Australia’s State and Territory Nomination Programs play a crucial role in the country’s skilled migration system. For many applicants who may not have enough points to qualify independently under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, state nomination can significantly increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Understanding how each Australian state and territory designs its nomination streams, occupation lists, and eligibility criteria is essential for choosing the right pathway.
Australia operates a federal migration system, but individual states and territories are empowered to nominate skilled migrants to meet local labour market needs. These nominations are typically linked to two major visa subclasses: Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Nomination provides additional points in the SkillSelect system, improving your ranking in the invitation pool.
This comprehensive guide compares each state and territory nomination program, explains eligibility trends, highlights occupation priorities, and provides strategic insights to help you determine the most suitable pathway.
Overview of State Nomination in Australia
State nomination is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration program, administered by the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and meet the eligibility criteria for the visa subclass before seeking nomination.
Official visa information is available through the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Key Visa Subclasses Linked to State Nomination
- Subclass 190: Skilled Nominated (permanent residency)
- Subclass 491: Skilled Work Regional (provisional visa leading to permanent residency)
Subclass 190 provides 5 additional points, while subclass 491 provides 15 additional points toward the points-tested system.
Factors That Differ Between States
Although all states operate under federal migration laws, nomination requirements differ based on:
- Occupation lists
- Minimum points thresholds
- English language requirements
- Work experience criteria
- Residency requirements
- Commitment to live and work in the state
- Graduate pathways
Understanding these differences is key to maximizing your success.
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales is one of the most competitive states due to high demand and limited quotas.
Key features:
- Focus on priority occupations
- Invitation-based nomination process
- Strong emphasis on high EOI scores
- Limited offshore pathways
NSW frequently prioritizes applicants with superior English and strong employment history in their nominated occupation.
Official information can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria operates a selective nomination program targeting sectors such as health, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Key features:
- Registration of Interest (ROI) system
- Sector-based occupation priorities
- Preference for candidates working in Victoria
- Focus on innovation and STEM roles
Victoria often requires applicants to demonstrate ongoing employment in the state.
Official details are available at https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland’s nomination program balances onshore and offshore applicants depending on labour shortages.
Key features:
- Separate streams for graduates and skilled workers
- Work experience requirements
- Regional occupation pathways
- Points thresholds that may exceed federal minimums
Queensland may require employment offers for certain occupations.
Information is available at https://migration.qld.gov.au.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia is known for offering flexible pathways, particularly for international graduates.
Key features:
- Extensive occupation list
- Graduates of South Australian institutions favored
- Lower points competitiveness compared to larger states
- Regional incentives
South Australia is often attractive for applicants seeking regional migration pathways.
Official website: https://www.migration.sa.gov.au.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia focuses on occupations aligned with mining, construction, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Key features:
- State nomination streams for WA graduates
- Employer-sponsored alignment pathways
- Regional incentives
- Experience requirements for some occupations
WA often distinguishes between metropolitan and regional occupation lists.
Official details: https://migration.wa.gov.au.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania prioritizes applicants with genuine commitment to living in the state.
Key features:
- Strong preference for long-term residents
- Employment-based nomination streams
- Limited offshore nomination
- Smaller quota leading to selective criteria
Applicants typically need to demonstrate employment or long-term residence in Tasmania.
Official site: https://www.migration.tas.gov.au.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT operates the Canberra Matrix system, ranking applicants based on employment, income, and skills.
Key features:
- Points-based matrix separate from SkillSelect
- Strong preference for Canberra residents
- Competitive selection rounds
- High income thresholds in some occupations
ACT nomination can be highly competitive but attractive for professionals already employed in Canberra.
Official information: https://www.act.gov.au.
Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory offers pathways for graduates and skilled workers willing to live in regional and remote areas.
Key features:
- Commitment requirements
- Employer support often necessary
- Smaller applicant pool
- Targeted occupation list
NT can be a viable option for applicants open to regional living.
Official website: https://theterritory.com.au.
State Nomination Comparison Summary
When comparing states, consider:
- Your current location
- Employment status
- Points score
- Occupation demand in each state
- Long-term settlement plans
States like NSW and Victoria are highly competitive but offer strong labour markets. South Australia and Tasmania may offer more accessible pathways but require genuine commitment to regional living.
Strategic Tips for Choosing the Right State
- Review occupation lists regularly as they change frequently
- Assess whether you qualify for graduate streams
- Evaluate your EOI score competitiveness
- Consider regional living requirements
- Monitor state quota announcements
Always verify criteria directly with official state migration websites before applying.
Conclusion
Australia’s State and Territory Nomination Programs provide valuable opportunities for skilled migrants seeking permanent residency. However, each state and territory has distinct requirements, occupation priorities, and competitiveness levels. Conducting a thorough state-by-state comparison allows applicants to align their profile with the most suitable pathway. By understanding nomination streams, maintaining competitive points scores, and demonstrating genuine commitment to a specific state, applicants can significantly improve their chances of receiving an invitation and securing Australian permanent residency.
Anjola Adebanjo