Question 1

What is state nomination for an Australian skilled visa?

Accepted Answer

State nomination is an endorsement from an Australian state or territory government that allows a skilled migrant to apply for the Subclass 190 (permanent) or Subclass 491 (regional provisional) visa. In return for nominating you, the state expects you to live and work there for a set period. Nomination adds +5 points to a 190 applicant's score and +15 points to a 491 applicant's score in the SkillSelect points test.

Question 2

What is the difference between the 190 and 491 state nomination streams?

Accepted Answer

The Subclass 190 is a permanent visa — successful applicants become permanent residents immediately. Nomination for the 190 adds 5 points to your score. The Subclass 491 is a provisional 5-year visa requiring you to live and work in a regional area; it adds 15 points and provides a pathway to the Subclass 191 permanent visa after 3 years. Most states offer both streams but the 491 is typically limited to regional areas outside major cities.

Question 3

Which state is easiest to get nominated by in Australia?

Accepted Answer

There is no single 'easiest' state — each state has its own occupation list, eligibility criteria, and available places. Western Australia and Queensland are generally considered more open to a broader range of occupations including trades and resources. New South Wales is the most competitive due to demand. Victoria uses an internal scoring system that factors in occupation demand and ties to the state. The best state for you depends on your occupation, skills score, and personal circumstances.

Question 4

Do I need to already live in Australia to get state nomination?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Most states accept both offshore (overseas) and onshore (already in Australia) applicants. However, having existing ties to the state — such as current employment, previous study, or family in the state — can strengthen your application. Some states weight state ties heavily in their internal assessment, particularly Victoria.

Question 5

How long does state nomination take?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary by state and change based on demand. Some states process nominations within a few weeks during an open round; others operate on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system and may take months. Each state publishes indicative timelines on their migration portal. Once nominated, you must receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days and lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.

State	190 Available	491 Available	Nomination Portal	Unique Feature
Queensland	Yes	Yes	migration.qld.gov.au	Healthcare & construction priority
New South Wales	Yes	Yes (excl. Greater Sydney)	NSW nomination portal	Most competitive state
Victoria	Yes	Yes (excl. Melbourne metro)	skillsandemployment.vic.gov.au	Internal scoring system
Western Australia	Yes	Yes (excl. Perth metro)	migration.wa.gov.au	Mining & resources occupations

Australian State Nomination Guides 2026

QLD State Nomination 2026

NSW State Nomination 2026

VIC State Nomination 2026

WA State Nomination 2026

State Nomination at a Glance

Not sure which state is right for your nomination?