Each Australian state runs its own nomination programme with different occupation lists and eligibility criteria. Here's how state nomination works and how to maximise your chances.
How to Get State Nomination for an Australian 190 Visa
State nomination for the Subclass 190 is not automatic. Each Australian state and territory runs its own migration programme with distinct occupation lists, eligibility criteria, and application windows. Understanding how the system works gives you a significant advantage.
## How State Nomination Works
The Subclass 190 requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory government before you can lodge a visa application. The nomination process is entirely separate from your visa application — it is managed by each state's migration agency, not the federal Department of Home Affairs.
To obtain nomination, you generally need to: 1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect with the 190 selected 2. Apply directly to the state or territory for nomination 3. Receive a nomination decision (if approved, you get 5 points and can receive a federal invitation)
Each state sets its own requirements — meeting the federal 190 criteria is necessary but not sufficient.
## State-by-State Overview
Victoria Victoria's Skills Migration programme is one of the most active in Australia. It prioritises occupations in healthcare, engineering, ICT, and trades. Some streams require a job offer in Victoria; others assess on the strength of your overall profile.
Queensland Queensland targets construction, infrastructure, healthcare, and primary industries. The state runs competitive rounds and selects candidates based on points score, age, and occupation demand.
Western Australia WA's programme is occupation-driven and closely tied to the state's economy. Mining, engineering, and healthcare professionals are consistently in demand. WA also has specific pathways for workers already employed in the state.
South Australia SA offers nomination through several streams including the Graduate Temporary Graduate, Overseas Student, Skilled Worker, and Business Owner streams. The state is generally more open to a wider range of occupations and ages.
New South Wales NSW is arguably the most selective state. Many streams require you to already be working in NSW or studying at a NSW institution. Offshore applicants have limited options.
Tasmania, ACT, Northern Territory These smaller jurisdictions often have less competitive selection processes but smaller nomination quotas. They can be excellent options for occupations not being nominated in the larger states.
## What States Look For
Beyond occupation, states commonly assess: - English language ability — some states require higher than the federal minimum - Age — most states prefer applicants under 45, some have tighter cutoffs - Employment or study in the state — a significant advantage in most nomination streams - Genuine intention to settle — credibility of your connection to the state matters - Points score — states often set internal minimums above the federal 65-point floor
## Timing and Rounds
State nomination quotas are allocated by the federal government at the start of each financial year and fill progressively. Popular states like Victoria and NSW can exhaust their quotas mid-year. Checking when each state opens its rounds and applying promptly makes a material difference to your chances.
## Our Approach
New World Immigration prepares state nomination applications for all active states. We track which states are open in your occupation, when rounds open, and what each state's internal selection criteria require. For most clients, we submit to multiple states simultaneously to maximise the chance of at least one nomination coming through.