State Nomination Australia 2026: Which States Are Currently Inviting?

State and territory nomination is the gateway to the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas — two of the most accessible pathways to Australian permanent residency for skilled migrants with 60–80 points. But state nomination is competitive, state-specific, and constantly changing. What was open last month may be closed today.

This guide explains how state nomination works, what each jurisdiction is looking for, and how to approach your nomination strategy effectively in 2026.

At Magpie Consultants, Umar Ashraf (MARN 2619222) monitors state nomination programs and helps skilled migrants identify and target the right states for their occupation and circumstances.

Important: State nomination policies change frequently — sometimes weekly. The information below reflects the general framework in 2026. Always verify current occupation lists and requirements directly with each state’s migration unit before applying.

How Does State Nomination Work?

State and territory governments have a nominated skills migration allocation each year — a certain number of nominations they can issue for Subclass 190 and 491 visas. Each state selects applicants based on:

• Whether the occupation is on their current skilled occupation list
• The applicant’s EOI score in SkillSelect
• Whether the applicant meets state-specific requirements (connection to the state, English level, work experience in the state)
• The state’s current skilled workforce priorities

The process is typically:

1. Submit your EOI in SkillSelect (Department of Home Affairs system)
2. Separately indicate your interest in state nomination via the state’s own online system (most states have their own portal)
3. If selected, the state invites you to apply for nomination
4. You submit a formal nomination application with supporting documents
5. If approved, the state nominates you and you receive a state nomination in SkillSelect
6. The Department then invites you to apply for the visa

State-by-State Overview: 190 and 491 Nomination in 2026

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW runs one of the largest skilled migration programs in Australia. It typically focuses on health, education, construction, engineering, and IT professionals. NSW is competitive — it attracts a large volume of EOIs and typically selects applicants with high points. NSW requires applicants to demonstrate a genuine connection to NSW (lived or worked there, or have a job offer). NSW does not run 491 nominations — it participates in the 190 program only.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria’s skilled migration program is run by Study Melbourne and the Skilled and Business Migration Branch. Victoria focuses on occupations where there are genuine skills shortages in the state. Victoria’s occupation lists are detailed and specific — applicants should check the exact criteria for their occupation, including any minimum work experience thresholds. Victoria runs both 190 and 491 programs. Some 491 nominations target regional Victoria (outside the Greater Melbourne area).

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland nominates for both 190 and 491 visas. The 491 regional program targets areas outside Greater Brisbane. Queensland has historically been receptive to a broad range of trade and professional occupations. Connection requirements can include employment or study ties to Queensland, or genuine intention to relocate.

South Australia (SA)

South Australia is one of the more accessible states for skilled migration — it has historically nominated at lower points thresholds than NSW or Victoria, particularly for occupations in healthcare, construction, and agriculture. SA runs both 190 and 491 programs. The state is actively seeking skilled workers to support its growing economy, particularly in renewable energy and defence industries.

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia has a strong demand for skilled workers in mining, construction, healthcare, and resources-related sectors. WA’s skilled migration program has been expanding in recent years as the state economy grows. WA typically requires applicants to have relevant skills for the Western Australian economy and may require evidence of a job offer or industry connections.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania has historically been one of the more accessible states for skilled migration — it typically has a smaller pool of EOIs for each nominated position. Tasmania focuses on occupations needed in the local economy including healthcare, tourism, hospitality, and agriculture. For the 491 program, Tasmania requires genuine intention to live and work in the state. Hobart is a designated regional area for 491 purposes.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT (Canberra) nominates for the 190 program. It typically focuses on professional occupations aligned with the public sector, IT, healthcare, and education. The ACT has specific requirements including ACT skills assessment scores and often a Canberra connection. The ACT is not a designated regional area — the 491 program does not apply.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT has genuine skills shortages and actively recruits skilled workers for Darwin and other centres. It nominates for both 190 and 491. The NT often has wider occupation lists and lower competition than major states. It is a designated regional area, making it accessible for 491 applicants. The NT requires a genuine intention to live and work in the territory.

How to Choose Which State to Target

Rather than applying randomly across all states, a strategic approach significantly increases your chances. Consider:

Is Your Occupation on the State’s List?

This is the first filter. If your occupation is not on a state’s current list, that state is not an option. State occupation lists change — check each state’s skilled migration website for the current list.

What Are the State’s Specific Requirements?

Some states require you to have worked or studied in the state. Others accept interstate applicants with a genuine intention to relocate. Understand these requirements before investing time in an application.

Where Is Competition Lower?

Smaller states (NT, TAS) and less popular regions generally have lower competition for nominations than NSW or Victoria. If your occupation is on their list, these may be the easiest path to a nomination even if they were not your first-choice destination.

Are You Willing to Live There?

For the 190 visa, you commit to living in the state for 2 years (for most states). For the 491, you commit to living in a regional area for 3 years. Be honest about whether you can and will meet this commitment — states do take it seriously.

190 vs 491 State Nomination: Key Differences

For more on the 190 vs 491 decision at different point levels, see: 189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Skilled Visa If You Have 70–75 Points?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be living in the state to get state nomination?

Not necessarily, but it depends on the state. Some states require you to already be living or working there. Others accept applicants who demonstrate a genuine and credible intention to relocate. Check the specific requirements for each state you are targeting.

Can I apply to multiple states at the same time?

Yes — you can indicate interest in multiple states simultaneously. This is a common strategy. However, each state’s requirements differ, and submitting a generic application to all states without meeting specific requirements is unlikely to succeed.

How long does state nomination take?

Processing times vary significantly. Some states process nominations within weeks; others take several months. Check the current processing times on each state’s skilled migration website.

What happens if I get nominated but my EOI is not invited by the Department?

State nomination adds points to your EOI score (5 for 190, 15 for 491) and increases the likelihood of a Department invitation. However, receiving a state nomination does not guarantee a Department invitation — you still compete in the SkillSelect pool. With a 190 or 491 nomination, your effective points are significantly boosted, making an invitation much more likely.

Can my family member in Australia sponsor me for a 491 visa?

Yes. If you have an eligible family member who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen living in a designated regional area, they can sponsor you for a 491 visa under the family sponsorship pathway. This bypasses the state nomination process entirely.

What if my state nomination application is refused?

State nomination refusals generally do not have a formal appeal mechanism within the state program. If refused, you can reapply once your circumstances change (e.g., higher points, state-specific connection), or target a different state with a more favourable occupation list for your field.

Key Takeaways

• State nomination opens the 190 and 491 pathways and adds 5 or 15 bonus points to your EOI score.
• State lists change constantly — check each state’s current occupation list before applying.
• Smaller states (NT, TAS, SA) often have lower competition for nomination — if your occupation is on their list, they can be the fastest path.
• Each state has specific requirements — a genuine connection to the state (work, study, or intention to relocate) is typically required.
• Targeting multiple states simultaneously is a valid and common strategy — maximise your chances by applying to every state where your occupation is listed.

Need Help Navigating State Nomination? Contact Magpie Consultants

State nomination strategy is one of the most fluid and consequential decisions in skilled migration. Getting expert guidance on which states to target, what evidence to provide, and how to position your application makes a real difference.

At Magpie Consultants, Umar Ashraf (MARN 2619222) monitors state nomination programs and helps skilled migrants build targeted nomination strategies. We advise in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi.

• Book a consultation: magpieconsultants.com.au/book-appointment
• Location: Office 3, 8/10 Childs Road, Epping VIC 3076, Melbourne

Related Articles

• 189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Skilled Visa If You Have 70–75 Points?
• Skills Assessment Refused: How to Appeal or Reapply
• Professional Year vs Regional Study Bonus: Which Gives More PR Points?
• 189 Visa Invitation Round June 2026: Occupations and Points Cut-offs

DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes only. State nomination occupation lists and requirements change frequently — always verify current information directly with the relevant state or territory skilled migration authority. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a MARA-registered migration agent. Umar Ashraf — MARN 2619222 — verify at mara.gov.au.

Umar Ashraf

MARA Registered Migration Agent & Education Consultant | MARA #2619222 | Epping, Melbourne VIC

Umar Ashraf is a MARA-registered migration agent specialising in complex cases, visa cancellations, ART tribunal appeals, and employer sponsorship. He provides consultations in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.

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