State Nomination Comparison 2026: Which Australian State Should You Apply To?

In this comprehensive 2026 comparison, we analyse NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland to help you identify your best strategic pathway to PR. If you're exploring the broader landscape of skilled migration options, also check out our guide on student to PR pathways or the Skills in Demand (SID) visa for employer-sponsored alternatives.

The Scarcity Era: Understanding the 2025-26 Landscape

Before diving into state-specific details, you need to understand the new reality. The federal government has capped permanent migration at 185,000 places while simultaneously reducing state-nominated places. This means states are now "cherry-picking" candidates based on specific attributes like salary, sector alignment, and regional commitment.

Quick Comparison: 2025-2026 Allocation

Key Insights:

• Queensland's 116.7% increase creates genuine opportunity for applicants willing to commit-the fastest-growing allocation in Australia
• South Australia's 40.8% reduction intensifies competition; early preparation is critical
• Victoria's 79% ratio toward 190 (permanent) visas signals focus on immediate permanent settlement
• NSW and SA rely more heavily on provisional 491 pathways requiring multi-year regional commitments. For those considering regional options, our 491 to 191 permanent residency guide explains the full pathway.

New South Wales (NSW): The Competitive Economic Powerhouse

NSW remains the primary magnet for skilled migrants, but with 3,600 places-a 28% reduction from 2024-25-the state operates one of the most restrictive invitation-only models in the country.

NSW Key Requirements

Subclass 190 (Closed Occupation List):

• Occupation must be on the NSW Skills List (ANZSCO unit group level)
• Must meet one residency requirement:
  • Currently working in NSW in nominated occupation, OR
  • Residing in NSW for minimum 6 months continuously, OR
  • Residing offshore for minimum 6 months continuously
• Monthly invitation rounds (recommencing January 2026)

Subclass 491 (Three Pathways):

1. Pathway 1 (Regional Employment): 6+ months with same regional NSW employer, earning at least TSMIT (~$73,000)
2. Pathway 2 (Investment NSW Invitation): Exceptionally competitive; rounds may not commence until April 2026
3. Pathway 3 (Regional Graduates): Bachelor's or higher from regional NSW institution within past 2 years; study must relate to nominated occupation. See our Graduate Visa 485 changes guide for post-study options.

The TSMIT/CSIT Salary Barrier: NSW has introduced formal salary concessions for Pathway 1:

• Type 1 Concession: Allows 90% of TSMIT in cash, if total remuneration meets market rates
• Type 2 Concession: Allows up to 10% non-monetary benefits (e.g., food, board) toward TSMIT threshold

NSW Priority Sectors

• Care Economy (Health, Aged Care, Disability, Education)
• Construction (Infrastructure, Housing, Trades)
• Digital and Cyber (ICT professionals)
• Renewables, Agriculture, Advanced Manufacturing

NSW Processing & Fees

Keep your EOI and points score competitive-a Registered Nurse with 75 points may be invited ahead of a Marketing Specialist with 95 points due to sector prioritisation.

Victoria: The Flexibility Champion for Non-Working Professionals

Victoria offers the highest permanent residency allocation (2,700 places for 190) and two distinct advantages: no mandatory employment requirement for 190 applicants, and annual earnings as a selection filter for those who are employed.

Victoria's Unique Advantage: No Job Required for 190

Unlike NSW, SA, or QLD, Victoria does not require employment to apply for a Subclass 190 visa. This creates genuine pathways for:

• Partners and carers not currently in the workforce
• Career changers transitioning between industries
• Recent graduates without immediate job offers-see our Graduate Visa 485 guide for how this fits your strategy
• Offshore professionals with no Australian work history

Victoria Key Requirements

Subclass 190:

• Occupation on Victoria's eligible skilled occupation list (theoretically accepts any federal list occupation)
• Onshore applicants must be residing in Victoria (not accepting applicants from other states)
• Offshore applicants welcome with genuine commitment to Victoria
• No minimum work experience required (unique to Victoria)
• For working applicants: Annual Earnings Estimate is a major selection factor

The Earnings Threshold Reality: Victoria places heavy emphasis on the Annual Earnings Estimate declared in your ROI. High earnings are viewed as the most reliable indicator of skill level and economic contribution. This favours experienced mid-career professionals over recent graduates in entry-level roles.

Subclass 491:

• Must be living AND working in regional Victoria (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, etc.)
• Only 700 places available-statistically more competitive than 190 relative to supply
• Employment does not need to be in nominated occupation

Victoria Priority Sectors

• Healthcare and Social Services
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Advanced Manufacturing, Digital and Innovation
• Hospitality and Accommodation (491 visa)
• Early Childhood, Secondary, and Special Education Teaching

Victoria Processing & Fees

Victoria Application Process

1. Lodge EOI in SkillSelect (selecting Victoria)
2. Submit Registration of Interest (ROI) through Live in Melbourne portal
3. If invited, apply for Victorian nomination
4. Lodge visa application with Department of Home Affairs

South Australia: Speed + Graduate Focus (But Beware the 3-Year Rule)

South Australia positions itself as the "Innovation State," targeting high-tech sectors like Defence (AUKUS submarine deal), Space, and Green Energy. With 2,250 places-a 40.8% reduction from 2024-25-SA offers the fastest processing but has strict experience requirements.

SA Multi-Stream Architecture

Unlike other states, SA offers four distinct entry points:

Stream 1: Skilled Employment in SA

• Full-time employment (30+ hours/week) for 6-12 months in occupation
• Must have 3 years total skilled experience (can include overseas experience)
• Skilled experience must be post-qualification

Stream 2: SA Graduates (Most Favourable)

• CRICOS course of 46+ weeks completed in SA
• At least 75% of studies completed in SA
• Concessions on work experience (often only 3 months required in SA)
• High-GPA graduates in priority fields may receive waivers
• Still requires 3-year career experience unless waiver granted

Stream 3: Outer Regional SA

• 9+ months in areas outside Adelaide (Mount Gambier, Whyalla, etc.).
• Adelaide is classified as regional federally, but SA has its own "outer regional" definition
• For regional concessions, also consider DAMA pathways for additional flexibility

Stream 4: Offshore Applicants

• Highly restricted-generally requires 3+ years experience in critical sectors (Health, Engineering)
• Marketing, HR occupations effectively closed offshore or require exceptionally high points

SA Priority Sectors (The "Big Six")

• Building and Construction
• Defence (AUKUS-related: naval architecture, systems engineering, cyber security-treated with "Gold Standard" priority)
• Education
• Engineering
• Health
• Manufacturing

SA Processing & Fees

Queensland: The Growth State (+116.7% Allocation)

Queensland's 2025-26 program represents the biggest opportunity expansion in Australia, with allocations more than doubling (+116.7%) from 2024-25. Tailored specifically to support the 2032 Brisbane Olympics infrastructure pipeline, QLD is aggressively recruiting trades and construction workers.

The Game-Changer: Construction Pathway Revolution

A major development for 2025-26 is the dedicated Onshore Construction Worker Pathway:

Queensland Key Requirements

Skilled Workers in QLD (Standard Streams):

• Subclass 190: 9 months employment (minimum 20 hours/week-down from 35 hours/full-time)
• Subclass 491: 6 months employment in regional Queensland
• Casual employment, multiple roles, and remote work (if employer has QLD office) all accepted

Offshore Pathway:

• Occupation must be on Queensland Offshore Skills List
• Settlement funds removed for 2025-26-no longer need to prove financial capacity
• Generally requires 1 year post-qualification experience

Queensland Priority Sectors

• Building and Construction (highest priority-2032 Olympics)
• Healthcare
• Education
• ICT
• Engineering

Queensland Processing & Fees

Comprehensive Comparison: Fees, Processing & Strategy

The True Cost of Application

Strategic Insight: Queensland's removal of settlement fund requirements makes it the most financially accessible option for offshore skilled workers.

Processing Time Comparison

Occupational Case Studies: Where Should YOU Apply?

Case 1: Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254499)

Verdict: Victoria wins-high 190 allocation (79%), relaxed earnings threshold for health workers, and fastest processing without strict residency rules.

Case 2: Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211)

Verdict: Queensland is the strategic choice-3-month construction pathway makes it the fastest in the country.

Case 3: Marketing Specialist (ANZSCO 225113)

Verdict: SA Regional or QLD Regional on 491 visa. The permanent 190 pathways in NSW and VIC are effectively closed to this occupation due to sector prioritisation.

Profile Suitability Ratings: Which State Suits YOU?

Different applicant profiles align distinctly with different state pathways. Use this guide to identify your optimal state.

For Experienced Offshore Professionals (3+ Years Global Experience, No Australian Work)

For Recent Australian Graduates (0-3 Months Work Experience)

For Non-Working Professionals (Carers, Partners, Career Changers)

For Health Professionals (Nurses, Doctors, Allied Health)

For IT and Software Engineers

For Construction and Trades Professionals

Key Risks and Contingencies

Nomination Does Not Guarantee Visa State nomination is only the first of two approval stages. Nomination success does not guarantee federal visa approval, which takes an additional 6-12 months and requires meeting Department of Home Affairs health, character, and security requirements.

Allocations May Exhaust Early With tight 2025-26 allocations (20,350 vs. 33,000 planned), nomination places may close earlier than expected. Historical patterns suggest annual closures in May-June and September-October.

ROI Does Not Guarantee Selection For Victoria and NSW, submitting an Expression of Interest or Registration of Interest does not guarantee selection. Victoria explicitly states that ROI is "not subject to a processing timeframe" and carries "no guarantee of selection."

14-Day Deadline Pressure Both NSW and Queensland give only 14 days to submit complete applications after receiving an invitation. This deadline is non-extendable-you must have all documents ready before applying.

State-by-State Strategic Matrix

Strategic Recommendations

For Onshore Applicants

1. Leverage the 20-Hour Rule (QLD): If you're a student or on a restricted visa in Queensland, the new rule allowing 20 hours/week to count as skilled employment effectively doubles your eligibility speed compared to full-time requirements.

2. Negotiate Salary (VIC): Your base salary is your most powerful lever. Negotiate for higher base pay rather than bonuses-the ROI assessment focuses on guaranteed earnings.

3. Consider the Construction Arbitrage (QLD): If you're a tradesperson in NSW struggling with TSMIT or points, relocating to QLD to access the 3-month construction pathway is a viable strategy.

For Offshore Applicants

1. Target QLD and SA: With NSW's residency barriers and Victoria's earnings focus (hard to prove offshore), Queensland (no settlement funds) and SA (specific offshore stream) offer the lowest friction pathways.

2. Assess TSMIT Risks: If considering regional NSW, ensure your potential employer understands the TSMIT requirement. A job offer below ~$73,000 will result in nomination refusal unless non-monetary concessions are strictly documented.

For International Students

1. Study Regional: The 491 pathways in regional NSW (Pathway 3) and SA (Graduate Stream) offer the highest certainty.

2. Choose "Nation-Building" Courses: The 2025-26 program heavily biases toward construction, health, and teaching. A trade qualification in QLD or nursing degree in VIC is currently more valuable for migration than a generic business degree.

Next Steps: Preparing Your Application

Regardless of which state you choose, these steps are essential:

1. Check your points score using our GSM Points Calculator-aim for 85+ points for realistic chances
2. Verify your occupation is on the relevant state's skilled occupation list
3. Obtain a valid skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority
4. Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect, selecting your preferred state
5. Submit a Registration of Interest (if required by your chosen state)

How First Migration Can Help

The "scattergun" approach of applying everywhere is ineffective in 2026. Success requires a "sniper" approach-targeting the specific state where your occupation is a critical priority.

At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents specialise in skilled visa applications across all Australian states. We can assess your eligibility for multiple state programs and recommend the optimal strategy based on your occupation, salary, location, and urgency.

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice on which state nomination pathway suits you best.