State nomination adds 5–15 extra points to your score and can be the key to securing an invitation to apply. But each state has different occupation lists and requirements. Here's how to compare.
What Is State Nomination?
State nomination is when an Australian state or territory government invites you to apply for a visa. It is required for the Subclass 190 (permanent) and Subclass 491 (provisional regional) visas.
190 state nomination: Adds 5 points to your score, requires you to live and work in that state for 2 years
491 state/territory nomination: Adds 15 points to your score, requires you to live in a designated regional area for 3 years
Overview of Each State's Program
New South Wales (NSW) — Sydney
NSW operates a competitive nomination program. Invitations are typically issued to applicants with 80+ points and in critically needed occupations. NSW does not have an open list — they invite based on specific skills at specific times.
Best for: High-scoring applicants in healthcare, engineering, IT, and education.
Victoria (VIC) — Melbourne
Victoria has historically been one of the more popular states due to lifestyle appeal. The Victoria Skilled Migration program opens in rounds and has strict requirements including a job offer in Victoria for many occupations.
Best for: Applicants with a Victorian job offer or STEM professionals.
Queensland (QLD) — Brisbane
Queensland's skilled migration program covers a broad range of occupations and is known for being accessible. They consider applicants at lower point thresholds than NSW or VIC in some rounds.
Best for: Tradespeople, healthcare workers, and applicants who prefer a coastal lifestyle.
Western Australia (WA) — Perth
WA has strong demand in mining, resources, construction, and healthcare. The WA skilled migration program is known for its focus on genuine regional skills shortages.
Best for: Engineers, tradespeople, healthcare workers, and mining sector professionals.
South Australia (SA) — Adelaide
South Australia actively targets applicants and is considered one of the more accessible nomination programs. Adelaide is also significantly cheaper to live in than Sydney or Melbourne.
Best for: Applicants with lower point scores (sometimes as low as 65 points for some occupations).
Tasmania
Tasmania offers nomination for regional areas and has invited applicants with lower points scores than mainland states. Cost of living is low, and the lifestyle is appealing for those not set on a major city.
Best for: Applicants willing to embrace regional/rural living; lower competition.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — Canberra
ACT focuses heavily on applicants who have been living and working in the ACT for a period, or who have strong ties to the territory.
Best for: People already working in Canberra or federal government sectors.
Northern Territory (NT)
NT is the most open of all nomination programs and regularly invites applicants at lower points thresholds. Darwin offers a lower cost of living.
Best for: Lower-scoring applicants; regional lifestyle.
Which State Should You Nominate?
The right answer depends on:
Is your occupation on their list? Each state publishes its own occupation list — check carefully.
Do you have a job offer there? Some states require or heavily prioritise this.
What are the current invitation thresholds? These change every round.
Where do you actually want to live? You are obligated to live there for the nomination period.
NWI monitors live invitation data across all states and can advise which program gives your specific occupation the best chance of nomination right now.