
Australia's state sponsorship programs allow skilled workers to live and work in the country as permanent residents. State migration programs were introduced to help meet skills shortages in Australia's labour markets and attract business and investment. Applicants must meet the sponsorship requirements and have work experience in a position listed on one of the State Migration Plans. Australian states and territories nominate skilled migrants according to their occupation, qualifications, and skills in demand within the state or territory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow states and territories to nominate skilled and business migration applicants under a broad range of industries |
| Visa | Subclass 190 skilled visa |
| Requirements | Work experience in a position listed on one of the State Migration Plans; must meet the minimum score listed for all four components in a single sitting of an English language test (unless passport is from UK, Canada, New Zealand, USA or ROI); must have a contract of employment in the nominated occupation for at least six months from the date of application |
| Benefits | Same work rights as an Australian citizen; priority processing arrangements; 5 years multiple entry visa to live and work in Australia; additional 5 points towards the Department of Home Affairs points test |
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What You'll Learn

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
State sponsorship in Australia refers to the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), which allows skilled individuals to live and work in a specific Australian state as permanent residents. This visa is for those who possess skills that are in high demand within a particular state and can contribute to its economy.
Each state has its own eligibility criteria and requirements for the subclass 190 visa, and applicants must meet both the state nomination and visa requirements. The process typically involves several steps, including a skills assessment, submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI), and application for state sponsorship.
The skills assessment is conducted by the relevant government body, such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for health professionals, to determine if the applicant has the required skill level and work experience for their chosen occupation in Australia. Once a positive skills assessment is obtained, applicants can proceed to submit their EOI through SkillSelect, either in or outside of Australia.
To be eligible for state sponsorship, applicants must meet the specific state's criteria, which may include having work experience in an occupation listed on the State Migration Plans or the State Skilled Occupation List. For example, New South Wales (NSW) requires nominees to have occupations falling within ANZSCO unit groups identified on the NSW Skills List, reflecting skills in high demand across the state.
After receiving an invitation to apply for state sponsorship, applicants can then submit their completed visa application for processing by the Australian Government. The subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa, valid for five years from the date of visa grant. However, one of the conditions of state sponsorship is that visa holders reside in the sponsoring state for the first two years of their residence in Australia.
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State migration programs
These programs offer skilled migrants the opportunity to live and work in the respective state, with some providing pathways to permanent residency. For example, Queensland nominates skilled migrants for both provisional visas and permanent residency, based on their in-demand occupation, qualifications, and skills. Western Australia, on the other hand, has specific requirements for state nomination, including English language proficiency and work experience in a nominated occupation.
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a common pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, detailing their nominated occupation, skills, and qualifications. If they meet the minimum requirements and score highly enough, Australian state and territory government agencies can view their EOI and decide to nominate them. This visa provides priority processing and offers successful applicants a five-year multiple-entry visa, with a minimum stay requirement of two years for visa reissue.
Additionally, the Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188 and 888) caters to business migrants. While this program is currently closed to new applicants, existing subclass 188 visa holders who meet the criteria can continue on the pathway to a permanent visa (subclass 888) after July 2024.
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Queensland's Skilled Nomination Migration Program (SNMP)
State migration programs in Australia allow states and territories to nominate skilled and business migration applicants across a wide range of industries. This is to help meet skills shortages in their labour markets and attract business and investment. Queensland's Skilled Nomination Migration Program (SNMP) is one such program that offers skilled migrants an opportunity to join the community, contribute to the economy, access expanding career pathways, and enjoy the lifestyle of the 'Sunshine State'. Queensland nominates skilled migrants for both provisional visas and permanent residency, allowing them to live and work in the state.
Migration Queensland is the state government agency responsible for business and skilled visa nomination. It nominates skilled migrants according to their occupation, qualifications, and skills in demand within Queensland. The process involves an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system, followed by a Registration of Interest (ROI) with Migration Queensland. Applicants are then invited to lodge their applications, submitting documentation such as evidence of employment and skills assessments.
The Queensland SNMP for 2024-2025 has received a confirmed allocation of 1,200 nomination places by the Australian Government. This includes 600 places for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) and 600 for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). The program is competitive, with Migration Queensland assessing candidates based on their skills, work experience, and ability to meet the state's labour needs.
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a pathway to permanent residency for people with occupations in high demand in Australia's labour market. Applicants submit an EOI with details of their nominated occupation, skills, and qualifications. If they meet the minimum requirements and score highly enough, Australian state and territory agencies can view their EOI and decide on nomination. This visa provides the same work rights as an Australian citizen, with independence from a single employer.
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Requirements for state nomination
State nomination in Australia is a process that allows states and territories to nominate skilled and business migration applicants under a broad range of industries. This process helps meet skill shortages and attracts business investment. Each state has its own list of occupations, requirements, and procedures that must be followed. Here are the key requirements for state nomination:
Skilled Migration Visa
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a common pathway for state nomination. It allows points-tested skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. To be eligible, your nominated occupation should be in high demand in Australia's labour market and be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the relevant state's skilled occupation list.
Positive Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment is a crucial requirement for state nomination. This assessment evaluates your skills, qualifications, and work experience to ensure they meet the standards and requirements of your nominated occupation.
English Language Proficiency
Demonstrating English language proficiency is essential for state nomination. You must meet the minimum scores listed for all four components (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in a single sitting of a Home Affairs-approved English test. Passport holders from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, or the Republic of Ireland are exempt from this requirement.
Work Experience
Work experience requirements vary by state. For Western Australia, you must have at least one year of Australian or overseas work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related field over the last 10 years. This experience must be paid employment of at least 20 hours per week after obtaining your qualification.
Contract of Employment
Some states, like Western Australia, require a contract of employment in your nominated occupation or a closely related field for full-time employment (minimum 35 hours per week). The contract must include the start and end dates, terms and conditions, and meet the requirements for an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Face-to-Face Study Requirement
For Western Australia, any study used to meet the face-to-face study requirement component must be completed on campus within the state.
It is important to note that state nomination does not guarantee a visa grant. Your application will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs against specific visa requirements. Additionally, eligibility criteria and requirements may vary across states and territories, so conducting thorough research before applying is essential.
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State sponsorship process
State nomination or sponsorship in Australia is a process that allows states and territories to nominate skilled and business migration applicants to meet labour market demands and attract business and investment. This process does not guarantee a visa grant, as the Department of Home Affairs assesses visa applications separately. Here is a step-by-step guide to the state sponsorship process in Australia:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying for state nomination, ensure your occupation is on the State Skilled Occupation List and review the nomination streams to determine your eligibility. Each state in Australia has its own nomination criteria, so it is essential to refer to the specific state's requirements. For example, Queensland's Skilled Nomination Migration Program (SNMP) nominates skilled migrants based on their occupation, qualifications, and skills in demand within the state.
Step 2: Positive Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment relevant to your nominated occupation. This assessment evaluates your skills, qualifications, and work experience to ensure they meet the state's sponsorship requirements.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
After receiving a positive skills assessment, submit an EOI through SkillSelect. This platform allows you to express your interest in skilled migration to Australia. Your EOI should include details such as your nominated occupation, skills, qualifications, and any other relevant information. Australian state and territory government agencies will review your EOI and decide if they want to nominate you.
Step 4: Apply for State Sponsorship
If you receive an invitation from a state or territory to apply for sponsorship, you must meet their specific sponsorship requirements. This typically includes demonstrating work experience in a position listed on one of the State Migration Plans. Each state may have additional criteria, so ensure you refer to their guidelines.
Step 5: Visa Application
Once you have been sponsored by a state or territory, you can proceed to submit your visa application for processing by the Australian Government. The specific visa subclass will depend on your circumstances, with options such as the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or other visa types like the subclass 491. The visa application process may involve providing various documents, meeting English language requirements, and fulfilling other criteria as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 6: Visa Outcome
After submitting your visa application, you will need to wait for the Australian Government's decision. If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. The duration and conditions of your visa may vary depending on the specific visa subclass and the state that sponsored you.
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Frequently asked questions
State sponsorship in Australia allows skilled workers to live and work in the country as permanent residents.
The subclass 190 visa is a skilled nominated visa. It is a permanent residency visa for people with occupations in high demand in Australia's labour market.
The subclass 491 visa is for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia temporarily. The subclass 190 visa is for permanent residency.
You must meet the minimum requirements for the visa, including an English language requirement, and score highly enough for Australian state or territory government agencies to decide to nominate you.
You will need to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, outlining your nominated occupation, skills, and qualifications. You will also need to meet the sponsorship requirements and have relevant work experience.





































