Overview of Australian Subclass 190 / 491 State Nomination
Under Australia’s skilled migration program, the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) are two important points-tested skilled migration visa pathways.
If you are considering skilled migration to Australia through subclass 190 visa or 491 visa, you will generally need to obtain a nomination from an Australian State or Territory Government. Eligible applicants may then receive an invitation to apply for the relevant visa.
However, each Australian State and Territory establishes its own nomination criteria based on local workforce priorities and migration needs. As a result, applicants with similar circumstances may have significantly different prospects of receiving a nomination depending on the State or Territory.
Before applying for subclass 190 or 491 State nomination, applicants should therefore consider their individual circumstances against the latest nomination requirements across different States and Territories to identify the most suitable pathway.
What is state nomination?
State nomination helps you to obtain a skilled migration visa from the Australian Government. The State Governments nominates skilled migrants who are willing to live and work in their state and who have the skills and experience required by the state.
To receive State nomination you must have an occupation featured on the State Nominated Occupation List and meet all the state and federal
What are the state nomination benefits?
The benefits of state nomination are:
- Priority visa processing with the Department of Home Affairs.
- You’ll receive 5 points for a 190 – Skilled Nominated visa towards the Department of Home Affairs points test.
- You’ll receive 15 points for a 491 – Skilled Work Regional visa – Provisional towards the Department of Home Affairs points test.
- Access to a more extensive occupation list.
- An opportunity to live and work in the state that has nominated you.
New South Wales – NSW
Home to Sydney on Australia’s east coast. As Australia’s largest economic centre, NSW attracts many skilled migrants and state nomination can be highly competitive.
Victoria – VIC
Home to Melbourne in south-eastern Australia. Victoria has a diverse economy and strong job market, making its state nomination program popular and relatively competitive.
Western Australia – WA
Home to Perth on Australia’s west coast. WA has a strong resources-driven economy and growing demand across construction, healthcare and other skilled occupations.
Tasmania – TAS
An island state south of mainland Australia, home to Hobart. Tasmania’s nomination program often focuses on applicants with genuine employment, study or other ties to the state.
Australia
Australia
South Australia – SA
Home to Adelaide in southern Australia. South Australia offers a smaller and more accessible labour market, with state nomination focused on local skills and workforce needs.
Northern Territory – NT
Home to Darwin in northern Australia. With a smaller population and labour market, NT nomination generally focuses on local workforce needs and genuine commitment to the Territory.
Australian Capital Territory – ACT
Home to Canberra, Australia’s capital city. The ACT has a strong professional and government sector and operates its own competitive skilled migration nomination system.
Queensland – QLD
Home to Brisbane and the Gold Coast in north-eastern Australia. Queensland’s growing economy creates opportunities across many industries, with strong interest in state nomination.
