This article has been written in collaboration with Nicole Kirkwood, Director of Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE) and Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 0962323).
Applying for a skilled visa to live and work in Australia is a major milestone but for many applicants, getting state or territory nomination is what makes that move possible.
State nomination plays a key role in Australia’s skilled migration program, helping each state and territory attract workers with skills that are in demand locally. If you’re considering a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), understanding how state nomination works — and how to qualify — is essential.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is State Nomination?
State nomination means that a state or territory government in Australia supports your skilled visa application because your occupation and experience align with their workforce needs.
Each state has its own migration program, occupations list, and criteria for selecting skilled workers. When you receive a nomination, it boosts your chances of getting an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for a skilled visa.
Why States Nominate Skilled Workers
Australia’s migration system allows each state to respond to local economic needs — filling skill gaps in areas like healthcare, construction, education, and agriculture.
A state nomination helps ensure that skilled workers are placed where they’re most needed. In return, nominated migrants contribute to that region’s growth by living and working there for a certain period.
For example:
- Western Australia may focus on construction and engineering roles
- Victoria might target healthcare and tech occupations
- New South Wales often prioritises regional skill shortages outside metropolitan areas
How to Qualify for State Nomination
While the Department of Home Affairs sets the general visa eligibility criteria (such as English language ability, skills assessment, and points test), each state sets its own nomination requirements.
Common requirements include:
- Your occupation being listed on the state’s skilled occupation list
- Meeting the minimum points threshold for your visa type
- Having a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
- Showing evidence of work experience or qualifications relevant to your field
- Demonstrating a commitment to live and work in that state or regional area
- Meeting English language often above the minimum requirements required for EOI eligibility
Some states also require you to have lived, studied, or worked in that state before applying, while others may invite offshore applicants directly.
The State Nomination Process
The general process for applying for state nomination includes:
1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
2. Select the state or territory you’re interested in.
3. Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) or Matrix (if required)
4. Submit a separate nomination application to that state or territory
5. Receive an invitation to apply for your visa if successful.
Each state runs regular invitation rounds and publishes updates on when new applications are being accepted — these rounds can be competitive, so ensuring your application meets all requirements is crucial.
Benefits of State Nomination
State nomination offers several advantages:
- Priority processing: Nominated applicants often receive faster invitations than for subclass 189 alone.
- Pathway to permanent residency: Permanent residence is immediate on grant for subclass 190 or after three years on a 491 visa.
- Greater job opportunities: Many states actively connect nominated migrants with local employers.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
The requirements for each state or territory can change frequently, from occupation lists to processing times. Applying without the right strategy can result in missed opportunities or delays.
A registered migration agent can help you:
- Determine which state best matches your occupation and profile
- Prepare your EOI and nomination applications correctly
- Stay updated on current nomination allocations and invitation rounds
- Avoid common pitfalls that could delay or jeopardise your visa
Get expert support
If you’re considering applying for state nomination or want to know which state best suits your skills and experience, Australian Visa & Immigration Experts (AVIE) can help.
You can contact a registered migration agent using the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) registry, or contact an immigration lawyer:
Nicole Kirkwood
Australian Visa & Immigration Experts
MARN: 0962323
Email: email@avie.com.au
Website & book a consultation: www.avie.com.au
What we do: Provide expert migration advice, assist and lodge all skills assessments and visa applications, state and regional sponsorship, ART and all other migration matters.
Connect with us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X
