is sufficient, and they’ve stated that invitations will continue in January, with a high probability of issuance this week.

Suggestion:
Applicants in Western Australia should act now, as after the “pre-invitation harvest season,” there might not be any room left for you.

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Canberra: Huge Increase in Issuances? Believe it Once!

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has finally realized that their issuance rate has been too low. The mid-year review pointed out that various factors had led to fewer invitations in the first half of the year, but they will increase the issuance rate moving forward and promised large-scale invitations before February 14.

Key Reminder:
ACT applicants should get ready to submit their materials—don’t wait until the government starts "intensifying the competition" and find yourself unprepared.

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South Australia: Gone are the Glory Days, From Luxury to Frugality

South Australia is no longer as "carefree" as before. Judging from the fact that only 686 invitations were issued in the past two months, the second half of the fiscal year will likely be more cautious. It looks like it will be a prolonged battle.

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Other States’ "Survival Guides":

• Northern Territory: Closed, see you next fiscal year.
• Queensland: The quota is extremely limited, and not all of it is used up each year, but there are still sporadic opportunities for professions in the “three treasures” category and energy engineers.
• Tasmania: The quota is sufficient, and state graduates and work-related applicants still have a good chance, especially for applicants in "orange occupations." For those who don't disappoint Tasmania, Tasmania will not disappoint you.

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Conclusion:
Seize the final opportunity of the second half of the fiscal year! State nomination quotas are like an intense "race for spots," and you must act now before the quotas run out. Stop waiting and take action now!