Commonwealth Migration Group

Professional Services

The right state at the right time can add the points that get you invited — we match you to the jurisdiction where you actually stand a chance.

Overview

State Nomination Assistance

For the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government — or, for some 491 streams, sponsored by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. Each of the eight jurisdictions publishes its own occupation list, sets its own eligibility criteria, decides how it selects candidates, and may run multiple streams.

Category

Professional Services

Relevance

State or territory nomination adds points and unlocks the 190 and 491 visas; each jurisdiction runs its own program, occupation lists and commitment rules, so strategy is location-specific.

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Why It Matters

Why it matters

Nomination is mandatory for the 190 and 491 — without it, those subclasses are unavailable. It adds points to your EOI, often the decisive margin at competitive cut-offs, and widens occupation eligibility, since an occupation not viable for the 189 may be open via a state list. For regional applicants, the 491 provides a pathway to permanent residence through the subclass 191 after meeting regional residence and income conditions.

Key Details

The eight nominating jurisdictions

NSW — broad lists across health, IT, engineering, education and trades; usually requires living in NSW or a strong connection.

VIC — health, education, engineering and select trades; prioritises those who have lived or studied in Victoria.

QLD — defined priority lists, with offshore and onshore streams.

SA — generally broader lists and more accessible entry criteria, with active graduate and work streams.

WA — large 491 allocation, plus the WASMOL and a graduate stream.

TAS — strong emphasis on genuine, established connection through study, work or residence.

ACT — uses the Canberra Matrix to rank employment, qualifications and community ties.

NT — smaller quotas and periodic by-exception prioritisation; favours genuine NT commitment.

Deliverables

What you receive

3–7 business days for preparation (government processing varies)
  • State eligibility assessment
  • State nomination strategy
  • Documentation support
  • Application preparation and filing
  • Nomination tracking assistance

How It Works

Your Step-by-Step Journey

Select states based on occupation availability, your points, and genuine connection.

Check the occupation is on that state's list for the chosen subclass — 190 versus 491.

Minimum points, minimum skilled experience, English level, and any residence, work-in-state or connection requirements.

Submit an EOI in SkillSelect and, where the state requires it, a separate Registration of Interest or matrix submission.

On receiving a nomination invitation, apply with evidence — commitment statement, CV, references and settlement funds where required.

Nomination triggers an invitation to apply for the visa, after which you lodge the visa application.

Watch Out

Good to know

Occupation lists differ by state — an occupation open in one state may be closed in another, or open only for the 491 and not the 190.
Commitment requirements are taken seriously — states want genuine settlers, and weak or contradictory commitment evidence leads to refusal.
Quotas and rounds change mid-year — a closed list can reopen and vice versa.
Some states require a separate Registration of Interest or matrix in addition to the SkillSelect EOI.
Moving away early undermines your 190 or 491 obligations and the 491-to-191 PR pathway.
How CMG helps
  • Match you to the best-fit jurisdiction(s) by occupation, points and genuine connection.
  • Track each state's live occupation lists, criteria and round openings.
  • Prepare a credible commitment and settlement statement along with the nomination evidence pack.
  • Coordinate the EOI and state registration steps and the 190/491 points strategy end to end.

Information verified against the official source before we advise you.

FAQ

Common Questions

How many points does state nomination add?

A 190 nomination adds 5 points and a 491 nomination adds 15 points, on top of your base EOI points. With the federal minimum at 65, the 491's +15 is frequently decisive.

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