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Home » Regional Migration Australia » State Nomination Pathways for Permanent Residency in Australia | Compare Visa Options

Compare State Nomination Pathways for Permanent Residency in Australia

Explore visa streams, eligibility, and pathways for PR in Australia’s states.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

State Nomination Overview

Visa Type

The Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas allow skilled workers to gain permanent residency through state or territory nomination or regional migration.

PR Pathway

Subclass 190: Direct PR after state nomination.
Subclass 491: Provisional visa with a pathway to PR after 3 years of regional work, leading to PR via Subclass 191.

Points Test Required

Minimum 65 points.

Nomination Type

EOI (Expression of Interest): For Subclass 190 and 491.
ROI (Registration of Interest): Some states require ROI for specific visa streams.

Processing Time

Typically 6-12 months (varies by state).

Family Inclusion

Family members, including spouses and children, can be included.

State Nomination Comparison Table

StateVisa StreamsPR PathwayPoints TestProcessing TimeFamily InclusionNomination Type
New South Wales Subclass 190, Subclass 491Direct PR (190)Yes (65+ points)6–9 monthsYesEOI, ROI
Victoria Subclass 190, Subclass 491Direct PR (190)Yes (65+ points)4–8 monthsYesEOI, ROI
Queensland Subclass 190, Subclass 491PR via Subclass 191Yes (65+ points)5–9 monthsYesEOI, ROI
South Australia Subclass 190, Subclass 491, 489Direct PR (190)Yes (65+ points)4–6 monthsYesEOI, ROI, Graduate
Western Australia Subclass 190, Subclass 491Direct PR (190)Yes (65+ points)5–8 monthsYesEOI, ROI
Tasmania Subclass 190, Subclass 491PR via Subclass 191Yes (65+ points)5–7 monthsYesEOI, ROI
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Subclass 190, Subclass 491Direct PR (190)Yes (65+ points)6–12 monthsYesEOI, ROI
Northern Territory (NT) Subclass 190, Subclass 491Direct PR (190)Yes (65+ points)5–7 monthsYesEOI, ROI

Step-by-Step Process for State Nomination

Step 1

Check eligibility

Confirm your occupation is on the state’s occupation list and that you meet the points criteria. 

Step 2

Submit Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. 

Step 3

Submit EOI

Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. 

Step 4

Receive Nomination Invitation

If nominated, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the visa. 

Step 5

Apply for Visa

Submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs. 

Step 6

Health & Character Checks

Complete health and police checks. 

Step 7

Receive Visa Outcome:

Wait for your visa approval. 

Path to Permanent Residency (PR)

Subclass 190

Direct permanent residency is granted upon visa approval.


Learn More about Subclass 190 

Subclass 491

This is a provisional visa. You must live and work in a designated regional area for 3 years before applying for PR through Subclass 191.


Explore Subclass 491 Pathway 

Subclass 191

Permanent residency is granted after 3 years of regional work and meeting income requirements.


Understand Subclass 191 

Family Members You Can Include After Visa Grant​

Spouse or de facto partner (full work rights)

Dependent children under 18 (access to Medicare)

Children over 18 (if financially dependent on you)

All family members must meet health and character requirements.

Common Mistakes & Tips

Common Mistakes

Incorrectly claiming points (e.g., overstating English proficiency).

Submitting expired skills assessments.

Missing required documentation (e.g., regional work proof for Subclass 491).

Applying for the wrong visa stream (e.g., applying for Subclass 190 when Subclass 491 is more suitable).

Tips

Confirm your points with a migration agent before submitting your application.

Ensure all documents are complete and up-to-date.

Double-check your occupation listing to make sure you qualify.

Use the EOI invitation criteria to improve your chances of being selected.

Required Documents

Passport

Skills Assessment (positive assessment from the relevant authority)

English Test Results (IELTS/PTE)

Health and Character Documents

Regional Proof (for Subclass 491)

Resume/Work History

Visa Fees & Processing Time

TypeDetails & Fee (AUD)
🧾 Government Visa FeeApprox. AUD 4,910
👥 Addtional Applicant 18+AUD 2,455
👥 Addtional Applicant below 18AUD 1,230
⏳ Processing TimeTypically 3–7 months (post-invitation)
📊 Check Visa Fees With Official Estimator

🧰 Tools & Downloads Section for State Nomination

Download Subclass 190 Migration Pack
Download Subclass 190
Migration Pack
Discover
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Download EOI Guide
Download EOI Guide

FAQs

Yes, 65 points is the minimum required for ACT 491 nomination.

Yes, both onshore and offshore applicants are eligible for ACT nomination.

Once nominated, you will receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 491 Visa.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.