Not All States Are Created Equal
If you are applying for a 190 or 491 visa, state nomination is the make-or-break factor. You can have a perfect points score and flawless documentation, but without a state willing to nominate you, your application goes nowhere.
The reality in 2026 is that each state and territory has dramatically different criteria, occupation lists, and processing approaches. Choosing the right state can double your chances. Choosing the wrong one can waste months of time and thousands of dollars.
Here is a state-by-state breakdown based on the latest 2025-26 allocation data from the Department of Home Affairs.
Western Australia: The Biggest Opportunity
WA has the largest 491 allocation in the country at 2,200 places, plus a healthy 190 allocation. The state’s economy is booming thanks to mining, energy, and construction, and they are actively seeking workers.
Best for: Engineers, trades workers, healthcare professionals, mining-related occupations, IT professionals
Why it stands out: WA has one of the broadest occupation lists and tends to process nominations relatively quickly. If your occupation is on their list, WA should be at the top of your consideration.
Consideration: You will need to genuinely commit to living in WA. The state takes compliance seriously and expects nominated applicants to settle there.
South Australia: Strong Regional Focus
SA has 900 places for the 491 visa and maintains a broad occupation list, particularly for applicants willing to live in regional South Australia (outside Adelaide). The state has historically been one of the more accessible nomination pathways.
Best for: Healthcare workers, teachers, chefs, aged care workers, trades, ICT professionals
Why it stands out: SA offers additional priority for applicants already living in the state, graduates of SA universities, and those with job offers in regional areas. The DAMA concessions in regional SA can also lower salary and English requirements.
Tasmania: Accessible but Competitive
Tasmania has 650 places for the 491 visa and has become increasingly popular as a migration pathway destination. The state offers a unique pathway for applicants who study at a Tasmanian institution, even for short courses.
Best for: Graduates of Tasmanian institutions, healthcare workers, hospitality professionals, trades
Why it stands out: Tas has historically had lower point requirements than mainland states. However, popularity has increased competition significantly in recent years.
Watch out for: Tasmania’s small economy means job opportunities are limited in some fields. Make sure you can realistically find work in your nominated occupation before committing.
Queensland: Targeted and Selective
QLD has 750 places for the 491 visa and focuses on specific occupations tied to the state’s economic priorities. The state is particularly interested in healthcare, education, and trades workers for regional Queensland.
Best for: Nurses, doctors, teachers, engineers, construction trades, agricultural workers
Why it stands out: Regional Queensland offers good lifestyle at lower cost, and the state’s focus on specific occupations means less competition if your occupation matches their needs.
Victoria: Competitive but Well-Resourced
Victoria has 700 places for the 491 visa and a larger allocation for the 190 visa. As Australia’s second-largest state, Victoria attracts a high volume of applicants, making it more competitive than smaller states.
Best for: IT professionals, healthcare workers, engineers, financial professionals, researchers
Why it stands out: Victoria’s skilled migration program is well-structured and transparent. If you have strong qualifications and high English scores, the competition is manageable.
Note: Victoria periodically opens and closes its program during the year, so timing matters.
New South Wales: Limited but Valuable
NSW has a smaller allocation focused primarily on the 491 visa for regional areas outside Sydney. Getting NSW 491 nomination requires living and working in designated regional areas of the state.
Best for: Applicants already living in regional NSW, healthcare workers, teachers, trades
Why it stands out: Lower applicant volume for regional NSW means less competition if you are genuinely living outside Sydney.
ACT: Unique Matrix System
The ACT uses its own ranking matrix rather than relying solely on the standard points test. The ACT nomination process weighs factors like employment in Canberra, length of residence, and English proficiency through a separate scoring system.
Best for: Applicants already living and working in Canberra
Why it stands out: If you are already established in the ACT, the matrix system can work strongly in your favour. For applicants outside the ACT, it is very difficult to get nominated.
Northern Territory: Smaller but Strategic
The NT has a smaller allocation but also faces genuine labour shortages across many occupations. The Northern Territory DAMA offers additional concessions for employers in the region.
Best for: Healthcare workers, trades, hospitality, aged care, anyone willing to live in a remote area
Why it stands out: Less competition due to the remote location. If you genuinely want to live in the NT, the pathway can be faster than mainstream states.
How to Choose the Right State
- Check the occupation list first. Your nominated occupation must be on the specific state’s list for the visa subclass you are applying for.
- Be realistic about living there. States expect you to live and work in their jurisdiction. Do not nominate a state you have no intention of moving to.
- Consider your connections. States prioritise applicants who already live there, have studied there, or have job offers in the state.
- Apply to multiple states. There is nothing stopping you from applying to several states simultaneously. Whichever nominates you first, you can proceed with.
- Factor in processing times. Some states process nominations in weeks, others take months. If timing matters, ask about current processing timelines.
Get a State Nomination Strategy
Choosing the right state for nomination is one of the most important decisions in your skilled migration journey. Our migration lawyers can assess your occupation, points score, and circumstances to recommend the states where you have the strongest chance of success.
Book a consultation to map out your state nomination strategy.
