State nomination can transform your Australian visa prospects. With only 65 points? State nomination adds 5-15 extra points, opening doors that seemed closed. But each state runs its own program with unique requirements, and choosing wrong wastes precious time.
The 2024-25 program year brought significant changes. Victoria's program filled to 91.3% capacity by February 2025, while Queensland closed entirely on May 27, 2025. Understanding current allocations and requirements is crucial before calculating your points with our Australia PR Points Calculator.
Understanding State Nomination Programs
State and territory governments nominate skilled workers based on local economic needs. According to the Department of Home Affairs, total allocations for 2024-25 include:
- Subclass 190: 16,500 places nationally
- Subclass 491: 9,760 places nationally
Each state receives specific allocations and sets unique criteria for selection.
New South Wales (NSW) Requirements
Program Status
NSW reached full allocation for 190 visas in June 2025. The 491 program continues with limited places through specific pathways.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
According to NSW Government guidelines:
For Subclass 190:
- Occupation within ANZSCO unit group on NSW Skills List
- Valid skills assessment
- Minimum 6 months NSW residence OR 6 months offshore
- Points score 65+ (including state nomination)
- Cannot apply directly - must receive invitation
For Subclass 491: Three pathways available:
- Pathway 1: Currently employed with regional NSW employer (Currently Closed)
- Pathway 2: Invitation by Investment NSW (Exceptionally competitive)
- Pathway 3: Recent regional NSW graduates
NSW Skills List Focus Areas
- Healthcare and medical professionals
- Education sector (teachers, early childhood)
- ICT and digital technology
- Construction and infrastructure
- Engineering disciplines
Application Process
- Submit EOI in SkillSelect indicating NSW preference
- NSW reviews EOIs during invitation rounds
- If invited, 14 days to submit nomination application
- Assessment typically within 6 weeks
- Application fee: $315 (GST applicable if onshore)
Key Changes for 2025
- Selection-based process (not first-come, first-served)
- Simplified EOI requirements
- Priority for critical sectors
- No predetermined invitation dates
Victoria Requirements
Program Status
Victoria's 2024-25 program closed to new Registrations of Interest (ROI) on April 29, 2025. Current usage:
- 190 visa: 91.3% allocated (260 places remaining)
- 491 visa: 76.8% allocated (465 places remaining)
Basic Eligibility Requirements
For Subclass 190:
- Valid skills assessment for eligible occupation
- 65+ points including nomination
- Onshore: Must live in Victoria
- Offshore: Eligible from overseas
- No minimum work experience requirement
For Subclass 491:
- All 190 requirements plus:
- If onshore: Must live AND work in regional Victoria
- Skilled employment in regional areas mandatory
- Commitment to regional Victoria residence
Victoria's Two-Step Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit through SkillSelect
- Registration of Interest (ROI): Submit through Live in Melbourne portal
This unique system allows Victoria to collect additional information beyond standard EOI data.
Priority Sectors
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Education (all levels)
- Construction and infrastructure
- Digital economy and ICT
- Clean energy and sustainability
- Advanced manufacturing
Annual Earnings Factor
Victoria considers estimated annual earnings for onshore applicants:
- Must be from skilled employment (ANZSCO levels 1-3)
- Employer must be physically located in Victoria
- Not required but improves selection chances
- Calculated using specific guidelines
Queensland Requirements
Program Status
Queensland closed its 2024-25 program on May 27, 2025. Limited allocation of only 600 places each for 190 and 491 visas created intense competition.
Program Structure
According to Migration Queensland:
Four Main Pathways:
- Onshore Stream: Working in Queensland
- Graduate Stream: Queensland graduates
- Offshore Stream: Overseas applicants
- Small Business Owner: Regional business operators
Basic Requirements
- Points test result 65+ including nomination
- Positive skills assessment
- Competent English minimum
- Commitment to Queensland residence
Small Business Owner Stream (491 only)
Pathway 1:
- Purchase existing business outside Southeast Queensland
- Minimum $100,000 investment
- Employ at least one Australian resident
- Operate 6+ months before EOI
Pathway 2:
- Start and run business 2+ years
- $200,000 annual turnover
- Generating profit
- Specific eligible postcodes
Queensland's ROI System
Similar to Victoria, Queensland uses Registration of Interest to collect:
- Salary information
- Work experience details
- Partner skills assessment
- Industry sector alignment
Comparing State Strategies
Processing Times
- NSW: 6 weeks typical
- Victoria: 20 days standard
- Queensland: Varies by stream
Application Fees
- NSW: $315 + GST
- Victoria: No fee
- Queensland: No state fee
Strategic Considerations
1. Timing Your Application
With programs filling rapidly:
- Monitor opening dates closely
- Prepare documents in advance
- Submit ROI/EOI immediately when eligible
- Don't wait for "perfect" circumstances
2. State Selection Strategy
Consider:
- Current allocation availability
- Occupation demand in each state
- Living preferences and job markets
- Processing times and requirements
3. Maximizing Selection Chances
- Target states with sector priorities matching your skills
- Improve English scores for competitive edge
- Consider regional pathways for more opportunities
- Ensure partner skills assessment if applicable
4. Alternative Options
If state programs close:
- Employer sponsorship (482/186 visas)
- Direct 189 application if high points
- Wait for next program year
- Consider different states
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing invitation windows - 14 days is non-negotiable
- Incorrect occupation selection - Must match skills assessment exactly
- Outdated EOI information - Update before invitation rounds
- Ignoring state commitments - Must genuinely intend to live in nominating state
- Poor documentation - Every EOI claim needs evidence
Impact of State Nomination
Adding state nomination points often makes the difference:
- 65 points alone: Rarely competitive
- 70 points (with 190): Viable for many occupations
- 80 points (with 491): Strong position for regional areas
Our skilled occupation list guide helps identify which states nominate your occupation.
Professional Support Benefits
State nomination complexity requires expertise:
- Strategic state selection
- ROI/EOI optimization
- Document preparation
- Invitation response management
- Post-nomination visa application
Desire Immigration's registered migration agent Mrs. Manisha Bhutani specializes in state nomination strategies, maximizing success chances across all Australian states.
Future Outlook
The 2025-26 program year (starting July 2025) will bring:
- New allocation numbers
- Potential requirement changes
- Fresh opportunities for closed states
- Possible federal policy shifts
Stay informed through official state migration websites and prepare early for program openings.
Key Takeaways
- Act fast: Programs fill quickly with limited allocations
- Prepare thoroughly: Complete documentation before programs open
- Target strategically: Match your profile to state priorities
- Consider all options: Regional pathways offer more opportunities
- Stay flexible: Be ready to pivot between states
State nomination transforms visa prospects but requires strategic planning and perfect timing. With most 2024-25 programs at capacity, preparation for 2025-26 becomes crucial for aspiring migrants.
Note: State nomination programs change frequently. Information current as of July 2025. Always verify requirements with official state government sources before applying.
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