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, Victoria: The Largest Programs

New South Wales and Victoria typically run the largest 190 nomination programs by population and economic size, and both have historically drawn more applications than smaller states in competitive occupations such as accounting, IT and engineering. Neither state publishes a fixed annual place count or a fixed points threshold that holds year-round — both change through the program year as occupation lists are reviewed and invitation rounds are run. Each state operates its own streams (for example, criteria that differ for applicants already living or studying in the state versus applicants applying from offshore). Check the current occupation list, any points guidance and open invitation rounds directly on the state's own migration website before applying — these details are the ones most likely to be out of date in any guide, including this one.

Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, NT, ACT

The remaining states and territories run their own separate 190 programs, each with its own occupation list and application process: Queensland (Migration Queensland, with its own Skilled Occupation List and eligibility criteria); Western Australia (the WA State Nominated Migration Program, WASMOL occupation list, a non-refundable state application fee of $200 as published on migration.wa.gov.au, September 2026); South Australia (its own Skilled Occupation List, plus a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) covering some occupations that aren't on the standard list); Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT each run smaller programs with their own occupation lists and residence expectations. None of these programs is inherently 'easier' in a way that holds from year to year — occupation lists, invitation rounds and any points guidance are reviewed regularly, so check each state's own site for what currently applies to your occupation.

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?

State nomination comes with an undertaking to live and work in the nominating state for a period the state sets — Western Australia's terms, for example, require living and working in WA for two years after the visa is granted. This is a commitment you make to the state government as part of the nomination, not a formal condition attached to the 190 visa itself, so the consequence of breaching it is decided by the state (which may include being asked to explain, or affecting a future nomination), not automatic visa cancellation.

Can I change states later?

The 190 grants permanent residence, which carries no ongoing legal condition to live in the nominating state. Once any state residence undertaking period has passed, you're free to move anywhere in Australia.

Which state has the easiest nomination?

This changes year to year and by occupation as each state updates its occupation list and invitation rounds, so there's no fixed ranking that holds over time. Check each state's current occupation list and any published guidance before deciding where to apply.

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.