State nomination programs: What each Australian state prioritises for skilled migration

Every Australian state and territory operates its own State Sponsorship Program, nominating skilled workers to live and work in their jurisdiction. While skilled migration visa categories (189, 190, 491) are federal, state nomination is what makes the 190 and 491 visas achievable for most applicants. Understanding what each state prioritises — its occupation list, points requirements, regional focus, and specific eligibility criteria — is essential to choosing the right pathway to permanent residency.

How state nomination works

1. State sets criteria: Each state defines:

   • Which occupations it will nominate.
   • Minimum points required.
   • Additional criteria (work experience in state, study in state, job offer, residency commitment).
   • Processing timelines.

2. You apply to the state: Lodge an EOI or formal application with the state’s nomination program (separate from federal SkillSelect).

3. State nominates: If approved, the state issues a nomination, which you use to improve your SkillSelect position (typically +5 points bonus).

4. Federal visa: You then apply for the federal visa (190 or 491) via SkillSelect with the state nomination.

5. PR granted: Once the federal visa is approved, you are a permanent resident.

Key advantages of state nomination

• Lower points required: State nomination typically requires 60–75 points vs. 189’s 85–95+.
• Occupation flexibility: States often nominate occupations not on federal priority lists.
• Regional incentives: States prioritise regional workers and often have lower points thresholds for regional areas.
• Faster processing: State nomination + federal visa often faster than 189 alone.
• Regional benefits: Studying or working in a state can improve your nomination chances.

New South Wales (NSW)

State focus: Australia’s largest state; Sydney-centric but increasingly focused on regional NSW.

NSW advantages:

• Large state with diverse job market.
• Strong IT, engineering, and finance sectors.
• Regional NSW increasingly supported (Newcastle, Wollongong).

NSW challenges:

• Highly competitive (large state, many applicants).
• Sydney metro has fewer sponsorship opportunities than regional areas.
• Higher points often required for Sydney-based roles.

Victoria (VIC)

State focus: Second-largest state; Melbourne-based but with emerging regional opportunities.

VIC advantages:

• Largest state economy; diverse occupations.
• Strong regional support (lower points for regional applicants).
• Healthcare and manufacturing occupations prioritised.

VIC challenges:

• Melbourne metro highly competitive.
• Regional areas have strong support but lower salaries.

Queensland (QLD)

State focus: Rapidly growing; mining, tourism, healthcare, and construction sectors strong.

QLD advantages:

• Fast-growing state with strong job market.
• Extensive regional opportunities (Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, mining regions).
• Lower points for regional applicants.
• Healthcare and skilled trades in high demand.

QLD challenges:

• Brisbane metro is competitive.
• Cost of living rising in popular areas (Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast).

Western Australia (WA)

State focus: Mining and energy-focused; also strong in agriculture, healthcare, and construction.

WA advantages:

• Mining and energy sectors offer high-paying roles.
• Regional WA strongly supported (entire state outside Perth).
• Lower points for regional/mining occupations.
• Strong demand for trades and construction.

WA challenges:

• Geographic isolation (far from other major cities).
• Economy heavily dependent on mining (vulnerable to commodity fluctuations).
• Smaller population means fewer cultural and social amenities in some areas.

South Australia (SA)

State focus: Manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, defence, IT.

SA advantages:

• Accessible sponsorship (smaller state, less competition than NSW/VIC/QLD).
• Healthcare and nursing in high demand.
• Manufacturing sector supported.
• Lower cost of living than eastern states.

SA challenges:

• Smaller economy and fewer opportunities in some occupations.
• Lower salaries than eastern states.
• Less diverse job market.

Tasmania (TAS)

State focus: Healthcare, skilled trades, agriculture, hospitality, education; all of Tasmania is regional.

TAS advantages:

• Easiest state for skilled migration — lowest points, broadest occupation list.
• All of Tasmania is regional; no capital/regional distinction.
• Healthcare and trades in high demand.
• Strong community focus; welcomes skilled migrants.
• Lower cost of living.

TAS challenges:

• Smallest economy; fewer job opportunities in some fields.
• Geographic isolation (island state).
• Lower salaries than mainland states.
• Smaller social and cultural scene.
• Weather (colder, rainier than north).

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

State focus: Government, IT, healthcare, professional services.

ACT advantages:

• Stable government-focused economy.
• IT and professional services strongly supported.
• Canberra has high education level and quality of life.

ACT challenges:

• Limited occupation list (not suitable for trades or hospitality).
• Smaller economy means fewer opportunities overall.
• Government jobs focus limits diversity.

Northern Territory (NT)

State focus: Mining, construction, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture; all of NT is regional.

NT advantages:

• Entire Territory is regional — lowest points across all occupations.
• Mining and construction opportunities.
• Healthcare in high demand.
• Lower cost of living.

NT challenges:

• Smallest population; limited economy.
• Geographic isolation (far from other major cities).
• Extreme climate (very hot; tropical cyclone season).
• Very limited social and cultural amenities outside Darwin.
• Lower salaries.

Comparing states: Which is right for you?

Best for high-competition occupations (IT, accounting, engineering):

• NSW (Sydney metro, strong IT sector) — but expect high points (70–75+).
• VIC (Melbourne metro, diverse economy) — moderate points (65–75).
• QLD (regional areas welcome IT) — lower points for regional areas (55–65).

Best for healthcare professionals:

• NSW, VIC, QLD — large populations, high healthcare demand.
• Tasmania — lowest points (50–65), highest demand.
• South Australia — healthcare prioritised; moderate points (55–65).

Best for skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, builders):

• Queensland — mining regions, construction boom.
• Western Australia — mining and construction.
• Tasmania — all trades supported; lowest points (50–65).

Best for lower points (easiest nomination):

1. Tasmania (50–65 points) — broadest support, entire state regional.
2. Northern Territory (50–65 points) — entire territory regional, mining/construction focus.
3. Queensland (50–70 for regional) — strong regional support.
4. Western Australia (50–70 for regional) — strong regional support.

Best for regional opportunities:

• Tasmania and NT — entire states are regional.
• Queensland — extensive regional areas (Gold Coast, Cairns, regional cities).
• Western Australia — entire WA outside Perth is regional.

Best for lifestyle and quality of life:

• Sydney (NSW) — largest city, cultural diversity, job variety.
• Melbourne (VIC) — cultural capital, diverse job market.
• Gold Coast (QLD) — beach lifestyle, growing tech sector.
• Perth (WA) — isolation but strong economy.
• Canberra (ACT) — planned city, high education, quality of life.

State-specific tips

NSW tips:

• Regional NSW (Newcastle, Wollongong) significantly easier than Sydney.
• Healthcare and aged care occupations prioritised.
• Recent study or work in NSW improves chances.

VIC tips:

• Regional Victoria (Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong) easier than Melbourne.
• Manufacturing and healthcare supported.
• Strong international student pipeline.

QLD tips:

• Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast actively recruiting.
• Mining and construction booming in regional areas.
• Very receptive to regional migrants.

WA tips:

• Mining skills in high demand (often high salaries).
• Regional WA (outside Perth) easier to nominate.
• Construction and skilled trades heavily prioritised.

SA tips:

• Manufacturing and healthcare sectors focused.
• Easier nomination due to smaller population.
• Good quality of life with lower cost of living.

TAS tips:

• Lowest points threshold of any state.
• Healthcare and trades strongly wanted.
• Community-focused; “skills and loyalty” attitude.
• Consider if you value lifestyle over salary.

ACT tips:

• Government IT roles often available.
• Limited occupation list; check CSOL match.
• Canberra focused; limited regional diversity.

NT tips:

• Lowest points threshold (entire NT is regional).
• Mining and construction in strong demand.
• Best option if willing to live in remote Australia.
• Highest occupational flexibility.

Key points to remember

• Each state sets its own criteria: No federal standard; state autonomy applies.
• Occupation lists vary: Your occupation may be on NSW’s list but not VIC’s (or vice versa).
• Regional areas easier: States prioritise regional applicants and often set lower points.
• Tasmania and NT are most accessible: Entire states are regional; lowest points thresholds.
• NSW, VIC, QLD are largest markets: More jobs but higher competition.
• State connection helps: Study or work in the state improves nomination chances.
• Processing is fast: State nomination typically 4–12 weeks (same as federal visa).
• State nomination bonus: Typically +5 points in SkillSelect upon nomination.

Verify before applying

State sponsorship programs are updated regularly. Before applying:

• Check each state’s official website for current occupation lists.
• Confirm points requirements and eligibility criteria.
• Review processing timelines and any recent changes.
• Ensure your occupation is listed on the CSOL (federal requirement).

FAQ

Q: Can I apply for state nomination to multiple states at once? A: Yes. You can apply to multiple states simultaneously. If nominated by multiple states, you choose which nomination to accept.

Q: What if my occupation is not on any state’s list? A: Your occupation must be on the CSOL (federal list) to be on any state list. If your occupation is not on the CSOL, skilled migration is not available. You may need to change occupations or pursue other visa pathways.

Q: Do I need to live in the state before applying for nomination? A: Not required, but state connection (prior study or work in that state) improves your chances. You can apply from overseas.

Q: If I am nominated by Tasmania, must I live there forever? A: No. Once your PR visa (190 or 491) is granted, the state tie ends (except for 491 / 191 which have a 5-year regional requirement, but you can move to capital cities after PR is granted). You can move to another state immediately.

Q: Which state is easiest for my occupation? A: Check each state’s occupation list and points requirements on their official websites. Then weigh accessibility against your job market preferences and lifestyle.

Sources

• NSW Skilled Migration
• VIC Skilled Migration
• QLD Skilled Migration
• WA Skilled Migration
• SA Skilled Migration
• TAS Skilled Migration
• ACT Skilled Migration
• NT Skilled Migration
• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

Last reviewed: April 2026. Migration rules and occupation lists change frequently — always verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and the relevant assessing body before acting.