State and territory nomination programs play an important role in Australia's skilled migration system. Each Australian state and territory manages its own nomination program to address local workforce shortages and economic priorities.
Program settings, eligibility requirements and invitation rounds can change throughout the year. Staying informed about these updates can help skilled migrants identify suitable pathways and prepare stronger applications.
What Is State or Territory Nomination?
State and territory nomination allows eligible skilled workers to be nominated by an Australian state or territory for certain skilled migration visas, including:
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Each jurisdiction determines its own nomination criteria based on local labour market needs, priority occupations and government allocation of nomination places.
Why Nomination Updates Matter
State nomination requirements are not identical across Australia. A pathway that is available in one state may not be open in another.
Updates may include:
- Opening or closing of nomination programs
- Changes to occupation lists
- New eligibility requirements
- Priority industries or occupations
- Invitation round schedules
- Registration of Interest (ROI) requirements
- Regional migration opportunities
- Annual nomination allocations
Applicants should review the latest program information before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Registration of Interest (ROI).
Recent Trends in State Nomination
Recent program updates across Australian states and territories indicate several common trends.
Continued Focus on Skilled Workers
Many jurisdictions continue to prioritise skilled professionals in occupations experiencing workforce shortages, including healthcare, engineering, construction, education, information technology and skilled trades. Requirements vary between states and territories and may change as labour market needs evolve.
Regional Migration Opportunities
Regional Australia remains an important focus of the skilled migration program. Many states continue to promote Subclass 491 pathways to attract skilled workers to regional communities where workforce demand remains high.
Competitive Nomination Programs
State nomination programs are highly competitive. Some jurisdictions temporarily close Registrations of Interest or pause invitations once available nomination places have been allocated for the program year.
Choosing the Right State
When considering a state nomination pathway, it is important to look beyond your occupation.
Factors that may influence your eligibility include:
- Your nominated occupation
- Current place of residence
- Employment experience
- Australian study history
- Regional work or study
- English language ability
- Points score
- Commitment to living and working in the nominating state or territory
Each application should be assessed against the specific criteria published by the relevant state or territory government.
Preparing a Strong Nomination Application
A well-prepared application can improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Applicants should ensure they have:
- A valid Skills Assessment
- An eligible occupation
- An up-to-date Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Accurate employment and qualification documents
- Evidence supporting any state-specific eligibility requirements
- Current English language test results where applicable
Providing complete and accurate information from the beginning can help reduce delays during the assessment process.
Stay Updated
State and territory nomination programs are reviewed regularly and may change without notice. Occupation lists, invitation rounds and eligibility requirements can all be updated during the program year.
At Signature Migration, we monitor nomination program updates across Australia and provide tailored migration advice based on your individual circumstances. Whether you are considering a Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa, we can help you understand your available options and prepare a well-supported application.
Need Advice on State Nomination?
If you are planning to apply for a state or territory nominated visa, professional guidance can help you identify the most suitable pathway and avoid common mistakes.
Contact Signature Migration to discuss your eligibility and receive advice tailored to your migration goals.