2025–2026 Skilled Migration Quotas and Invitations for Subclasses 189 and 190 Visas
Dear Department of Home Affairs,
I am writing to request access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth).
Since the commencement of the 2025–2026 financial year on 1 July 2025, there has been no public update regarding:
-The number of subclass 190 nominations allocated to Victoria;
-The planned number of subclass 189 invitations nationwide; and
-The release date of the program settings for the new financial year.
Accordingly, I seek access to the following documents created between 1 January 2025 and the date of this request:
1) Any final or draft documents that outline or estimate the planned number of:
a-Subclass 190 visa nominations for Victoria in 2025–2026; and
b-Subclass 189 invitations for the 2025–2026 financial year nationally.
2) Any ministerial briefs, internal memoranda, or communications that explain:
a-The expected timing for the release of these quotas and invitation rounds; and
b-The reasons for any delays in announcing or implementing the 2025–2026 program for subclass 189 and 190 visa by Victorian Government.
The lack of transparency in this process undermines procedural fairness, affects public trust, and has significant implications for migration planning, employment, and settlement decisions.
Yours faithfully,
Kelly
[1]Australian Government Department of Home Affairs logo
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References
 Visible links
 2. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-an...
 3. https://online.immi.gov.au/ola/app
 4. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-sup...
 5. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizens...
 6. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/al...
 7. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-sup...
 8. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/vi...
 9. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizens...
 10. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizens...
 11. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering...
 12. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-sup...
 13. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa...
 14. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-sup...
 15. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Visa...
 16. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa...
 17. file:///tmp/chttps:/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/applying-online-or-on-paper/online
 18. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
 19. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa...
 20. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
 21. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
 22. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
 23. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/ge...
 24. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/change-i...
 25. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-...
 26. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-...
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
 Personal-Privacy
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 25/07/00382
File Number: FA 2507/00382
Dear KELLY
Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information Access request
 This letter acknowledges that on 4 July 2025 the Department of Home
 Affairs (the Department ) received your request to access documents held
 by  the Department  under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI
 Act). This letter also provides important information about your request.
Scope of request
You have requested access to the following:
 Accordingly, I seek access to the following documents created between 1
 January 2025 and the date of this request:
 1) Any final or draft documents that outline or estimate the planned
 number of:
 a-Subclass 190 visa nominations for Victoria in 2025–2026; and
 b-Subclass 189 invitations for the 2025–2026 financial year nationally.
 2) Any ministerial briefs, internal memoranda, or communications that
 explain:
 a-The expected timing for the release of these quotas and invitation
 rounds; and
 b-The reasons for any delays in announcing or implementing the 2025–2026
 program for subclass 189 and 190 visa by Victorian Government.
 Your request has been allocated FOI request number FA 25/07/00382. Please
 include your FOI request number in all correspondence with the Freedom of
 Information Section.
Timeframe
 The timeframe for processing a request is 30 days from the day we receive
 your request, as set out in the FOI Act.
 Your review rights in relation to your request are available on [1]Freedom
 of information reviews | OAIC.
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 Charges do not apply to requests from individuals seeking access to
 documents about themselves. However, a charge may apply to all other
 requests for access to documents.
 Charges are based on the amount of time the Department spends on your
 request. Charges can range from $10 to over $1,000 depending on the
 complexity and scope of your request. The Office of the Australian
 Information Commissioner reported that across the public service, the
 average charge notified was $335.50 in 2020-21.
 If a charge applies, you will be issued with a Notice of Charge that
 explains the charge and your options.
 Detailed information about FOI charges that may apply to your FOI request
 is available on [2]the Department’s website.
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How to reduce or withdraw your request
 Reducing the scope of your request can reduce the time and charges
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Contacting the FOI Section
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 [Department of Home Affairs request email].
Kind regards,
 Varsha
 Authorised FOI Officer, Freedom of Information
 Position Number 60204567
Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch
Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs
E: [4][Department of Home Affairs request email]
 Personal-Privacy
 OFFICIAL: Sensitive
 Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
 the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received
 this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
 attachments immediately.  This email, including attachments, may contain
 confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
  
 Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information
 by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. 
 The Department of Home Affairs, the ABF and the National Emergency
 Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the
 Privacy Act 1988.  
 Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this
 email.
References
 Visible links
 1. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
 2. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-an...
 3. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
 4. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 25/07/00382 
File Number: FA25/07/00382 
 
Dear Kelly,
I refer to your request received on 04 July 2025 for access to documents under the FOI Act. 
 
The current due date for your request is 03 August 2025. The Department seeks your agreement under section 15AA of the FOI Act to extend the timeframe for the processing of your request by 30 days. This would extend the due date for your request to 02 September 2025. 
 
The reason we are seeking an extension of time is due to demand for Departmental documents is high and we continue to experience increasing volumes of incoming requests particularly in recent months. Each request received by the Department is managed in the context of this large volume which can impact the timeliness of our decisions and as such we seek agreement from applicants on extensions of time where possible. We are endeavouring to ensure, as an applicant, you understand the likely timeframe for your request to be finalised. We continue to try to process requests as quickly as possible regardless of if an extension is provided.
If you could please provide a response to this request by close of business, 10 July 2025
 
Kind Regards,
Varsha
Authorised FOI Officer, Freedom of Information 
Position Number 60204567
Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch
Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs 
E: [Department of Home Affairs request email]
Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly <[FOI #13366 email]> 
Sent: Friday, 4 July 2025 5:35 PM
To: FOI <[Department of Home Affairs request email]>
Subject: CM: Freedom of Information request - 2025–2026 Skilled Migration Quotas and Invitations for Subclasses 189 and 190 Visas
Dear Department of Home Affairs,
I am writing to request access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth).
Since the commencement of the 2025–2026 financial year on 1 July 2025, there has been no public update regarding:
-The number of subclass 190 nominations allocated to Victoria;
-The planned number of subclass 189 invitations nationwide; and
-The release date of the program settings for the new financial year.
Accordingly, I seek access to the following documents created between 1 January 2025 and the date of this request:
1) Any final or draft documents that outline or estimate the planned number of:
a-Subclass 190 visa nominations for Victoria in 2025–2026; and
b-Subclass 189 invitations for the 2025–2026 financial year nationally.
2) Any ministerial briefs, internal memoranda, or communications that explain:
a-The expected timing for the release of these quotas and invitation rounds; and
b-The reasons for any delays in announcing or implementing the 2025–2026 program for subclass 189 and 190 visa by Victorian Government.
The lack of transparency in this process undermines procedural fairness, affects public trust, and has significant implications for migration planning, employment, and settlement decisions.
Yours faithfully,
Kelly
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #13366 email]
Is [Department of Home Affairs request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Department of Home Affairs? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and attachments immediately. This email, including attachments, may contain confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. The Department of Home Affairs, the ABF and the National Emergency Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this email.
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 25/07/00382 
File Number: FA25/07/00382 
 
Dear Kelly,
I refer to your request received on 04 July 2025 for access to documents under the FOI Act. 
 
The current due date for your request is 03 August 2025. The Department seeks your agreement under section 15AA of the FOI Act to extend the timeframe for the processing of your request by 30 days. This would extend the due date for your request to 02 September 2025. 
 
The reason we are seeking an extension of time is due to demand for Departmental documents is high and we continue to experience increasing volumes of incoming requests particularly in recent months. Each request received by the Department is managed in the context of this large volume which can impact the timeliness of our decisions and as such we seek agreement from applicants on extensions of time where possible. We are endeavouring to ensure, as an applicant, you understand the likely timeframe for your request to be finalised. We continue to try to process requests as quickly as possible regardless of if an extension is provided.
If you could please provide a response to this request by close of business, 14 July 2025
 
Kind Regards,
Varsha
Authorised FOI Officer, Freedom of Information Position Number 60204567 Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch Legal Group Department of Home Affairs
E: [Department of Home Affairs request email]
Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
-----Original Message-----
From: FOI 
Sent: Monday, 7 July 2025 10:48 AM
To: Kelly <[FOI #13366 email]>
Subject: CM: FOI request FA 25/07/00382 - Request for Extension of time – Response Due 10 July 2025 [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Personal-Privacy]
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 25/07/00382 
File Number: FA25/07/00382 
 
Dear Kelly,
I refer to your request received on 04 July 2025 for access to documents under the FOI Act. 
 
The current due date for your request is 03 August 2025. The Department seeks your agreement under section 15AA of the FOI Act to extend the timeframe for the processing of your request by 30 days. This would extend the due date for your request to 02 September 2025. 
 
The reason we are seeking an extension of time is due to demand for Departmental documents is high and we continue to experience increasing volumes of incoming requests particularly in recent months. Each request received by the Department is managed in the context of this large volume which can impact the timeliness of our decisions and as such we seek agreement from applicants on extensions of time where possible. We are endeavouring to ensure, as an applicant, you understand the likely timeframe for your request to be finalised. We continue to try to process requests as quickly as possible regardless of if an extension is provided.
If you could please provide a response to this request by close of business, 10 July 2025
 
Kind Regards,
Varsha
Authorised FOI Officer, Freedom of Information Position Number 60204567 Privacy, FOI and Records Management Branch Legal Group Department of Home Affairs
E: [Department of Home Affairs request email]
Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly <[FOI #13366 email]>
Sent: Friday, 4 July 2025 5:35 PM
To: FOI <[Department of Home Affairs request email]>
Subject: CM: Freedom of Information request - 2025–2026 Skilled Migration Quotas and Invitations for Subclasses 189 and 190 Visas
Dear Department of Home Affairs,
I am writing to request access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth).
Since the commencement of the 2025–2026 financial year on 1 July 2025, there has been no public update regarding:
-The number of subclass 190 nominations allocated to Victoria;
-The planned number of subclass 189 invitations nationwide; and
-The release date of the program settings for the new financial year.
Accordingly, I seek access to the following documents created between 1 January 2025 and the date of this request:
1) Any final or draft documents that outline or estimate the planned number of:
a-Subclass 190 visa nominations for Victoria in 2025–2026; and
b-Subclass 189 invitations for the 2025–2026 financial year nationally.
2) Any ministerial briefs, internal memoranda, or communications that explain:
a-The expected timing for the release of these quotas and invitation rounds; and
b-The reasons for any delays in announcing or implementing the 2025–2026 program for subclass 189 and 190 visa by Victorian Government.
The lack of transparency in this process undermines procedural fairness, affects public trust, and has significant implications for migration planning, employment, and settlement decisions.
Yours faithfully,
Kelly
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #13366 email]
Is [Department of Home Affairs request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Department of Home Affairs? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and attachments immediately. This email, including attachments, may contain confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. The Department of Home Affairs, the ABF and the National Emergency Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this email.
Dear Varsha,
Subject: FOI Request: FA 25/07/00382 – Scope Clarification and Response to Extension Request
I wish to narrow the scope of my request. I am now seeking access only to the document that outline or discuss the planned or actual nomination quotas for the subclass 189 and 190 visas for the 2025–2026 financial year in Victoria.
Furthermore, I do not request access to the other documents.
Regarding your request to extend the processing timeframe under section 15AA of the FOI Act, I kindly object to an extension to 2 September 2025, given the my requests is only a copy paste request of specific numbers.
Kind regards,
Kelly
Our reference: RQ25/04073
Agency reference: fa 25/07/00382
 Agency name: Department of Home Affairs
 By Email: [1][Department of Home Affairs request email]
 Applicant Name: Kelly
 By Email: [2][FOI #13366 email]
Extension of time under s 15AB
Dear Parties,
 Please find attached an extension of time decision relating to the above
 referenced FOI request.
Kind regards,
[3][IMG] Melih Sayan
Assistant Review Advisor
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Sydney NSW | GPO Box 5288 Sydney NSW 2001
P 1300 363 992 E [4][email address]
Notice:
 The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
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 professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
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 switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
 time) and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
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References
 Visible links
 1. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
 2. mailto:[FOI #13366 email]
 3. https://www.oaic.gov.au/
 4. mailto:[email address]
Dear OAIC - FOI DR,
There is still no answer and due date for the answer was 22/08/2025.
Yours sincerely,
Kelly
OFFICIAL
Dear Kelly
FOI request FA 25/07/00382
 I refer to your FOI request received on 4 July 2025, seeking access to the
 following: I am now seeking access only to the document that outline or
 discuss the planned or actual nomination quotas for the subclass 189 and
 190 visas for the 2025–2026 financial year in Victoria
 The Department has made a decision on this request. Please find attached
 the decision record.
This request has now been closed.
Regards
 Slavica
 Position no: 60202839
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
Privacy, FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs
Email: [1][Department of Home Affairs request email]
OFFICIAL
 Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
 the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received
 this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
 attachments immediately.  This email, including attachments, may contain
 confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
  
 Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information
 by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. 
 The Department of Home Affairs, the ABF and the National Emergency
 Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the
 Privacy Act 1988.  
 Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this
 email.
References
 Visible links
 1. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]