How does Australian state nomination work?

To be nominated for a 190 or 491 visa, you submit an Expression of Interest and apply to a specific state or territory. If you meet their occupation list and requirements and they have places available, they nominate you, adding 5 points (190) or 15 points (491) to your score before you receive an invitation to apply.

Do I need state nomination for a 189 visa?

No. The subclass 189 is an independent visa that does not require state nomination. State nomination applies to the 190 and 491 visas, where a state or territory government must nominate you first.

Can I apply for nomination from more than one state?

Rules vary by state, and some restrict concurrent applications. Because each state sets its own occupation lists, requirements and timing, comparing them for your occupation is essential. VisaIQ's state comparator shows where you have the best chance.

Which Australian state is easiest to get nominated in 2026?

South Australia (SA) and Tasmania (TAS) consistently have the lowest cutoffs — around 65 pts for most occupations. SA runs monthly rounds and accepts the widest range of occupations including accountants. TAS runs weekly rounds but requires 6–9 months of residence first. Use the calculator above for your exact probability score.

How is state nomination probability calculated?

Your probability score factors in: whether your occupation is on the state's list, your points vs the state's cutoff, your location (offshore vs onshore), English level, work experience, and how many places remain in the 2026–27 program year. Higher scores mean more likely nomination.

Which State Will Nominate Me? 2026 — State Nomination Probability Score

2026–27 program year

All 8 states at a glance — places, cutoffs, processing

Use the tool above to get your personalised ranked probability. Below is the raw data for reference.

🟢

South Australia

Most Accessible

190 places1,350

Cutoff~65 pts

Processing5–8 months

Offshore?✓ Yes

RoundsMonthly

Apply via SA →

🟢

Tasmania

Fastest Rounds

190 places1,200

Cutoff~65 pts

Processing4–7 months

Offshore?✗ Must live in TAS

RoundsWeekly

Apply via TAS →

🟡

Queensland

Accessible

190 places1,850

Cutoff~75 pts

Processing6–10 months

Offshore?✓ Yes

Rounds4–6 weekly

Apply via QLD →

🟡

Western Australia

Job Preferred

190 places2,000

Cutoff~70 pts

Processing6–9 months

Offshore?With job offer

Rounds6–8 weekly

Apply via WA →

🟡

ACT / Canberra

Matrix System

190 places800

CutoffCanberra Matrix

Processing3–6 months

Offshore?Limited

All ACT = Regional?✓ Yes

Apply via ACT →

🟢

Northern Territory

Least Competitive

190 places850

Cutoff~65 pts

Processing4–8 months

Offshore?✓ Yes

2yr NT commitmentRequired

Apply via NT →

🔴

Victoria

Competitive

190 places2,700

Cutoff~85 pts

Processing8–12 months

Offshore?Limited

Rounds8–10 weekly

Apply via VIC →

🔴

New South Wales

Very Competitive

190 places2,100

CutoffMerit-based

Processing10–14 months

Offshore?Very limited

Rounds6–8 weekly

Apply via NSW →

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to multiple states at the same time?

Yes — no restriction. Apply to your top 3 states simultaneously. Most state portals are free to register. The first nomination you receive is the one you act on. Do not wait for one state before applying to others.

How accurate is this probability score?

The score is calculated from real 2026 round data, published state allocation numbers, and cutoff points observed in recent rounds. It is a directional indicator — not a guarantee. State policies change between rounds. Always verify current requirements on the state's official portal before applying.

Does state nomination mean I have to live there forever?

For 190: you must live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years after PR is granted. This is a legal commitment. For 491 Regional: you must live and work regionally for 3 years before applying for 191 permanent residence. Tasmania requires you live there for 6–9 months before even applying for nomination.

I'm offshore — which states can nominate me?

SA, QLD, NT and WA (with job offer) are the most offshore-friendly states. TAS requires physical residence. NSW and ACT are primarily onshore-focused. VIC has accepted offshore applicants in select rounds. Your probability score above reflects your offshore status.

My occupation isn't on a state's list — can I still apply?

Generally no — states only nominate occupations on their current occupation list. However, some states (SA's Talent & Innovation stream, NT's sponsored stream) accept occupations outside the standard list if you have a job offer. The probability score reflects current occupation list data.

Which state willnominate youright now?

Which state will
nominate you
right now?