
Australia's state nomination program offers a pathway for skilled and talented migrants to obtain a skilled migration visa. Each Australian state and territory has its own application process and skill shortage list. The number of nomination spots available varies by region and year. For example, the Queensland state nomination program focuses on energy workers, while Tasmania's allocation of spots has more than doubled from the previous year. To qualify for a skilled nomination visa, applicants must meet basic criteria such as being under the age of 45 and possessing competent English skills. They must also be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency and have an occupation that is in demand in that particular state or territory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Skilled Nomination Visa (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 |
| Applicant type | Skilled and talented migrants |
| Requirements | Under 45 years old, competent English, occupation in demand in a particular state or territory, meets visa requirements, meets state nomination requirements, occupation listed on a skilled occupation list |
| Application process | Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, be nominated by an Australian territory or state government agency, have a positive skills assessment |
| Allocation | Varies by state and year; for 2024-25, NT received 1,600, Queensland reopened in September 2024, Tasmania received 2,860, Western Australia received 5,000 |
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What You'll Learn

Nomination requirements
To be nominated by a state or territory in Australia, you must meet certain requirements, which vary depending on the state or territory in question. Here are some general guidelines and considerations to keep in mind:
Firstly, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria for the Skilled Nomination Visa (subclass 190). This includes being under the age of 45 and possessing at least a competent level of English. Your occupation should also be in demand in the specific state or territory and listed on their relevant Skilled Occupation List. Each state or territory has its own skill shortage list, so it is important to refer to the specific list for your desired location.
Secondly, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, indicating your willingness to live and work in the state or territory for a specified period, usually a minimum of two to three years. This step allows Australian state and territory government agencies to view your application and decide whether to nominate you. It is important to note that receiving a nomination does not guarantee a visa grant, as your application will still be assessed against specific visa requirements by the Department of Home Affairs.
Additionally, some states may require you to meet other criteria, such as achieving a minimum score on a points-based system that considers factors like economic contribution, employment in critical sectors, and long-term commitment to the state. For example, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) provides territory nomination for Canberra residents under visa subclass 190 and 491, but your occupation must be listed on the ACT Skilled Occupation List.
It is important to carefully review the requirements for your desired state or territory, as each has its own application process and specific criteria. For instance, while some states may focus on addressing skill shortages, others may prioritize certain industries or sectors. It is also recommended to seek professional help, as the immigration process can be complex, and licensed immigration agents can provide valuable guidance and peace of mind.
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Visa requirements
The visa requirements for state nomination in Australia vary depending on the state or territory, but there are some general criteria that apply across the board. Here is a detailed and instructive guide to help you understand the visa requirements for state nomination by an Australian state or territory:
Firstly, it is important to note that receiving a nomination does not guarantee a skilled nomination visa. Your application must be assessed against specific visa requirements, and you must meet the standard eligibility criteria set by the Australian Government. Each state and territory has its own application process and skill shortage list, so it is essential to review the guidelines for your desired state or territory.
To be eligible for a skilled nomination visa (subclass 190), you must meet the basic criteria, including being under the age of 45 and possessing at least competent English skills. Your occupation must be in demand in the nominating state or territory, and it should be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or State Skilled Occupation List. This list varies by state and territory, so ensure your occupation is on the list for your desired location.
Additionally, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, indicating your willingness to stay and work in the nominating state or territory for a specified period, which is typically at least two to three years. You must also achieve a minimum score of 65 points on the Australian Government's points test for your EOI.
For health professionals, your nominated occupation must align with your Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration. It is also worth noting that you are not required to be working to be eligible for some state nomination visas, and there is no minimum work experience or hours of work requirement.
If you are already living in Australia (onshore), you must be residing in the nominating state or territory and working in skilled employment for an employer located in that state or territory. Over-estimated earnings or working in ineligible employment may result in your nomination application being declined.
To apply for a skilled migration visa to live and work in Western Australia specifically, you must be nominated by the WA State Government through the State Nominated Migration Program. This program offers two visa subclasses: the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). For the latter, you must have a contract of employment in your nominated occupation for full-time employment in Western Australia for at least six months from the date of your application.
The Northern Territory (NT) Government also participates in the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa schemes. If nominated by the NT Government, you must commit to living, working, and studying in the NT for at least three years before qualifying for a permanent residency pathway.
In summary, while the specific requirements vary by state and territory, the key components of the visa application process for state nomination in Australia include meeting Australian Government standards, satisfying state or territory nomination criteria, submitting an EOI, and achieving the necessary points on the skills assessment.
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Skill shortage lists
Australia has a General Skilled Migration system that allows skilled workers to migrate to the country. The Australian Skilled Occupation List (SOL) summarises the occupations that Australia needs to fill skill shortages. The SOL is a list of all the professions in demand in Australia at a given time. If your occupation is on the list, and you can meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to migrate to Australia.
The Occupation Shortage List (OSL) provides an assessment of the Australian labour market. It outlines which occupations are in shortage and whether the shortage is confined to metropolitan or regional areas. The OSL also identifies the 'Occupation Shortage Drivers' (OSD) which are the primary causes of occupation shortages.
The Australian government also provides a Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) which outlines the top in-demand jobs in the country for immigrants. The PMSOL specifies whether an occupation is included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Regional Occupation List (ROL), or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) ROL List.
In addition to the skilled occupation lists, there are various visa options for skilled workers. These include the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional Visa (subclass 491). These visas are available for skilled workers who want to migrate to a specific state or territory, such as New South Wales. To be eligible for nomination, the worker's occupation must be in high demand in the state and eligible for the respective visa.
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Expression of Interest
The process of being nominated by an Australian state or territory typically involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the relevant nominating authority. This process allows individuals to signify their interest in a particular program or opportunity and is a crucial step towards achieving nomination and ultimately, a skilled visa. Each state and territory has its own unique criteria and areas of demand, so it is important to tailor your EOI to the specific requirements of your desired location. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
- Identify your eligibility: Before submitting an EOI, ensure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for nomination by a state or territory. This includes holding the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience in an occupation that is in demand in your chosen state or territory. Check the SkillSelect database to see if your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Research the state or territory: Different states and territories have different nomination programs with varying criteria. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements, priority industries, and occupations in demand for your desired region. Some regions may have additional incentives or programs targeted at certain occupations or industries. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the state or territory that best aligns with your skills and goals.
- Prepare your documentation: Gather and prepare all the necessary documentation to support your EOI. This typically includes certified copies of your passport, qualifications, and evidence of your claimed skills and work experience. Some states or territories may also require additional documentation, such as language test results or proof of funds. Ensure that your documentation is up-to-date, valid, and meets the specific requirements of the nominating authority.
- Complete the EOI process: Once you have determined your eligibility and gathered your documentation, you can proceed to submit your EO. Carefully review the guidelines and requirements provided by the nominating authority and complete all the necessary fields accurately and honestly. Provide detailed information about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and how these align with the needs of the state or territory. Remember to attach all the required documentation.
- Await the outcome: After submitting your EOI, the waiting time for a response can vary depending on the volume of applications and the processing times of the nominating authority. Some states or territories may provide an acknowledgement or reference number, allowing you to track the status of your application. During this waiting period, ensure that you do not change any critical information, such as your nominated occupation, as this may impact the assessment of your EOI.
- Respond to the nomination: If your EOI is successful and you receive a nomination from a state or territory, you will need to respond within a specified timeframe. This typically involves accepting the nomination and continuing with the visa application process. Provide any additional information or documentation requested by the nominating authority to support your visa application.
By following these steps and staying informed about the specific requirements of your chosen state or territory, you can effectively navigate the Expression of Interest process and increase your chances of being nominated by an Australian state or territory. This nomination will then support your skilled visa application, bringing you one step closer to your goal of working and living in Australia.
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Application process
The application process for nomination by an Australian state or territory involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:
Expression of Interest (EOI):
Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating your interest in applying for a visa and your willingness to live and work in a specific state or territory. Each state or territory may have its own requirements for the EOI. For example, New South Wales (NSW) requires an indication of your willingness to stay and work in NSW for at least two years.
Nomination Requirements:
To be eligible for nomination, you must meet the requirements set by the Australian Government and the specific state or territory. These requirements may include age limits (usually under 45 years old), a minimum level of competent English, relevant work experience or skills, and your occupation being listed on the state or territory's Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or skill shortage list. Some states may also have their own nomination streams or criteria, such as the Canberra Matrix for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Application Submission:
After submitting your EOI and ensuring you meet the nomination requirements, you can proceed to apply for nomination by the desired state or territory. Each state or territory may have its own application process and online portal. For example, the Northern Territory (NT) Government has an online application system for nomination applications.
Assessment and Selection:
The state or territory government agencies will assess your application and decide whether to nominate you based on their specific needs and requirements. If nominated, you will receive a SkillSelect invitation to apply for your visa. However, it's important to note that nomination does not guarantee a successful visa application. Your visa application will still need to be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs against specific requirements.
Visa Application:
After receiving a nomination and a SkillSelect invitation, you can proceed with your visa application. Ensure that you meet all the visa requirements, including health and character criteria, and provide any supporting documents or evidence as needed. The specific visa subclass you apply for may depend on your circumstances and the state or territory nominating you. Common visa subclasses mentioned include subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional).
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Frequently asked questions
Skilled and talented migrants can apply for state nomination in Australia.
The requirements for state nomination in Australia include meeting visa requirements, state nomination requirements, and having your occupation listed on a relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
State nomination can assist skilled migrants in qualifying for a skilled migration visa, providing additional points towards their subclass 190 or subclass 491 application.
The application process for state nomination varies across states and territories. Generally, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, meet the basic criteria, and ensure your occupation is in demand in the state or territory you are applying to.











































