State nomination can add 5-15 points to your points score and open up visa opportunities even if you don't meet the standard 189 requirements. Each state has different requirements and occupation lists.
Understanding State Nomination
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
- Adds 5 points to your score
- Permanent residency from day one
- Must live in nominating state for 2 years
- Can then move anywhere in Australia
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
- Adds 15 points to your score
- 5-year provisional visa
- Must live and work in regional area for 3 years
- Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191)
State Comparison
New South Wales (NSW)
Pros:
- Largest economy and job market
- Sydney is Australia's largest city
- Diverse industries
Cons:
- Highly competitive
- Higher cost of living
- Higher points requirements
Key Requirements:
- Generally 90+ points for popular occupations
- Must have job in nominated occupation or closely related
- Stream for graduates with Australian qualifications
Victoria
Pros:
- Melbourne offers excellent lifestyle
- Strong job market
- Cultural diversity
Requirements:
- 80+ points typically competitive
- Pathway program for recent graduates
- Industry-specific streams
Queensland
Pros:
- Growing economy
- Lower cost of living than Sydney/Melbourne
- Great climate
Requirements:
- 70+ points may be sufficient
- Regional opportunities with lower requirements
- General skilled migration stream
South Australia
Pros:
- Lower points requirements
- Generous nomination criteria
- Adelaide is affordable
Requirements:
- 65-70 points may be sufficient
- Talent and Innovator Program
- Strong focus on regional migration
Western Australia
Pros:
- Mining and resources opportunities
- High salaries
- Perth lifestyle
Requirements:
- Graduate occupation list
- General stream
- Recent policy updates favor graduates
Tasmania
Pros:
- Lower requirements
- Beautiful environment
- Lower cost of living
Requirements:
- Job offer not always required
- Pathways for overseas applicants
- Regional visa options
ACT (Australian Capital Territory)
Pros:
- Canberra Matrix system
- Points for local connections
Requirements:
- Must live in ACT for nomination
- Matrix system assigns points
- Regular invitations
Northern Territory
Pros:
- Most accessible nomination
- Growing opportunities
Requirements:
- Lower points threshold
- Job offer pathway
- MINT program
How to Choose
Consider:
- Your occupation demand in each state
- Your points score
- Cost of living
- Job market in your field
- Lifestyle preferences
- Family and friends' location
Application Process
- Check state occupation lists
- Meet state-specific requirements
- Submit state nomination application
- Receive nomination
- Submit visa application
Get a personalized state recommendation based on your profile with our free assessment tool.