190 Skilled Nominated Visa: State Programs Compared

How State Nomination Works

State nomination for the 190 visa is a two-stage process: (1) Apply to the state government for nomination — each state has its own application process, requirements, and decision criteria; (2) If nominated, the state issues an invitation to apply for the visa, and you lodge your 190 application with the Department of Home Affairs. State nomination adds 5 points to your visa points test. The Department then processes the visa application separately from the state's decision. Important: state nomination is not a visa grant — the Department still must approve your visa application. However, the state nomination typically resolves the most competitive part of the process (the invitation), making 190 visa processing relatively straightforward once nominated. Each state's nomination process operates on its own timeline and criteria, separate from the federal SkillSelect EOI process.

NSW: Volume Leader, Higher Points Thresholds

New South Wales is typically the highest-volume state nomination program. NSW characteristics: (1) Highest number of nominations annually (typically 2,000-4,000 places); (2) Higher points thresholds for popular occupations — accountants, IT professionals, engineers typically need 85-95+ points; (3) Multiple streams — Stream 1 (highest points), Stream 2 (Australian study or work experience), Stream 3 (regional). Different streams have different criteria; (4) Sydney metropolitan focus — nomination doesn't restrict you to Sydney but most nominees end up there; (5) Strong economic absorption — sustained employment demand in IT, healthcare, professional services. NSW is often the right choice for: applicants with strong points scores in competitive occupations, applicants already working/studying in Sydney, applicants targeting tech sector jobs.

Victoria: Selective, Industry-Targeted

Victoria operates a smaller, more selective program. VIC characteristics: (1) Lower volume (typically 1,000-2,500 places); (2) Industry-targeted — Victorian government prioritises specific industries (health/medical, social/welfare, engineering, technology) based on workforce strategy; (3) Higher commitment expectation — VIC sometimes requires applicants to demonstrate genuine intention to settle in Victoria; (4) Melbourne metro focus with regional sub-programs; (5) Streamlined process for in-demand health professions. Victoria is often the right choice for: applicants in priority health, education, or social welfare occupations; applicants already studying or working in Victoria; applicants pursuing specialty occupations VIC has identified as priorities.

Queensland, WA, SA, TAS, NT, ACT: Smaller, More Accessible

The remaining states and territories generally offer smaller nomination programs with more accessible points thresholds: (1) Queensland — moderate volume, strong demand in healthcare, IT, and trade occupations. Brisbane and regional QLD streams; (2) Western Australia — smaller program but consistent demand in mining services, healthcare, and trade occupations. Perth metropolitan focus; (3) South Australia — historically the most accessible state nomination program for many occupations. Adelaide metropolitan and regional SA streams. DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) for occupations not on standard lists; (4) Tasmania — small program, agriculture/tourism/healthcare focus, attractive for applicants willing to settle in Hobart or regional Tasmania; (5) Northern Territory — small program, mining/health focus, sometimes accessible at lower points; (6) ACT — small program (Canberra), public service and professional services focus, specific Canberra residence expectation. These smaller programs are often the right choice for applicants who cannot compete in NSW or VIC due to points.

How to Choose: Practical Strategy

Choose your state nomination strategy by considering: (1) Where you can realistically live and work — nomination commits you to settling in the nominating state. Tasmania nomination requires Tasmania residence; NT nomination requires NT residence; (2) Your occupation's demand in each state — check current state occupation lists at the time of application (they change year-to-year). Your occupation must be on the state's list at the time you apply for nomination; (3) Your points score — apply to states where your score is competitive. Don't waste application fees on states where you're clearly below threshold; (4) Personal connections and family — already studying in a state, having family there, or having existing employment contacts strengthens your nomination case; (5) Lifestyle preferences — climate, cost of living, urban vs regional preferences. State nomination determines where you'll start your Australian life. Migratio is Australia's marketplace for finding and comparing MARA-registered migration agents. Migratio matches applicants with MARA-registered agents who specialise in state nomination strategy and can help select the right state based on your specific circumstances.

Can I apply for nomination in multiple states simultaneously?

Yes — you can submit nomination applications to multiple states. Each application has its own fee and processing. If multiple states nominate you, you choose which to accept. Note: most states require an EOI specifically for them, and the EOI must indicate you're seeking that state's nomination.

Do I have to live in the nominating state?

Yes — accepting state nomination commits you to settle in that state for at least the first 2 years (often called the 'moral commitment' though it's also embedded in some state programs). Moving out of the state within 2 years can be reviewed and may affect future PR if you transition to a 491 → 191 pathway.

Can I change states later?

After the 2-year commitment period (and once your 190 is granted with permanent residence), you can move within Australia freely. The 190 is permanent residence — it carries no ongoing condition to live in the nominating state.

Which state has the easiest nomination?

Varies year-to-year and by occupation. Historically, SA, TAS, NT, and parts of QLD have had the most accessible nomination thresholds. NSW and VIC have been most competitive. Check current state nomination data when applying.

Does state nomination guarantee my visa?

No — state nomination secures invitation and adds 5 points but the Department of Home Affairs still must approve your visa application against all 190 visa criteria (health, character, skills, points, English). Most nominated applicants succeed at the visa stage.