Which State Should I Nominate For: Australian PR 2026 Complete Guide
Ready to check where you stand before picking a state?
Calculate my score →How State Nomination Actually Impacts Your SkillSelect Score
Under Parts 6D.12 and 6D.13 of Schedule 6D in the Migration Regulations 1994, state and territory nomination can be a huge boost. The Subclass 190 gives you a solid 5-point bonus, whilst the Subclass 491 offers a massive 15-point bump for regional sponsorship. Keep in mind that these points are only officially applied when you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Department of Home Affairs, which happens after the state has confirmed your nomination.
A crucial reminder: No state will nominate you if your occupation isn't on their specific list, regardless of how many points you have.
How States Generally Prioritise Applicants:
- 1. Occupation Match: Is your job on their list?
- 2. Current Residency: Are you already living there? (Many states strongly prefer this).
- 3. Points Score: A higher score naturally makes you more competitive.
- 4. Local Employment: Are you already working in that state in your nominated field?
- 5. Genuine Commitment: Do you have a clear intention to settle there long-term?
State Selection Decision Matrix: Find Your Best Fit
Use this handy table to get a high-level view of which states might align best with your profile.
| State/Territory | 190 Places | 491 Places | Typical Fee | Residence Condition | Points Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | 2,100 | 1,500 | ~$330 | Usually requires offshore applicants to be in specific shortage sectors; locals preferred. | High |
| Victoria (VIC) | 2,700 | 700 | Check portal | Current policy requires onshore residence. | Highly Selective (ROI) |
| Western Australia (WA) | 2,000 | 1,400 | ~$200 | Strongly preferred. General streams often require an employment contract. | Moderate |
| Queensland (QLD) | 1,850 | 750 | ~$500 | Preferred; employment criteria apply. | Moderate to High |
| South Australia (SA) | 1,350 | 900 | ~$340 | Not strictly mandatory for all streams, but preferred. | Historically Accessible |
| Tasmania (TAS) | 1,200 | 650 | ~$220 | Preferred; genuine commitment to settle required. | Historically Accessible |
| Northern Territory (NT) | 850 | 800 | ~$300 | Not strictly mandatory for offshore; critical shortages focused. | Flexible for Shortages |
| Aust. Capital Territory (ACT) | 800 | 800 | ~$300 | Canberra Matrix requires local residence (often 6+ mths). | Moderate |
*Note: Allocation figures are based on the Department of Home Affairs 2025-26 data. Fees are approximate and change regularly; always check the specific state's official website for current costs. State criteria are temporary administrative settings, not permanent facts.
State-by-State Breakdown
New South Wales (NSW): Highly Competitive, Strong Economy
Pros:
- Largest economy in Australia, meaning a robust employment market.
- Received the largest overall allocation for 2025-26 (3,600 total places).
- Strong focus on healthcare, ICT, and engineering occupations.
Cons:
- Intense competition, applicants with strong connections to NSW are heavily favoured.
- Often requires higher points thresholds compared to smaller states.
- The nomination fee (approx. $330) is non-refundable.
Best for: IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers who are currently working in NSW, or offshore applicants in highly targeted shortage occupations.
Read our complete NSW 190 & 491 nomination guide →
Portal: migration.nsw.gov.au
Victoria (VIC), ROI System, Heavily Onshore Focused
Pros:
- Melbourne boasts Australia's second-largest economy.
- Strong allocation of 2,700 places for Subclass 190 in 2025-26.
- Excellent opportunities for healthcare, education, and tech professionals.
Cons:
- Current policy generally requires applicants to be living in Victoria (offshore is often heavily restricted).
- Relies on an ROI (Registration of Interest) system, meaning you can't apply directly.
- Highly selective, they assess the overall strength of your profile, not just your submission date.
Best for: Skilled professionals who are already living and working in Melbourne or regional Victoria and have strong profiles with high points.
Read our complete Victoria 190 & 491 nomination guide →
Portal: liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au
Western Australia (WA): Resource Boom & Regional Perks
Pros:
- Generous allocation with 3,400 total places for 2025-26 (tied with Victoria).
- The entirety of Perth qualifies as a regional area for the 491 visa.
- Historically lower nomination fees (approx. $200).
Cons:
- General streams typically require a formal 6-month employment contract in WA.
- Graduate streams generally mandate study at a WA institution.
- Strongly focusses on resources, trades, and healthcare; it can be tougher for other corporate professions.
Best for: Engineers, trades workers, and healthcare professionals willing to live in Perth or regional WA. It's an excellent 491 pathway for Perth-based applicants.
Read our complete Western Australia 190 & 491 nomination guide →
Portal: migration.wa.gov.au
Queensland (QLD): Solid Opportunities but High Fees
Pros:
- Healthy allocation of 2,600 total places for 2025-26.
- Both the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast count as regional areas for the 491 visa.
- Welcomes offshore applicants in specific sectors like healthcare and trades.
Cons:
- Nomination fees tend to be the highest in the country (approx. $500).
- The skilled worker stream often requires 6 months of ongoing Queensland employment.
- The graduate stream is strict about requiring study at a Queensland institution.
Best for: Healthcare professionals (including offshore), trades workers, and engineers involved in infrastructure or renewable energy.
Read our complete Queensland 190 & 491 nomination guide →
Portal: migration.qld.gov.au
South Australia (SA): Favourable for Regional Commitment
Pros:
- Historically competitive for a broader range of scores.
- The entire state, including Adelaide, is classed as regional for the 491 visa.
- Maintains comprehensive occupation lists, particularly strong in healthcare and agriculture.
Cons:
- Adelaide is a smaller job market than Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.
- Certain occupations require you to have worked in SA for 6 to 12 months first.
Best for: Applicants with solid base scores who are looking for a state with transparent, structured pathways. SA is often a great option if your score isn't quite hitting the aggressive thresholds seen in NSW or VIC.
Read our complete South Australia 190 & 491 nomination guide →
Portal: migration.sa.gov.au
Tasmania (TAS): The Regional Lifestyle Choice
Pros:
- Has historically offered accessible pathways for applicants committing to the state.
- The entire state is regional, giving you full geographic flexibility on a 491 visa.
- Provides multiple pathways including skilled worker, graduate, and established resident streams.
Cons:
- A smaller local economy means it can take longer to find employment in niche professions.
- You must demonstrate a genuine, long-term intention to settle in Tasmania.
- Generally lower average salaries compared to mainland capitals.
Best for: Applicants wanting a strong chance of nomination who are genuinely willing to build their life and career in Hobart or regional Tasmania.
Read our complete Tasmania 190 & 491 nomination guide →
Portal: migration.tas.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): The Canberra Matrix
Pros:
- Excellent quality of life and high-paying career opportunities, particularly in the public sector.
- The entire ACT qualifies as regional for the 491 visa.
- Strong demand for ICT, public administration, and healthcare roles.
Cons:
- Current policy demands strict residency: you usually need to have lived and worked in the ACT for at least 6 months for a 491, or longer for a 190.
- Uses the Canberra Matrix, a complex, unique scoring system separate from SkillSelect.
- Many occupations demand 'Proficient' English (PTE 65/IELTS 7) as a minimum.
Best for: Public sector workers, ICT professionals, and healthcare staff already living and established in Canberra.
Read our complete ACT 190 & 491 nomination guide →
Portal: act.gov.au/migration
Northern Territory (NT): Filling Critical Shortages
Pros:
- Offers very flexible pathways to help alleviate critical workforce shortages.
- Offshore applicants in high-demand occupations are often welcomed.
- Darwin qualifies as a regional area.
Cons:
- A much smaller economy with a limited job market for certain corporate or niche professions.
- The remote lifestyle and tropical climate might not suit everyone.
Best for: Healthcare workers, tradespeople, and educators willing to live and work in Darwin or regional NT. It remains one of the best pathways for offshore applicants in genuine shortage areas.
Read our complete NT 190 & 491 nomination guide →
Portal: theterritory.com.au/migrate
Should You Apply to Multiple States at Once?
Absolutely, if you genuinely meet multiple states' criteria, casting a wider net is a smart move. Applying simultaneously maximises your chances without hurting any single application, as each state assesses you independently. Just remember that if you're invited to apply by a state, you'll need to pay their nomination fee.
A Practical Strategy for Multiple Applications:
| Your Profile | Primary State Focus | Solid Backups |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate base points (e.g. 65–75) | South Australia or Tasmania | NT |
| Strong base points (e.g. 75–85) | Queensland or WA | SA, NSW |
| High points (85+) in ICT/Engineering | NSW or Victoria | WA, Queensland |
| Healthcare workers | WA, QLD, or TAS | SA, NT |
| Trades & Resources | WA or QLD | NT |
| Already working in a specific state | That state (e.g., VIC or ACT) | SA or TAS as backup if eligible |
How to Actually Apply: The Step-by-Step Process
Confirm your occupation is on the state's current list
Always check the state's official portal first, lists update dynamically throughout the year.
Double-check you meet all specific criteria
Look out for tricky residency conditions, employment minimums, English standards, and score thresholds.
Submit an EOI in SkillSelect
Make sure you tick the boxes for the specific states you want to express interest in.
Apply (or submit an ROI) to the state
Depending on the state, you might need to lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) or apply directly through their portal once invited.
Pay the state nomination fee
Once you're invited to apply for nomination, you'll pay a fee which is generally non-refundable.
Wait for the state's decision
Processing times usually vary between 2 and 12 weeks.
Receive your ITA from Home Affairs
If the state nominates you, SkillSelect will automatically issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA) with your extra +5 or +15 points applied.
Lodge your final visa application
You typically have 60 days to formally lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
⚠ It's worth repeating: Nomination fees are generally non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful. Only apply to states whose current criteria you genuinely meet.
FAQ
FAQ
Can I apply to multiple states for 190 nomination?
Which state is easiest to get 190 nomination in 2026?
Do I have to live in the state that nominates me forever?
What is the difference between 190 and 491 state nomination?
Want to see your score with those nomination points added?
Calculate My Score Now →Disclaimer:This is general information only. State nomination criteria change regularly and without notice. Please verify everything at each state's official migration portal before applying. This is not legal or migration advice. Reviewed by a MARA-registered migration agent.