If you're pursuing a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or a Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) in 2025, state nomination is likely a critical part of your migration plan. But here’s the challenge — each Australian state and territory sets its own nomination criteria, and they change every year based on labour market needs and migration allocations.
In this article, we break down the latest 2025 state nomination requirements across Australia, helping you understand which states are most aligned with your skills, occupation, and visa goals.
Why State Nomination Matters in 2025
State nomination gives skilled visa applicants a significant advantage, including:
- Bonus points (5 for 190, 15 for 491)
- Access to state-specific occupation lists
- Higher chances of receiving an invitation via SkillSelect
- Clearer and often faster PR pathways — especially for regional areas
With competition for invitations still high, aligning your application with the right state can be the difference between success and a long wait.
2025 State Nomination Overview
1. New South Wales (NSW)
- Visa Types: 190 and 491
- Key 2025 Updates:
- Prioritises applicants already living and working in NSW
- Offshore applicants considered only in high-demand occupations
- No ROI required — direct EOI submission only
- Separate occupation lists for 190 and 491
Best for: Onshore skilled workers with recent NSW employment or study
2. Victoria (VIC)
- Visa Types: 190 and 491
- Key 2025 Updates:
- Requires a Registration of Interest (ROI) for both visas
- Targets specific industries: health, STEM, infrastructure, teaching
- Open to onshore and offshore applicants
- Must be working or have qualifications aligned with priority sectors
Best for: Applicants in targeted industries who can demonstrate strong sector alignment
3. South Australia (SA)
- Visa Types: 190 and 491
- Key 2025 Updates:
- Very active offshore nomination program
- Several occupation streams: international graduates, long-term residents, high performers
- Points and English requirements vary by occupation
- Additional support for regional SA employment
Best for: Offshore applicants and regional graduates with skilled work experience
4. Western Australia (WA)
- Visa Types: 190 and 491
- Key 2025 Updates:
- One of the most offshore-friendly states
- Streamlined graduate pathways for WA university graduates
- Occupation lists regularly updated to reflect skills shortages
- Proof of English and work experience required
Best for: IT, trades, engineering, and health professionals — onshore or offshore
5. Tasmania
- Visa Types: 190 and 491
- Key 2025 Updates:
- Prioritises Tasmanian graduates and long-term residents
- Applicants with a job offer or critical skills still eligible from offshore
- New small business owner stream for visa 491
- Clear pathways for those who have lived in TAS for 2+ years
Best for: Recent graduates, business owners, and those willing to commit to TAS
6. Queensland (QLD)
- Visa Types: 190 and 491
- Key 2025 Updates:
- Now more selective — prioritises onshore applicants only
- 491 requires job offer in regional QLD
- 190 requires full-time skilled employment for at least 6 months
- No offshore program for most streams
Best for: Applicants already living and working in QLD
7. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Visa Types: 190 and 491
- Key 2025 Updates:
- Uses a points-based matrix for nomination ranking
- Requires ROI through the ACT Nomination Portal
- Must demonstrate ongoing employment or commitment to ACT
- Limited places for offshore applicants
Best for: Onshore applicants with current ACT employment or business links
8. Northern Territory (NT)
- Visa Types: 190 and 491
- Key 2025 Updates:
- Favors onshore applicants with NT study or employment
- Offshore applicants eligible if their occupation is in high demand
- Must commit to live and work in NT for at least 3 years
- Requires evidence of employability and alignment with the NT economy
Best for: Applicants with strong ties to the NT or willing to relocate long-term
Pro Tips for 2025 Nomination Success
- Don’t rely on one state only — remain flexible and monitor nomination updates regularly
- Always tailor your EOI and resume to match state priorities
- Consider studying or working regionally to improve eligibility
- Stay updated — states revise occupation lists and nomination windows frequently
How We Help
At GovLinked, we track every state and territory’s nomination changes in real time. Our Registered Migration Agents can assess your eligibility, match you to the best state for your occupation, and manage your nomination and visa process from start to finish.
