What Is an Australian State Nomination?

What Is an Australian State Nomination? A Complete Guide for Skilled Migrants

Australia offers skilled migration pathways for qualified professionals who want to live and work in the country. One important pathway is Australian state nomination, which allows state and territory governments to nominate skilled workers whose occupations and experience may help meet local workforce needs.

State nomination can provide access to skilled visa options such as the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491). It can also provide additional points under the skilled migration points test.

However, each Australian state and territory has its own nomination criteria, occupation priorities and application process. Understanding these requirements is essential before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or applying for nomination.

This guide explains what Australian state nomination means, how it works, who may qualify and what applicants should know before starting the process.

What Is an Australian State Nomination?

An Australian state nomination is an endorsement provided by an Australian state or territory government to an eligible skilled migration candidate for a relevant skilled visa pathway.

State and territory governments nominate applicants whose skills, qualifications and work experience may support their local workforce and economic needs.

Each jurisdiction sets its own nomination requirements. These may consider:

• Whether the applicant's occupation is on the state's eligible occupation list

• Relevant qualifications and skills assessment

• English language proficiency

• Skilled employment experience

• Current employment or job offers, where required

• Residence or work history in the state

• Commitment to living and working in the nominating state or territory

• Other occupation-specific or pathway-specific conditions

A state nomination is not a visa grant. It is one part of the skilled migration process. Applicants must still receive the required invitation and satisfy the Department of Home Affairs visa requirements.

Which Australian Visas Offer State Nomination?

State and territory governments nominate eligible skilled migrants for specific visa pathways. Two important options are:

1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visa is a points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Key features include:

• It provides permanent residence if the visa is granted.

• Applicants must receive a nomination from a state or territory government.

• Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.

• State nomination provides 5 additional points under the points test.

• Applicants must meet the relevant occupation, skills assessment, age, English and other visa requirements.

Applicants should also understand the expectations of the state or territory that nominates them, including any commitment to live and work in that jurisdiction.

2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional skilled visa for eligible workers who intend to live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

There are two relevant sponsorship or nomination routes:

• Nomination by an Australian state or territory government

• Sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area

For the state or territory nominated pathway, applicants must satisfy the relevant nomination requirements and visa criteria.

Key features include:

• The visa can be granted for up to 5 years.

• It allows eligible holders to live, work and study in designated regional areas.

• State or territory nomination provides 15 additional points under the points test.

• Eligible holders may be able to apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting the applicable requirements.

Subclass 491 is a provisional visa, not a permanent residence visa at the time of grant.

How Does State Nomination Work in Australia?

The process can differ between states and territories, but the general steps are as follows.

Step 1: Check Your Skilled Occupation

Identify the occupation that best matches your qualifications, skills and professional experience.

Check whether your occupation is eligible for the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 pathway and whether it appears on the relevant state's or territory's occupation list.

An occupation may be eligible in one state but not available for nomination in another.

Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment

Many skilled migration applicants need a suitable skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority.

The assessment checks whether your qualifications and employment background meet the requirements for your nominated occupation.

Before applying, check:

• The correct assessing authority for your occupation

• Required qualifications and employment evidence

• Assessment validity period

• Any occupation-specific requirements

Step 3: Check the State Nomination Requirements

Review the official migration website of the state or territory you are interested in.

Each jurisdiction may have different eligibility criteria. Some pathways may require applicants to be working in the state, while others may consider candidates living overseas.

Some states may prioritise particular occupations, industries, graduates or applicants with local employment experience.

Do not assume that meeting the federal visa requirements automatically makes you eligible for state nomination.

Step 4: Meet the English Language and Points Requirements

Check the English language requirements for the relevant visa and nomination pathway.

The points test considers factors such as:

• Age

• English language ability

• Skilled employment experience

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study and other eligible qualifications

• Partner skills and other recognised factors

• State or territory nomination

For the relevant points-tested skilled visa pathways, applicants generally need at least 65 points to meet the minimum threshold. However, reaching 65 points does not guarantee state nomination or a visa invitation.

Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest

Create and submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.

Your EOI should contain accurate information about your nominated occupation, qualifications, skills assessment, English language results, employment history and points claims.

Select the relevant visa subclass and indicate your interest in state or territory nomination where applicable.

An EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee nomination.

Step 6: Apply for State Nomination or Register Interest

Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need to submit a separate state nomination application, register your interest or wait for the state to select candidates from SkillSelect.

Some states use an invitation process, while others require applicants to complete additional forms and provide supporting documents.

Follow the exact process published by the relevant state or territory government.

Step 7: Receive a Nomination

If the state or territory approves your nomination, it will be recorded through the relevant migration process.

For the relevant SkillSelect pathways, a nomination can lead to an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.

Nomination does not mean that the visa has been approved.

Step 8: Lodge Your Visa Application

After receiving the required invitation, complete the visa application within the deadline stated in the invitation.

You may need to provide evidence such as:

• Passport and identity documents

• Skills assessment

• English language test results

• Education certificates

• Employment reference letters

• Payslips or other employment evidence

• Police clearance certificates

• Health examination results

• Documents for accompanying family members

The Department of Home Affairs assesses the application against the relevant visa requirements before making a decision.

Which Australian States and Territories Offer Nomination?

Australia has six states and two territories. Each has its own skilled migration priorities and nomination arrangements.

New South Wales (NSW)

New South Wales operates skilled nomination pathways for eligible applicants under Subclass 190 and Subclass 491.

Its selection criteria and occupation priorities may change according to workforce requirements and program settings.

Victoria

Victoria offers skilled visa nomination pathways for eligible applicants seeking to live and work in the state.

Applicants should review the current occupation, employment and other eligibility requirements before submitting an application.

Queensland

Queensland nominates eligible skilled workers through its skilled migration program.

Applicants should check the current occupation lists, pathway requirements and any work experience or employment conditions.

South Australia

South Australia has skilled migration pathways for eligible overseas skilled workers and applicants with relevant South Australian connections.

The state may apply occupation-specific requirements, work experience conditions and a commitment to living and working in South Australia.

Western Australia

Western Australia operates a State Nominated Migration Program for eligible skilled workers.

Applicants should review the current occupation requirements and nomination criteria for the relevant visa subclass.

Tasmania

Tasmania offers skilled migration nomination pathways based on its current workforce needs and state nomination criteria.

Eligibility may depend on factors such as employment, residence, study or other connections to Tasmania, depending on the pathway.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT operates skilled migration nomination pathways for eligible applicants. Its process may include specific eligibility requirements and a Canberra Matrix ranking system.

Applicants should review the current ACT nomination guidelines before applying.

Northern Territory (NT)

The Northern Territory offers nomination pathways for eligible skilled workers who can contribute to the territory's workforce and community.

Applicants should check the current occupation and eligibility requirements, including any relevant work or residence conditions.

What Are the Benefits of Australian State Nomination?

State nomination can provide several advantages for eligible skilled migrants.

Additional Points

State nomination provides additional points under the skilled migration points test:

• Subclass 190 state or territory nomination: 5 points

• Subclass 491 state or territory nomination: 15 points

These additional points may improve an applicant's overall points score.

Access to State-Specific Skilled Migration Pathways

Applicants may be considered for nomination through a state or territory program based on local occupation demand and workforce needs.

Opportunities for Overseas Applicants

Some state nomination pathways consider eligible applicants living outside Australia. However, overseas eligibility varies by state, occupation and program requirements.

Permanent Residence Through Subclass 190

The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residence pathway for applicants who meet the requirements and receive the visa grant.

Regional Migration Opportunities Through Subclass 491

The Subclass 491 visa allows eligible holders to live and work in designated regional areas and may provide a pathway to permanent residence through Subclass 191.

Can You Apply for State Nomination Without a Job Offer?

Some Australian state nomination pathways may accept applicants without a job offer, while others require current employment, a job offer or a specific connection to the state.

The requirements depend on the state, occupation, visa subclass and nomination stream.

Applicants should not assume that a job offer is always required or that it is never required. Check the current official nomination guidelines before applying.

Can You Apply for State Nomination from Outside Australia?

Yes. Some state and territory nomination pathways accept applications from eligible skilled workers living overseas.

However, not every state or nomination stream is open to overseas applicants. Some programs prioritise people already living, studying or working in the jurisdiction.

Applicants should confirm whether their occupation and location are eligible under the current program rules.

Does State Nomination Guarantee an Australian Visa?

No. State nomination does not guarantee a visa grant.

It is an important step in the relevant skilled migration pathway, but applicants must still:

• Receive the required invitation to apply

• Meet the visa eligibility criteria

• Provide genuine supporting documents

• Satisfy health and character requirements

• Meet all other applicable immigration conditions

The Department of Home Affairs makes the final visa decision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for State Nomination

Applicants should avoid these common mistakes:

• Choosing a state without checking its current occupation list

• Assuming the same occupation is eligible in every state

• Submitting an EOI with incorrect points claims

• Applying without a suitable skills assessment when required

• Ignoring state-specific employment or residence requirements

• Assuming a job offer is mandatory for every pathway

• Assuming a state nomination guarantees a visa

• Failing to provide accurate supporting documents

• Relying on outdated nomination information

State nomination programs can change. Always check the latest official requirements before submitting an application.

Final Thoughts

Australian state nomination is an important skilled migration pathway for professionals who want to build their careers in Australia. It allows state and territory governments to nominate eligible skilled workers based on local workforce needs and migration priorities.

The Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas offer different opportunities, including permanent residence and regional migration pathways. However, eligibility criteria and nomination processes vary across Australian jurisdictions.

Before proceeding, review your occupation, skills assessment, English language results, points score and the current requirements of your preferred state or territory.

Planning to migrate to Australia? Countrywide Visas can help you understand state nomination requirements, assess your skilled migration profile and explore suitable Australian visa pathways.

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