State Nomination for Skilled Migration – How It Works and Why It Matters
If you're exploring the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa options, you may already know that both require state or territory nomination as part of the process.
But how exactly does state nomination work, and why is it such a crucial part of your skilled migration strategy?
This article explains the essentials without overwhelming you with detail, and highlights why using a professional adviser to monitor and navigate each state's requirements is vital to your success.
What Is State Nomination?
State or territory nomination is a process where an Australian state or regional government selects skilled migrants for nomination based on their occupation, qualifications, experience, and other factors.
A nomination:
- Adds points to your total (5 points for Subclass 190, 15 points for Subclass 491)
- Triggers an invitation to apply for the relevant visa (once selected)
While these visas are still processed by the Department of Home Affairs, nomination from a state or territory is what makes you eligible to be considered for the visa in the first place.
Is State Nomination Automatic?
No, far from it!
Each state and territory has its own priority occupation list, nomination criteria, and application form (in some cases).
Some states require a separate nomination application, while others invite candidates directly from SkillSelect based on EOI information alone.
In some cases, you may need to:
- Reach a higher points threshold
- Show a genuine commitment to live and work in that state
- Provide a job offer or evidence of local ties
- Meet additional criteria such as work experience, registration, or funds
These requirements can change frequently, and what works for one applicant in one state may not apply in another.
Why Is State Nomination So Important?
If you're struggling to reach the minimum invitation score for the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa, state nomination can be the key to unlocking your application.
It offers:
- A competitive advantage by lowering the threshold for selection
- Access to regional or priority pathways where demand is higher
- Faster invitations in many cases, compared to the independent stream
State nomination has become one of the most strategic tools available to skilled migrants — but only when used correctly.
The Pitfall: Misunderstanding State Nomination Rules
We often speak to applicants who submit an EOI assuming a state will contact them, and hear nothing. Some apply to multiple states without checking their current eligibility. Others miss out on invitations because they were not aware of recent changes.
Some even receive invitations but cannot proceed because they misunderstood the documents, deadlines, or criteria.
How Australian Shores Can Help
At Australian Shores, we:
- Monitor each state's nomination updates and changes weekly
- Assess your profile to match you with the most realistic nomination pathway
- Handle the EOI submission and nomination applications
- Help you avoid delays and mistakes that could cost you your chance at selection
We don’t just look at where your occupation appears, we look at where you are truly competitive, and we prepare your case to meet that state’s current expectations.
Ready to Explore State Nomination?
If you’re considering a Subclass 190 or 491 visa and want to know which states may be open to nominating you, speak with our team for a tailored assessment. Send Us Your CV for Assessment
Let’s build a nomination strategy that works, and gets you one step closer to Australia.
