Guide to Australia State-by-State Nomination Requirements for 2025-2026

September 19, 2025

Guide to Australia State-by-State Nomination Requirements for 2025-2026

Are you tired of scrolling government websites without finding clear answers? Do you feel lost when information about skilled migration in Australia contradicts itself? Have you wondered which state truly values the skills you bring? You are certainly not alone. In 2025-2026, the Australia state nomination journey is a careful strategy, not a checklist. Each state and territory builds its own rules for nomination.

Pathways diverge quickly — a software engineer in Sydney faces a process that looks very different from a healthcare worker in Perth. Progress requires knowledge that is both precise and current.

At Ehelp Consultants, we understand this confusion, and we know broad advice has no value. That is why we created a guide built on updated allocations and fresh policy changes. Consider this your map forward.

Understanding the National Migration Context for 2025-2026

Before moving into Australia state nomination requirements for the year 2025-2026, it is worth pausing on the national program. On September 2, 2025, the Australian Government confirmed the 2025-2026 permanent Migration Program would remain at 185,000 places. That number holds steady with the 2024-2025 year. Within the whole program, the skilled stream secures 132,200 positions, making up around 71% of the total.

National Planning Levels for 2025-2026

• Skilled Independent (Subclass 189): 16,900 positions. The government intends this route for applicants with strong abilities who apply without nomination. It is highly competitive, and many discover how hard it is to succeed.
• State and Territory Nominated (Subclass 190 and 491): 33,000 positions. These pathways carry real weight for applicants who depend on nomination.
• Regional Visas (Subclass 491): 33,000 positions. The states draw these places into their totals, and the government continues to press for settlement across regional areas.
• Employer Sponsored: 44,000 positions.

New South Wales (NSW) State Nomination 2025-2026

NSW runs a highly selective invitation process that remains competitive throughout the year. It is never first-come, first-served. Invitations arrive in periodic rounds and are driven directly by the economic needs of the state. The program is awaiting its full nomination allocation from the Federal Government and has not yet opened for applications or conducted any invitation rounds for the new program year.

NSW Program Highlights:

• NSW Skills List: Your occupation must appear on the Skills List for your visa subclass. The list leans heavily toward healthcare, education, ICT, and engineering. These fields continue to be short of skilled workers across the state.
• Residency: Applicants must have lived in NSW for 6 continuous months or they must have spent six months offshore. This rule opens doors for candidates based both inside and outside of NSW.
• Employment: The state does not require previous work experience. That said, a strong professional history and high English scores will improve your chances in a crowded and very selective market.
• Highly Competitive Invitations: The state does not publish invitation rounds ahead of time.  Past data shows that invitations often went to candidates who scored high points and carried sector experience. Some IT and engineering roles saw thresholds above 90 points. The key takeaway is that a strong profile speaks louder than the minimum.
• NSW Regional (Subclass 491): The regional stream under the 491 visa has become a priority. It is suited to applicants ready to live and work across designated NSW regional zones. For many, this offers a more realistic threshold.

Expert Insight: The system in NSW rewards quality of applications rather than volume. Putting forward an EOI that clearly highlights your strengths in a priority sector will place you ahead in the queue.

Read on:  Skills in Demand Visa Australia – All You Need to Know

Victoria (VIC) Skilled Migration 2025-2026

Victoria’s program focuses on attracting skilled professionals who can show lasting commitment to the state. It works through a Registration of Interest (ROI) process.

Check the latest update on Victoria Skilled Migration 2025-26

VIC Program Highlights: 

• ROI System: You must submit an ROI and be chosen according to competitive factors. A central element is proving your intent to work and settle in Victoria.

• Occupation List: Your role must appear on the Victorian skilled occupation list.

• Competitive Factors: The ROI weighs multiple factors. These include employment, skilled income, and English ability. Onshore 491 applicants must hold skilled work in regional Victoria.

• Interim Allocation: Victoria received only a small interim share for 2025–2026. But, the demand is high. The ROIs lodgment for 2024–2025 program is closed early. ROIs already lodged are carried forward into this program year.

Expert Insight: Victoria’s approach centres on value. Points alone are not enough. A targeted ROI supported by skilled work and proven relevance has greater impact.

Queensland (QLD) Nomination Requirements 2025-2026

Migration Queensland offers separate streams for onshore, offshore, and small business applicants. An ROI must follow the submission of an EOI.

Note:  Migration Queensland’s 2025-2026 program opens to new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on September 19, 2025

QLD Pathways:

• Onshore Skilled Workers: The work requirement is now 9 months for a 190 visaand 6 months for a 491 visa, working a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Offshore Skilled Workers: Offshore applicants now need a minimum EOI points score of 80 for a 190 visaand 75 for a 491 visa.
• New Onshore Building and Construction Pathway: A new, dedicated pathway has been introduced for onshore applicants working in the building and construction industry.
• Small Business Owner (Subclass 491): This pathway supports those wanting to run a business in regional Queensland. Rules apply to both business investment and employment. This pathway is now CLOSED to new applications as per the migration update of 2025-2026.
• Interim Allocation: The 2025-2026 allocation is limited. Strict assessments apply, and some pathways may pause.

Expert Insight: Queensland’s varied streams cover different profiles. The task is to know which route fits your situation. Build your profile around that stream to strengthen your chance.

Learn more: Applying for a Positive VETASSESS Skills Assessment? – Key Steps to Follow

Western Australia (WA) State Nomination Program 2025-2026

The WA program for 2025–2026 targets occupations facing critical shortages. As a result, the state has paused the program for new applications to use this allocation to clear the 2024-2025 backlog. The program prioritizes healthcare, construction, and education. Several different streams are available depending on an applicant’s background.

WA Program Highlights:

• Streamlined Process: Applicants can access the program through the General Stream or through the Graduate Stream. Both options have their own emphasis and are designed to suit particular applicant profiles.
• General Stream Requirements:
  • WASMOL Schedule 1 Occupations: Applicants require at least one full year of skilled employment and a six‑month contract of full‑time work in WA.
  • WASMOL Schedule 2 Occupations: Applicants need only hold 6‑month contract of employment in WA.
• Graduate Stream: This stream supports graduates who have completed an eligible qualification in WA. Depending on the course and qualification level, a job offer may not be necessary.
• Prioritisation: The state considers applicants who already live in WA first during invitation rounds. After that, it treats interstate and offshore applicants equally.
• Interim Allocation: The Federal Government gave WA a small interim allocation for the 2025-2026 year. The state mainly used this limited share to process outstanding cases from 2024-2025. The program remains paused until the government makes the final allocation public.

Expert Insight: Securing a job offer in one of WA’s critical sectors provides the strongest strategy for success. International graduates also benefit through the Graduate Stream which remains an important entry route.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Skilled Visa 2025-2026

The ACT continues to run skilled visa nomination through the Canberra Matrix. This is a points‑based system that organises applicants into regular invitation rounds. The first round for 2025-2026 took place on 15 September 2025 and the invitations were issued to ACT Residents only.

Canberra Matrix System:

• Matrix Score: The score you achieve within the system dictates how competitive your application will be. Points are awarded on residency length, employment record, English level, and several additional elements.
• Critical Skills List: Applicants must hold an occupation from the ACT Critical Skills List. The list is reviewed often to ensure that changing economic needs are reflected accurately.
• Interim Allocation: The ACT received a temporary allocation for 2025–2026. This interim figure included a small number of places across both subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas.
  • The minimum Matrix score was 100 for subclass 190 applicants.
  • The minimum Matrix score was 85 for subclass 491 applicants.
• Invitation Round Data: In early September 2025, the ACT issued invitations to both 190 and 491 applicants. The majority of invitations went to those already living in the Territory.

Expert Insight: The Canberra Matrix is designed to show transparency. Applicants with convincing evidence of commitment to ACT and with high Matrix scores place themselves in the strongest position. Strategic preparation remains essential.

South Australia (SA) Skilled Migration 2025-2026

South Australia operates its 2025–2026 program through a Registration of Interest system. The focus is on candidates who can address shortages and support the workforce needs of the state.

SA Program Highlights:

• Employment Streams: Onshore applicants are often invited after gaining skilled work experience in SA. Requirements change depending on the chosen stream and occupation.
• Offshore Applicants: SA reviews applications from offshore candidates. Invitations depend on merit and consider factors such as English skills and EOI score.
• Interim Allocation: SA received a small interim allocation for 2025–2026. Priority went to strong candidates already in the 2024–2025 ROI pool. The acceptance of new ROIs was placed on hold at first.
• Occupation List: All applicants must nominate an occupation that appears on the SA Skilled Occupation List.

Expert Insight: The SA system is highly practical in outlook. Authorities expect applicants who can make an immediate impact in the workforce. Evidence of skilled employment in SA or strong credentials in a priority role is vital.

Tasmania (TAS) Skilled Nomination 2025-2026

Tasmania continues to run a program that accepts both onshore and offshore applicants. It focuses on individuals with strong work or study links to the state.

TAS Pathways:

• Interim Allocation: Tasmania received an interim allocation of 165 for 2025–2026. This included 85 under subclass 190 and 80 under subclass 491.
• Onshore Skilled Employment: This pathway recognises your employment record in Tasmania. The required periods vary by occupation.
• Tasmanian Graduates: Available to graduates who have finished an approved course in Tasmania.
• Offshore Applicants: Highly competitive for those offshore. A recent job offer in Tasmania improves chances sharply.

Expert Insight: The Tasmanian approach is centred on retaining skilled people already connected to the state. If you hold a Tasmanian link through work or study, highlight it directly.

Northern Territory (NT) Skilled Nomination 2025-2026

The Northern Territory skilled program for 2025–2026 continues to open opportunities for different applicant groups. It provides entry for Territory graduates, established residents, and new workers who can meet pressing skill gaps.

NT Program Highlights

• NT DAMA III: The current version of DAMA came into effect in March 2025 and runs until June 30, 2030. It offers 1,500 positions each year. The program now includes more than 325 occupations and also provides concessions on qualifications, training background, and English scores. For skilled workers, this creates access to a pathway that might otherwise have been unavailable.
• NT Graduates: To be eligible, you must show two years of full‑time study in the NT. You must also have lived in the Territory for six continuous months after graduation.
• NT Residents: Applicants must show proof of two consecutive years living and working in the NT. The work must relate directly to the nominated occupation.

Expert Insight: The NT wants people who can demonstrate a genuine commitment to place down roots. DAMA is a powerful tool for those with skills in high demand.

Key Considerations for Your 2025-2026 Migration Plan

• Interim vs Final Allocations: Interim allocations begin each financial year.  The government announces final allocations later, and that delay often creates pauses.
• Competition is High: The number of interested applicants is greater than the number of available places. A strong Expression of Interest and nomination profile are both essential.
• Understand Regional Migration: National policy continues to emphasise regional growth. Subclass 491 is a realistic route, and the government offers permanent residency later through subclass 191.
• Stay Informed:  The government often adjusts the rules. Use official portals and the Department of Home Affairs to keep pace with constant updates.

How Ehelp Consultants Maximises Your Migration Potential

Australia State nomination is never simple and in 2025-2026, meeting the eligibility rules is only the start. True success demands strategy and timing. That is the advantage Ehelp Consultants delivers.

Our Proven Process for Migration Success

• Comprehensive Assessment: We evaluate your credentials against the most current nomination standards applied by every state.
• Strategic Pathway Planning: We guide you in choosing the state or territory that best aligns with your occupation and long‑term visa aims. Our insight into regional priorities and DAMA agreements is applied at every stage.
• Application Management: Experienced consultants prepare your Expression of Interest and nomination applications so that they are accurate, compliant and persuasive. Every detail from start to finish is managed.
• Continuous Updates: You receive clear updates on announcements, invitation patterns and policy adjustments.
• Personalised Support: Support is steady throughout the process from your first consultation through to the final grant of the visa.

Ready to Begin Your Australian Journey

Do not gamble with such an important step. Work with a team that has already guided many to permanent residency.

Contact Ehelp Consultants today for a detailed consultation. Together, we will chart the route through complex Australia state nomination rules for 2025-2026 and maximise your chance of success. Your new chapter in Australia begins with one decision. Take that decision with trusted experts at your side.

Disclaimer: Migration requirements are subject to change. The information is accurate as of September 2025. It is for general guidance only. Consult Ehelp Consultants for the latest information and advice.