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Visa Nomination Requirements for Australian Visas (2025 Update)

Understand how employer and state/territory nominations work across skilled, regional, and employer-sponsored visa programs.

Understanding the Nomination Process

The nomination process is a critical requirement for several Australian visas, particularly skilled migration and employer-sponsored pathways. It is the formal step where a sponsoring body — such as an approved employer or a state/territory government — supports an applicant for a specific visa subclass.

A nomination must be assessed and approved by the relevant Australian authority before the visa can be granted. This page outlines how the nomination process works, the key requirements, and how nomination affects different visa types across skilled and regional migration programs.

Overview of the Nomination Process

Nomination is a key step for a variety of visa types, particularly skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, and Nomination is a key step for a variety of visa types, particularly skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, and regional migration pathways. The nomination process ensures that an applicant meets the eligibility criteria set by the sponsoring body, which could be an employer or a state or territory government.

Who Can Nominate an Applicant?

Employers: For employer-sponsored visas (e.g., Subclass 186, 482, 494), an employer must nominate a skilled worker for a particular job.

State/Territory Governments: For state or territory-sponsored visas (e.g., Subclass 190, 491), a state or territory government nominates skilled workers for employment in regional areas.

Types of Visa Nominations

1. Employer-Sponsored Visa Nominations

Employer nomination is required for several employer-sponsored visa subclasses. The employer submits a nomination for a skilled worker to fill a position in their business. Once the nomination is approved, the employee can apply for the visa.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

2. State/Territory Nominations

State and territory governments can nominate skilled workers for specific visas. These nominations are designed to meet the labor market needs of regional and remote areas of Australia. Applicants must meet the state’s specific eligibility criteria and job requirements.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Nominated by a state or territory government.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Nominated by a state or territory government, or a family member residing in a regional area.

3. Business and Investment Nominations

Business innovation and investment visas require nomination by a state or territory government to encourage investment in regional areas.

Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188): Nominated by a state or territory government.

3. Business and Investment Nominations

Business innovation and investment visas require nomination by a state or territory government to encourage investment in regional areas.

Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188): Nominated by a state or territory government.

❓FAQs

Being nominated means that an employer or a state or territory government has approved your application for a specific visa. This nomination is a formal endorsement that you meet the eligibility criteria to live and work in Australia. 

-Employers can nominate you for employer-sponsored visas.

-State and territory governments can nominate you for certain skilled migration visas.

-Family members may nominate you for a regional visa (e.g., Subclass 491).

In most cases, you cannot apply for a visa that requires a nomination without having a sponsor. For employer-sponsored visas, a valid job offer and employer nomination are essential. For state/territory visas, you must be nominated by the relevant state or territory.

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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.