State Nomination — Which Australian State Gives You the Best Shot at PR?

State and territory nomination can be the difference between getting PR and missing out. Each state has different requirements, occupation lists, and priorities.

How State Nomination Works

States nominate skilled workers to fill their specific labour market needs. In return for the nomination:

• 190 visa: You commit to living in that state for 2 years
• 491 visa: You commit to living in a regional area for 3 years

The Trade-Off

State nomination gives you extra points (5 for 190, 15 for 491), but you must meet the state's specific criteria, which often include:

• Being on their occupation list
• Having job offers or experience in that state
• Meeting English and points requirements higher than federal minimums

State-by-State Overview

New South Wales

Focus: Health, engineering, IT, education Competition: High — largest state, most applicants Key points:

• Separate lists for Sydney and regional NSW
• Often requires job offer or strong NSW connection
• Higher points thresholds than some states

Victoria

Focus: Health, engineering, sciences, IT Competition: High — popular destination Key points:

• Targets occupations in shortage
• Values Victorian work experience or study
• Regular program updates

Queensland

Focus: Health, trades, regional development Competition: Medium Key points:

• Strong regional program
• Growing economy (2032 Olympics boost)
• Different criteria for Brisbane vs regional QLD

South Australia

Focus: Broad range, regional focus Competition: Medium-low Key points:

• More occupations available than other states
• Regional bonus points for Adelaide study
• Pathway for lower-points candidates

Western Australia

Focus: Mining, engineering, health, trades Competition: Medium Key points:

• Strong resources sector demand
• WASMOL (WA Skilled Migration Occupation List)
• Graduate pathway available

Tasmania

Focus: Regional development, broad skills Competition: Lower Key points:

• Easier pathway for many occupations
• Entire state is regional
• Strong international student support

Northern Territory

Focus: Health, education, trades Competition: Lower Key points:

• Smaller population, fewer applicants
• DAMA agreements for some roles
• Regional designation throughout

ACT

Focus: Government-adjacent skills, IT, health Competition: Medium-high Key points:

• Matrix-based system
• Canberra is becoming more competitive
• Smaller allocation than larger states

Choosing Your State

Consider

1. Is your occupation on their list? — Most important factor
2. Do you have connections? — Study, work, family in that state?
3. Job market — Can you find work in your field there?
4. Lifestyle fit — Climate, cost of living, community
5. Processing times — Some states are faster than others

Strategy

• Apply to multiple states if eligible
• Be flexible — the "right" state might not be your first choice
• Monitor list changes — occupations get added/removed regularly
• Consider regional areas for easier pathways

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Important: State nomination criteria change frequently. Always check the official state migration websites for current requirements. This guide is for general planning purposes only.