Australia’s skilled migration program offers pathways for professionals to obtain permanent residency through state and territory nominations. These nominations are critical for visas such as the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional), which require applicants to meet specific regional labor market needs. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of state nomination requirements across Australia’s states and territories, focusing on eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and regional commitments.
Overview of State Nomination in Australia’s Skilled Migration Program
State nomination is a mechanism through which Australian states and territories address local skill shortages by endorsing skilled workers for migration. The process involves two primary visa subclasses:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Requires nominees to live and work in the nominating state or territory indefinitely.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): A provisional visa requiring holders to reside and work in designated regional areas for at least three years before becoming eligible for permanent residency[6][10].
State nomination provides applicants with additional points toward Australia’s points-based immigration system, prioritizes processing times, and grants access to occupation lists tailored to regional demands[10][13]. Each state and territory administers its own nomination criteria, reflecting local economic priorities and labor market conditions.
State and Territory Nomination Requirements
Victoria
Victoria’s nomination program prioritizes candidates committed to contributing to its regional economies. Key requirements for the Subclass 491 visa include:
- Skilled Employment: Applicants must work in skilled employment for an employer physically located in regional Victoria. Virtual offices or proxy arrangements are excluded[2][8].
- Annual Earnings: Candidates must provide earnings estimates from regional Victorian employment, though no minimum hours are mandated[2].
- Occupation Lists: Roles must align with Victoria’s Skilled Occupation List, which emphasizes healthcare, engineering, and IT sectors[8].
- English Proficiency: A minimum of Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) is required, with test results valid for at least 12 weeks at the time of application[8].
For the Subclass 190 visa, Victoria mandates residency within the state and longer-term employment commitments in metropolitan areas[2][14].
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW targets candidates who can address critical skill gaps in both metropolitan and regional areas. Requirements include:
- Residency: Applicants must reside in NSW or offshore for at least six months prior to nomination, preventing interstate relocations for eligibility[14].
- Occupation Eligibility: Occupations must fall within designated ANZSCO unit groups listed on NSW’s Skills List, which is updated biannually[14].
- Points Threshold: Candidates must meet minimum points scores specific to their occupation, often requiring superior English or extensive experience[14].
The Subclass 491 visa in NSW prioritizes regional commitments, with pathways for graduates who have studied in regional areas[14].
South Australia
South Australia (SA) is frequently regarded as one of the most accessible states for nomination due to its expansive occupation list and lower application volumes[13]. Key criteria include:
- Work Experience: Onshore applicants must work in their nominated occupation for six months (Subclass 491) or 12 months (Subclass 190)[13].
- Regional Opportunities: SA’s net migration loss has incentivized policies to attract skilled workers to Adelaide and regional hubs like Mount Gambier[13].
- Occupation Diversity: SA’s list includes over 500 roles across healthcare, agriculture, and trades, with streamlined pathways for graduates[13][10].
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT employs a points-based “Canberra Matrix” to prioritize candidates who demonstrate strong ties to the region. Requirements include:
- Residency and Employment: Applicants must reside in Canberra and work in occupations aligned with the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)[8][10].
- Matrix Scoring: Points are awarded for factors such as English proficiency,配偶 skills, and duration of ACT residency[8].
- Commitment: Nominees must sign a declaration affirming their intent to live in the ACT for at least two years[8].
Western Australia (WA)
WA’s nomination program emphasizes sectors critical to its resource-driven economy, such as mining, engineering, and healthcare. Key aspects include:
- Job Offer Requirement: Subclass 190 applicants often need a full-time job offer in Perth or regional WA[10].
- Graduate Stream: International graduates from WA institutions receive priority if their occupation aligns with the Graduate Occupation List[10].
Queensland
Queensland prioritizes occupations supporting its tourism, agriculture, and construction sectors. Requirements include:
- Regional Employment: Subclass 491 applicants must work in regional Queensland for at least 30 hours per week[10].
- Financial Capacity: Proof of sufficient funds to support settlement is required, varying by family size[10].
Northern Territory (NT)
The NT offers streamlined pathways for local graduates and residents, with concessions for hard-to-fill roles:
- Residency Requirement: Applicants must live in the NT for at least six months (Subclass 491) or two years (Subclass 190)[10].
- Occupation Flexibility: The NT’s list includes roles in healthcare, education, and hospitality, with exemptions for some eligibility criteria[10].
Tasmania
Tasmania focuses on candidates who can contribute to its aging population and growing tourism sector:
- Job Offer or Business Plan: Subclass 491 applicants need a job offer in a skilled role or a viable business plan for entrepreneurship[10].
- Study Pathway: International graduates from Tasmanian institutions receive priority if their studies align with state needs[10].
Comparative Analysis of State Nomination Criteria
Occupation Lists and Regional Demand
States such as SA and Victoria maintain extensive occupation lists to address diverse labor needs, while NSW and WA focus on high-value sectors tied to their economies[13][14]. Regional visas (Subclass 491) universally require commitments to designated areas, though the definition of “regional” varies—for example, Perth is excluded from WA’s regional list, whereas all of Tasmania qualifies[10][8].
Residency and Employment Requirements
Residency mandates range from six months in NSW to two years in the NT[14][10]. SA and Tasmania offer flexibility for offshore applicants, whereas Victoria and the ACT prioritize onshore candidates with existing employment[2][8][13].
Ease of Access
SA’s nomination program is often considered the most accessible due to its broad occupation list, lower competition, and incentives for regional migration[13]. In contrast, NSW and Victoria have competitive processes due to higher demand and stringent residency rules[14][8].
Conclusion
Australia’s state nomination system offers tailored pathways for skilled professionals, with requirements reflecting regional economic priorities. While SA provides the most accessible route, candidates should assess their occupation, experience, and willingness to settle in regional areas against state-specific criteria. Aspiring migrants are advised to consult updated occupation lists, secure valid skills assessments, and demonstrate genuine regional commitments to enhance their nomination prospects[6][10][13].
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www.usa.gov/requirements-for-presidential-candidates
https://www.usa.gov/requirements-for-presidential-candidates
