Australia’s skilled migration program has entered another decisive year — and the landscape looks dramatically uneven.
If you’re planning your permanent residency journey through a state nomination visa (subclass 190 or 491), the question isn’t if you qualify — it’s where you stand the best chance.
This report cuts through the noise to show which Australian states are most welcoming to skilled professionals in 2025–26.
Why State Nomination Still Matters
The state and territory nomination system gives skilled workers an extra edge toward permanent residency. Each jurisdiction runs its own program, deciding who gets nominated based on:
- Regional skill shortages
- Regional growth targets
- Economic needs
That means two people with identical qualifications can have completely different outcomes — depending entirely on the state they choose.
State-by-State Breakdown
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales continues to dominate applicant interest but offers little predictability in return.
The system is invitation-only, and no one can apply directly — not even top-scoring professionals.
- Visa Pathways: 190
- Processing Time: Around 6 to 8 weeks
- Special Condition: Must have lived in NSW or offshore for 6 months
- Highlights: High-demand occupations are prioritized
- Caution: Exceptionally competitive, with many EOIs never receiving invitations
Reality Check: NSW is ideal for those who can afford to wait. Strong credentials help, but luck plays a bigger role than anyone admits.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria maintains a selective but organized system through its Registration of Interest (ROI) model. The focus is on current Victorian employment, earnings, or proven intent to stay.
- Visa Pathways: 190 and 491
- Processing Time: Roughly 4 to 8 weeks
- Advantage: ROI-based invitations and earnings consideration
Reality Check: With limited allocations for 2025–26, Victoria is a realistic choice for healthcare and education workers already settled or employed in the state.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland plays the long game — aligning its migration program tightly with state-specific industry demand. The focus areas are clear: healthcare, construction, education, and hospitality.
- Visa Pathways: 190 and 491
- Processing Time: Variable
- Unique Element: Sector-driven nomination criteria
- Note: Interim allocation of 250 places for 2025–26
Reality Check: If you’re in one of Queensland’s priority industries, you’re in luck. The program rewards practicality over paperwork.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia is emerging as the quiet achiever of Australia’s migration map. It offers some of the fastest processing times and a wide spread of occupations.
- Visa Pathways: 190 and 491
- Processing Time: 2–4 weeks
- Requirements: Higher English proficiency (often IELTS 7.0)
- Focus: Engineering, construction, healthcare
Reality Check: South Australia balances strict English standards with speed and transparency. If you meet the benchmarks, expect results quickly.
Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia is the surprise star of this year’s program. It has the largest pool of remaining nomination places and continues to court skilled trades, healthcare, and engineering professionals.
- Visa Pathways: 491 (General & Graduate Streams)
- Focus: Trades, engineering, and healthcare
Reality Check: WA is the best-kept secret for skilled workers right now — wide availability, moderate competition, and a clear occupation list make it one of 2025’s most promising destinations.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania retains its whole-state regional advantage, a major bonus for skilled migrants aiming for the 491 visa.
- Visa Pathways: 190 and 491
- Key Requirement: 6 months Tasmanian work experience or study
- Processing Time: Moderate
- Priority: Healthcare and education
Reality Check: Tasmania rewards long-term commitment over speed. Great for those already living or working in the state, especially in regional healthcare or teaching roles.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT program is leaner and more selective than ever. The occupation list has shrunk, and the Canberra Matrix system filters applicants through a local-ties scoring model.
- Visa Pathways: 190 and 491
- Requirement: Canberra Matrix submission
- Priority Sectors: Construction and Renewables
Reality Check: ACT is best for professionals already employed in Canberra. The reduced occupation list means outsiders face stiff competition.
Northern Territory (NT)
The NT continues to punch above its weight by leveraging its full regional status and simplified nomination structure.
- Visa Pathways: 190 and 491
- Processing Time: Moderate
- Focus: Healthcare, trades, and education
- Preference: Onshore applicants with existing ties or nearing visa expiry
Reality Check: A practical, opportunity-rich choice for regional workers and graduates who want faster turnaround and less red tape.
Cross-State Snapshot 2025–26
| State/Territory | Strongest Sectors | Min Points | Job Offer | Visa Focus | Highlights |
| NSW | Healthcare, ICT, Engineering | 65+ | No | 190 | Invitation-only system, highly competitive |
| VIC | Healthcare, Education, ICT | 65 | No | 190/491 | ROI system, fast processing |
| QLD | Healthcare, Construction, Hospitality | 65 | No | Mixed | Sector-based nominations |
| SA | Engineering, Construction, Healthcare | 65–75 | No | All | Fastest processing (2–4 weeks) |
| WA | Trades, Engineering, Healthcare | 65 | No | 491 | Broad availability, low competition |
| TAS | Healthcare, Education, Trades | 65 | No | 491 | Entire state is regional |
| ACT | ICT, Construction, Management | 65 | No | 190/491 | Reduced occupation list |
| NT | Healthcare, Education, Trades | 65 | No | 190/491 | Simplified system, regional priority |
What It All Means for Skilled Professionals
- Regional wins over metro: Programs like Tasmania and NT give more breathing room to regional candidates than Sydney or Melbourne ever will.
- Speed matters: South Australia is setting the standard for efficient processing.
- WA’s quiet dominance: With its relaxed entry conditions and strong trades demand, Western Australia is the smart pick for anyone seeking both eligibility and momentum.
- Healthcare leads every list: From Queensland to Tasmania, healthcare remains the single most consistent sector across Australia’s state programs.
Final Word
The 2025–26 skilled migration year is all about strategic positioning. NSW and Victoria may look prestigious, but the true opportunities lie in Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory — regions that are building, hiring, and ready to nominate.
Australia’s migration system may be complex, but in the right state, your skills are more than paperwork — they’re a ticket to a faster, steadier future down under.
Sources:
For official government sources on Australian state nomination pathways including occupation lists, minimum points, and nomination requirements, you can refer to the following:
- Department of Home Affairs – Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
- https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
- These pages provide the central skilled occupation list and visa subclass detail, including nomination requirements.
- New South Wales Government Skilled Migration
- https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/nsw-skills-lists
- Details on NSW state nomination occupation lists and nomination requirements updated regularly.
- Victoria Government – Live in Melbourne Skilled Migration
- https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/skilled-nominated-visa-subclass-190
- 2025-26 nomination program details, occupation lists, and nomination streams.
- Queensland Migration – Occupation Lists and Skilled Migration
- South Australia Migration – Skilled Occupation Lists and Program Updates
- Western Australia Migration – State Nominated Migration Program
- Tasmania Migration – Skilled Migration Program
- Australian Capital Territory Migration – Critical Skills List & Nomination
- Northern Territory Skilled Migration
- https://visaenvoy.com/nt-migration-occupation-list/
- (community resource)
- For official info, check Department of Home Affairs pages and Northern Territory government portal.