State Nomination Guide

Each Australian state and territory operates its own skilled migration nomination program with unique requirements and occupation lists. This guide outlines requirements for all eight jurisdictions.

State Nomination Overview

State nomination provides 5 additional points toward your visa application. In exchange, you commit to living and working in that state initially (though there's no legal restriction - it's a moral commitment).

Two Pathways to Nomination

• Invitation-based: Submit EOI in SkillSelect, state reviews and invites you to apply for nomination
• Direct application: Apply directly to the state (some states allow this)

??? New South Wales (NSW)

Key Features

• Australia's most populous state, home to Sydney
• Large economy with diverse industries
• Generally high points requirements
• Strong focus on skilled employment in NSW

Basic Requirements

• Occupation: On NSW occupation list (updates quarterly)
• Points: Typically 80-90+ points required (including state nomination)
• English: Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each or equivalent)
• Work experience: Recent skilled employment in nominated occupation
• NSW connection: Current residence, employment, or study in NSW preferred

Streams Available

• NSW Graduate stream: For recent NSW graduates
• NSW occupation list stream: For offshore and onshore applicants

Application Process

1. Submit EOI in SkillSelect indicating interest in NSW
2. Receive invitation from NSW to apply for nomination
3. Submit nomination application within timeframe
4. NSW assesses application (2-12 weeks)

??? Victoria (VIC)

Key Features

• Home to Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital
• Strong focus on innovation and research
• Separate lists for Melbourne and regional Victoria
• PhD stream available

Basic Requirements

• Occupation: On Victoria occupation list
• Points: 65+ points minimum (including state nomination)
• English: Competent to Proficient (varies by stream)
• Work experience: At least 3 years in nominated occupation
• Victoria connection: Preference for current Victorian residents

Streams Available

• Victoria Graduate stream: For recent Victorian graduates
• Skilled occupation stream: For general applicants
• Critical skills stream: For priority occupations
• PhD stream: For recent PhD graduates

Application Process

1. Register interest through Victoria's portal
2. Receive invitation to apply
3. Submit full application with supporting documents
4. Victoria assesses (8-12 weeks typical)

??? Queensland (QLD)

Key Features

• Home to Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast
• Growing economy with diverse opportunities
• Separate pathways for Brisbane and regional areas
• Business and skilled streams

Basic Requirements

• Occupation: On Queensland skilled occupation list
• Points: 65-80+ points (varies by pathway)
• English: Competent minimum, Proficient for some occupations
• Work experience: Recent employment in nominated occupation
• Queensland connection: Some pathways require QLD links

Pathways

• Working in Queensland: Currently working in QLD
• Studying in Queensland: Recent QLD graduates
• Offshore applicants: Living overseas
• Small business owners: Operating business in QLD

Application Process

1. Submit EOI in SkillSelect
2. Receive invitation from Queensland
3. Apply for nomination through Business and Skilled Migration Queensland portal
4. Assessment (typically 6-12 weeks)

??? South Australia (SA)

Key Features

• Home to Adelaide, known for livability
• Lower cost of living compared to Sydney/Melbourne
• More accessible for many occupations
• Often lower points requirements

Basic Requirements

• Occupation: On SA occupation list
• Points: Typically 65-80+ points
• English: Competent minimum (Proficient for some occupations)
• Work experience: At least 1 year in last 3 years
• SA connection: Different pathways based on connection

Streams Available

• Talent and Innovators: For exceptional candidates
• International Graduates: SA graduates
• Working in SA: Currently employed in SA
• Offshore applicants: For those outside Australia

Application Process

1. Submit EOI in SkillSelect
2. Optionally register interest in SA system
3. Receive invitation to apply for nomination
4. Submit application via SA portal
5. Assessment (4-12 weeks)

??? Western Australia (WA)

Key Features

• Home to Perth, resource-rich state
• Strong mining, resources, and healthcare sectors
• Graduate stream available
• General and specific occupation streams

Basic Requirements

• Occupation: On WA occupation list or Graduate Occupation List
• Points: 65+ points minimum
• English: Competent minimum (varies by stream)
• Work experience: At least 12 months in nominated occupation
• WA connection: Different requirements by stream

Streams Available

• Graduate stream: For WA graduates
• General stream: For general applicants
• Occupation-in-demand stream: For priority occupations

Application Process

1. Submit EOI in SkillSelect
2. Receive invitation from WA
3. Submit nomination application
4. WA assesses (8-12 weeks)

??? Tasmania (TAS)

Key Features

• Island state with beautiful natural environment
• Lower cost of living
• Often more accessible pathway
• Strong focus on genuine commitment to Tasmania

Basic Requirements

• Occupation: On Tasmania occupation list (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL)
• Points: 65+ points
• English: Competent minimum
• Work experience: Varies by pathway
• Tasmania connection: Different pathways based on connection

Pathways Available

• Category 3A: Working in Tasmania (6+ months employment)
• Category 3B: Residing in Tasmania (6+ months residence)
• Category 3C: Tasmanian graduates
• Category 3D: Offshore applicants with job offer
• Category 3E: Offshore applicants without job offer

Application Process

1. Register interest through Tasmania's portal
2. Receive invitation to apply
3. Submit full application
4. Assessment (6-12 weeks)

??? Northern Territory (NT)

Key Features

• Tropical climate, home to Darwin
• Often the most accessible pathway
• Lower points requirements
• Strong focus on genuine intention to stay

Basic Requirements

• Occupation: On NT occupation list
• Points: 65+ points
• English: Competent minimum
• Work experience: Varies by stream
• NT connection: Different pathways based on connection

Streams Available

• NT Employment stream: Current NT employment
• NT Graduate stream: Recent NT graduates
• Offshore Occupation stream: For offshore applicants

Application Process

1. Submit application directly to NT (no EOI needed for some streams)
2. Or submit EOI in SkillSelect and indicate NT interest
3. NT reviews and approves/declines
4. Processing 6-12 weeks

??? Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Key Features

• Australia's capital, home to Canberra
• Strong public sector and education
• Matrix-based points system (Canberra Matrix)
• Regular invitation rounds

Basic Requirements

• Occupation: On ACT Critical Skills List or Occupation List
• Points: 65+ points PLUS ACT Matrix points
• English: Proficient English minimum
• Work experience: Recent employment in nominated occupation
• ACT connection: Living/working/studying in ACT (most pathways)

Canberra Matrix

ACT uses a separate points system (Canberra Matrix) in addition to federal points:

• ACT residence and employment
• English language ability
• Occupation on Critical Skills List
• Spouse/partner employment
• Qualifications and education

Pathways

• ACT Critical Skills: For occupations in high demand
• Canberra Resident: Living in Canberra 3+ months
• Overseas Applicants: Very limited, high requirements

Application Process

1. Submit EOI in SkillSelect
2. Submit ACT nomination application through ACT portal
3. Calculate Canberra Matrix score
4. Await invitation from ACT
5. Processing 6-12 weeks

State Comparison Summary

Choosing the Right State

Consider These Factors

• Occupation availability: Is your occupation on the state's list?
• Points requirements: Do you meet the typical cutoff?
• State connection: Do you have existing links to the state?
• Job market: Are there opportunities in your field?
• Lifestyle: Does the climate, cost of living, culture suit you?
• Family considerations: Schools, community, support networks

Strategy Tips

• Apply to multiple states: You can select multiple states in your EOI
• Start with easier states: If eligible for NT/TAS, these offer faster pathways
• Build state connections: Consider short-term visits or work to establish links
• Monitor updates: State programs change - what's closed today might open tomorrow
• Be genuine: States look for genuine commitment, not just point gaming

Next Steps

Once you understand state nomination requirements, learn about the complete points calculation to maximize your score!