State Nomination

If you are applying for a Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa or a Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa, you must first obtain nomination from an Australian State or Territory Government.

State and territory nomination programs operate independently of the Department of Home Affairs’ invitation rounds for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa.

The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) remains permanently closed to new applications. However, existing Subclass 188 visa holders may continue to apply for the Subclass 888 Permanent visa if they meet the relevant requirements.

2026-27 State and Territory Nomination Programs

At the time of writing, Tasmania and the Northern Territory are the only jurisdictions that have opened their 2026-27 skilled migration nomination programs to new applications.

The Australian Federal Government has allocated the following nomination places to these jurisdictions for the 2026-27 program year:

State/Territory	Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)	Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
Northern Territory	850	1,000
Tasmania	1,250	800

Northern Territory has received a total allocation of 1,850 nomination places, comprising 850 Subclass 190 places and 1,000 Subclass 491 places.

Tasmania has received a total allocation of 2,050 nomination places, comprising 1,250 Subclass 190 places and 800 Subclass 491 places.

Please note: Other states and territories are yet to open their 2026-27 skilled migration nomination programs. Program criteria, eligibility requirements and nomination availability are subject to change throughout the program year. Applicants should review the latest state nomination requirements before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) or nomination application.

Australian Capital Territory Program

Applicants need to meet both the Department of Home Affairs and ACT Government nomination criteria. The process involves submitting a Canberra Matrix, which is a points-based system designed to prioritise applicants based on factors such as economic contribution, employment in critical sectors, and long-term commitment to Canberra. There are separate matrixes for Canberra residents and overseas applicants. Those with higher scores, particularly in priority occupations, are more likely to receive invitations.

NSW State Migration Program

The New South Wales (NSW) State Government has announced a significant shift in its approach for the 2024-25 Program Year. This year, NSW will publish occupation lists for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, simplifying the process and aligning more closely with the state’s economic needs. The updated lists will focus on critical sectors such as health, education, construction, and trade occupations, reflecting NSW’s strategic collaboration with key stakeholders. The first round of invitations for the Subclass 190 visa is scheduled for October, marking the start of this new, more targeted approach.

Northern Territory Skilled Migration Program (2026-27)

Obtain a Skills Assessment
Most skilled migration applicants must obtain a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Your EOI is submitted through SkillSelect. You will be assessed on factors including your age, English language ability, qualifications, skilled employment and other points-tested criteria.
Apply for Northern Territory Nomination
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can lodge an application for Northern Territory nomination under the relevant Subclass 190 or 491 stream. Applications are assessed by MigrationNT according to the program requirements in place at the time of application.
Receive an Invitation to Apply for Your Visa
If your nomination application is approved, the Northern Territory Government will nominate you through SkillSelect and you will receive an invitation to apply for your skilled visa from the Department of Home Affairs.
Lodge Your Visa Application
Once invited, you must lodge your visa application within the prescribed timeframe stated in your invitation. Our experienced migration consultants can assist you in preparing and lodging a complete and decision-ready application.

Demonstrating Your Commitment to the Northern Territory (NT)

As part of a Northern Territory nomination application, applicants are generally required to provide a personal statement outlining their genuine commitment to living and working in the NT long term.

Your statement should explain:

Why you have chosen the Northern Territory as your preferred destination for migration
What attracts you to the NT lifestyle and why it is a better fit for you and your family than other locations in Australia
The research you have undertaken about living and working in the Territory.
Your intention to establish yourself in the NT and remain there for at least three years following visa grant
Employment opportunities available in your nominated occupation, or a closely related skilled occupation, within the Territory
Your understanding of local housing options, rental availability, property prices and general living costs
Schools, childcare services and other community facilities that may be relevant to your family members
Any additional steps you have taken to prepare for your move, such as connecting with local employers, researching communities, or identifying suitable accommodation

A well-prepared statement should demonstrate that you have carefully considered your future in the Northern Territory and have a realistic plan to settle, work and contribute to the local community over the long term.

Queensland State Nomination Program

The Queensland state nomination program is scheduled to reopen in early September 2024.

There’s a real focus on Energy workers and the Queensland state government are not necessarily considering the number of points an applicant has as they are aiming for the best labour outcome for Queensland. There is also no occupation list for onshore candidates.

South Australia State Migration Program

The South Australian Migration Program for 2024-25 has been officially unveiled, with a fresh allocation of visa spots from the Federal Government. This year’s program reflects a strategic focus on addressing skill shortages across key industries, with a clear outline of priority occupations that are set to receive attention.

Notably, the program is now open to both onshore and offshore visa applicants, signaling a broader reach in attracting global talent. As South Australia aims to meet its migration targets, the frequency of invitations will be a critical factor, with regular rounds expected to ensure that eligible candidates can seize the opportunity to contribute to the state’s economic growth.

Tasmania Skilled Migration Program 2026-27

Tasmania continues to experience workforce shortages in a number of industries, creating significant opportunities for skilled migrants who wish to live and work in the state.

Tasmania’s program is focused on attracting and retaining migrants who can contribute to the state’s workforce and economy.

Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathway

Available for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nominations.

Designed for applicants who are employed in Tasmania and can demonstrate an ongoing contribution to the state’s workforce

Tasmanian Skilled Graduate Pathway

Available for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nominations.

Suitable for eligible graduates who have completed approved studies in Tasmania and intend to continue living and working in the state.

Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway

Available primarily for Subclass 190 nomination.

For applicants who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to residing in Tasmania and meet the relevant residency and employment requirements.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas Applicant – Health or Education Sector Job Offer Pathway

Available for Subclass 190 nomination.

This pathway is available to suitably qualified offshore applicants who have secured a genuine job offer from a Tasmanian employer in approved health or education occupations.

Overseas Applicant – Job Offer Pathways

Eligible overseas applicants who hold a genuine job offer from a Tasmanian employer may be considered under specific nomination pathways where program requirements are met.

Important Update for Offshore Applicants

Tasmania has advised that it does not currently intend to issue invitations under the Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles (Invitation Only) pathway during the 2026-27 program year. Offshore applicants are therefore encouraged to focus on employer-sponsored opportunities or pathways involving a genuine Tasmanian job offer.

Key Points to Consider

Tasmania does not simply select candidates based on the highest SkillSelect points score.

Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and then a Registration of Interest (ROI) through Migration Tasmania.

Tasmania selects candidates based on priority attributes that demonstrate a strong connection to Tasmania and likely long-term contribution to the state.

Tasmania’s Nomination Priorities

The Tasmanian nomination program prioritises applicants who can demonstrate:

Skilled employment in Tasmania
Longer periods of residence in Tasmania
Employment that matches their skills assessment and qualifications
Employment in critical workforce sectors such as health and education
Secure and ongoing employment
Higher-skilled occupations
Higher income levels and stronger labour market outcomes
A demonstrated commitment to living and working in Tasmania long term

Victorian State Nomination Program

The Victorian government has engaged with industry stakeholders to ensure that the state nomination program aligns with current and future workforce needs. This engagement helps shape the targeted industry sectors and ensures that the program supports Victoria’s economic growth.

Western Australian State Program

With the allocated 5000 places for the 2024-25 financial year, the Western Australia State government has conducted its first invitation round on 16^th August 2024 with future invitations rounds to be anticipated in the first week of each month through the current financial year.

The state government issued total 600 invitations in the first round, with 300 places under the subclass 190 visa stream and 300 places under the subclass 491 visa stream.

Based on the published information for the first invitation round, it appears that the state government has only considered occupations in priority WA industry sectors, no invitations have been issued to candidates in other sectors in the first invitation round.

Would you like to know more about your prospects for a visa?

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