Synopsis: This comprehensive guide breaks down 2025 state and territory nomination rules for the 190 and 491 visas, comparing occupation lists, timing, quotas, and labour demand across NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA, NT and ACT. It advises skilled migrants on strategic region choice, balancing invitation chances, industry needs, and settlement prospects.
The Race for Skilled Migration Is On
Australia’s permanent migration cap of 185,000 places for 2025–26 reaffirms the government’s commitment to attracting global talent under its Skilled Migration Program. According to the Department of Home Affairs, state and territory nomination remains a key mechanism to distribute talent where it’s needed most — particularly in regional and high-demand sectors.
Choosing which state nominates your 190 or 491 visa can define your entire journey to permanent residency. With migration quotas filling rapidly and competition intensifying, it’s no longer enough to simply meet eligibility criteria — you must also pick the right region at the right time.
Why State Nomination Matters
Under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) framework, states and territories allocate visa places based on workforce shortages, regional growth priorities, and labour-market demand. The 190 (Skilled Nominated) and 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas both rely on nomination from an Australian state or territory to proceed.
The latest Jobs and Skills Australia Labour Market for Migrants Report highlights ongoing shortages across health, engineering, construction, and ICT sectors. Yet, despite these shortages, the delay in allocating state migration quotas has become a bottleneck, leaving businesses short-staffed and migrants waiting months for invitations.
According to the Assistant Minister for Immigration, regional employers are “crying out for skilled labour,” especially in rural Western Australia and remote Queensland. However, those needs are not being met as state allocations are released far later than usual.
Understanding the 190 and 491 Visas
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa
This permanent residency visa requires nomination by a state or territory. Applicants must hold an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), meet English and points requirements, and secure an invitation through SkillSelect.
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
This is a five-year provisional visa that allows you to live and work in regional Australia. After three years of eligible employment and income, you can apply for permanent residence through the 191 visa. The 491 visa was designed to boost regional growth and alleviate urban population pressure — but its nomination rules differ across jurisdictions.
State-by-State Breakdown
Each Australian state and territory has distinct rules, target industries, and nomination priorities. Here’s a complete analysis for 2025.
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales remains the most competitive region, offering high visibility but limited spots due to demand. To qualify for nomination under the 190 visa, applicants must reside in NSW for at least six months unless they are already employed in their nominated occupation.
For the 491 regional visa, NSW runs three pathways:
- Pathway 1: Working in regional NSW in a nominated occupation.
- Pathway 2: Open Expression of Interest (EOI) for offshore and onshore applicants.
- Pathway 3: Recent graduates from a regional NSW institution.
The NSW Government Skilled Visa Program lists detailed eligibility and regional occupation groups. While the state offers the largest number of overall nominations, competition is fierce and quotas fill quickly — often before June each year.
Best for: Applicants in high-demand fields (IT, health, engineering) already living in NSW.
Challenge: Limited invitation rounds and extremely competitive selection.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria’s 2024–25 migration program included roughly 5,000 nomination places, divided between subclass 190 and 491. Offshore applicants are prioritised in health, social services, and teaching, while onshore applicants benefit if they work in hospitality, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, or tourism.
Applications operate through a Registration of Interest (ROI) system rather than a public occupation list, meaning results are unpredictable. Details about the next allocation cycle will be published once the Commonwealth finalises quotas for 2025–26 via Live in Melbourne.
Best for: Professionals in digital, education, and health sectors.
Challenge: Invitations depend on opaque selection processes; not all ROIs result in nominations.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania’s program continues to attract skilled workers willing to settle regionally. The state recently reopened its Gateway Registration System, which uses a colour pass system:
- Gold: Guaranteed or near-immediate invitation.
- Green: Likely within six months.
- Orange: Low probability; must reapply after expiry.
The Migration Tasmania Skilled Migration Program prioritises health and allied health occupations and requires at least six months of relevant work experience.
Best for: Healthcare professionals or allied health workers open to regional relocation.
Challenge: Narrow occupation scope and small job market.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia divides its nomination into two streams — recent graduates and general skilled. Applicants must have their occupation listed on the SA Skilled Occupation List and, for most general skilled streams, show three years of work experience in the last five. Trade occupations need only one year.
Graduates of South Australian institutions must demonstrate at least six months of employment in their nominated or related field. The flexibility of the “related occupation” rule — broader than federal definitions — makes SA appealing to those with similar professional backgrounds.
Explore current eligibility via the Migration SA portal.
Best for: Graduates and experienced professionals in health, construction, and engineering.
Challenge: Competition for limited slots and annual quota exhaustion.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia offers nomination through two streams — General and Graduate — and focuses on critical industries like construction, mining, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Applicants do not have to be WA residents but are given preference if already residing there.
The WA State Nominated Migration Program has also relaxed work requirements for building and construction occupations to attract tradespeople.
Best for: Engineers, construction managers, and mining professionals.
Challenge: Limited relevance for non-technical or non-trade roles.
Northern Territory (NT)
Unlike other states, the Northern Territory accepts nominations for all occupations and uses flexible pathways for onshore and offshore candidates. Offshore applicants must qualify under the priority occupation, family sponsorship, or job offer streams.
Onshore applicants who studied in NT for at least two years can apply with minimal post-study experience, while others must show long-term residence and employment in the territory. The region’s latest Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) also expands eligible jobs and simplifies employer sponsorship under the 482 visa.
See details on the Northern Territory Government Migration Portal.
Best for: Applicants seeking flexible occupation options and willing to live regionally.
Challenge: Limited urban infrastructure and smaller job pool.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT uses a Canberra Matrix — a points-based system that assesses English ability, qualifications, length of residence, employment history, and family ties. Higher-scoring applicants get invitations more quickly.
Your occupation must appear on the ACT Critical Skills List, except if you hold a PhD relevant to the Commonwealth Research Agenda (CRA). PhD graduates within two years of completion can secure streamlined nomination even without local residence.
Review full details on the ACT Government Migration page.
Best for: PhD holders, researchers, and high-credential professionals.
Challenge: Restrictive skill list; competition for points.
Comparing States: Quick Reference Table
| Region | Key Advantage | Limitation | Ideal Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Large quota, regular rounds | High competition | IT, healthcare, engineering professionals |
| VIC | Prioritises tech & education | ROI uncertainty | Health & digital sector workers |
| TAS | Transparent colour pass | Limited job variety | Allied health & nursing |
| SA | Graduate & general streams | Experience requirement | Construction & skilled trades |
| WA | Open to interstate applicants | Focused on critical sectors | Mining, engineering, trades |
| NT | No strict occupation list | Remote lifestyle | Regional-ready applicants |
| ACT | Matrix & PhD preference | Tight skill list | Academics & researchers |
Data Snapshot: Migration Trends 2023–25
Recent government reports show how migration flows have shifted:
- Skilled migration dominates 73% of the permanent program, per the Home Affairs Migration Trends Report 2022–23.
- Net overseas migration fell from 536,000 in 2023 to 446,000 in mid-2024, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
- Around 207,000 temporary skilled visa holders remain active, reflecting high labour dependency on migrants.
- Regional visa uptake has dropped by nearly 5%, while urban states like NSW and VIC remain oversubscribed.
These figures demonstrate that regional participation — the core intent behind subclass 491 — still lags behind, despite official encouragement.
How to Choose the Right Region
When deciding where to apply, assess these six factors:
- Occupation Fit: Check if your role is listed on the state’s critical or skilled occupation list.
- Location: Determine if onshore residency gives you preference.
- Work Experience: States like SA and WA weigh employment duration heavily.
- Study Background: Graduates from local institutions enjoy priority in VIC, SA, and NT.
- Timing: Early submissions matter — NSW and VIC quotas fill rapidly each year.
- Flexibility: Keep backup options; don’t rely on a single nomination.
By aligning your application to where your occupation is most in demand, you increase your nomination odds significantly.
Expert Insight: Economic Context
According to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s labour outlook, Australia’s economy is transitioning toward sectors demanding mid-to-high-skill professionals. Demand remains strong in healthcare, construction, and ICT — the very areas driving most regional nominations.
Meanwhile, migration delays and slow quota releases risk slowing recovery in rural economies. Economists warn that without accelerated skilled intake, critical industries could face continued staff shortages into 2026.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Apply?
There’s no universal “best” region — only the one that fits your career and life plan.
- Choose NSW or VIC for exposure and professional networks, if your score is competitive.
- Target TAS or NT for faster regional access and lower applicant density.
- Pick WA or SA if your skills align with trade, construction, or resource industries.
- Apply to ACT if you’re an academic, researcher, or high-scoring professional.
Remember, Australia’s skilled migration strategy increasingly rewards early, regionally flexible applicants. The key is to research, prepare, and apply proactively before quotas close.
