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Nomination Criteria for Australian Skilled Visas

💡 What Is Nomination Criteria?

In order to apply for certain skilled migration visas to Australia, applicants may need to meet Nomination Criteria set by either a state/territory government or an employer. State Nomination applies to visas like Subclass 190 and Subclass 491, while Employer Nomination applies to Employer-Sponsored Visas like Subclass 186, 482, and 494.

Meeting the nomination criteria is essential for receiving an invitation to apply for the visa and ensuring that applicants can legally live and work in Australia, often with a pathway to permanent residency.

🌍 Nomination Criteria for State-Sponsored Visas

Each Australian state and territory has its own specific nomination criteria for skilled workers. Others require employer nomination (e.g. Subclass 186, 482, 494). Nomination is not a visa grant; you must still meet all DHA criteria for the visa subclass. The state nomination process is designed to attract skilled workers to areas of Australia where there is a high demand for particular professions.

Eligibility: To be eligible for Subclass 190, applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government. The occupation must be on the state’s Skilled Occupation List.

Nomination Criteria:

Your occupation must be eligible for the 190 and listed by the nominating state/territory for the relevant stream

You must meet the points test (minimum 65 points) for skilled migration.

You need to meet the state’s specific eligibility requirements, such as work experience, qualifications, and commitment to live in the state

Must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.

Demonstrate sufficient English proficiency.

Some states may require applicants to have work experience or job offers in the occupation nominated.

Eligibility: The Subclass 491 visa is designed for applicants who are nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by a family member to live and work in regional areas of Australia.

Nomination Criteria:

You must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by a family member living in a regional area.

Your occupation must be eligible for the 491 and on the nominating state/territory’s current list (or meet eligible family sponsorship rules).

You must meet the points test and be under 45 years of age.

You need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.

You must commit to living and working in a designated regional area for the duration of the visa.

🧑‍💼 Nomination Criteria for Employer-Sponsored Visas

Employer-sponsored visas allow employers to sponsor foreign workers to fill positions they cannot fill locally. These visas provide skilled workers with the opportunity to live and work in Australia temporarily or permanently.

Eligibility: The Subclass 186 visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.

Nomination Criteria:

The sponsoring employer must be an approved sponsor under the Employer Nomination Scheme.

The applicant must have a valid skills assessment in their nominated occupation. Also depends on licensing/registration for regulated professions.

The applicant must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation. This is a DE stream baseline, but TRT stream applicants may meet criteria differently.

The applicant must meet the English proficiency requirements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.).

The nominated position must be on the Skilled Occupation List.

The applicant must be under 45 years of age at the time of application

The applicant must commit to working in the sponsored role for at least two years.

Eligibility: The Subclass 482 visa is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to work for an approved employer in Australia

Nomination Criteria:

The applicant must be sponsored by an approved employer.

The occupation must be eligible for the 482 on DHA’s lists or be covered by a labour agreement

Applicants must meet the English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).

Applicants must have at least one year of work experience in their nominated occupation.

The employer must offer a position that aligns with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

3. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | Provisional | Visa –Subclass 494

Eligibility: The Subclass 494 visa is for skilled workers sponsored by an employer to live and work in regional Australia.

Nomination Criteria:

The occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List.

The applicant must be sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.

The employer must be an approved sponsor.

Applicants must meet the English language requirements.

The applicant must have skills and qualifications that match the nominated occupation.

📏 Step-by-Step: How to Meet the Nomination Criteria

1.Review the Skilled Occupation Lists:

  • Check if your occupation is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List or Regional Occupation List. This list varies depending on whether you are applying for state or employer sponsorship. 
  • Example: If your occupation is Project Manager, check the Core skill Occupation List for employer sponsorship or the State Nomination List for state-sponsored options. 

2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):

For most state-sponsored visas (e.g.,  Subclass 190, Subclass 491), submit an EOI through SkillSelect. For employer-sponsored visas (e.g.,  Subclass 482, Subclass 186), ensure that your employer submits the nomination on your behalf. 

3. Skills Assessment:

  • Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. Some occupations require this as part of the nomination process. 
  • Example: If you’re applying for an engineering occupation, a skills assessment by Engineers Australia is required. 

4. Meet Age and English Requirements:

  • Ensure that you meet the age (usually under 45 years) and English proficiency requirements for the specific visa subclass. 
  • Example: If you’re applying for Subclass 190 or Subclass 186, you must meet the IELTS or equivalent English language requirements. 

5. State or Employer Nomination:

If applying for a state-sponsored visa, wait for an invitation after submitting your EOI. For employer-sponsored visas, ensure that your employer provides the necessary nomination documents. 

6. Submit Visa Application:

Once nominated, submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs with all required documentation. This includes your skills assessment, English test results, age and work experience documentation, and the state/employer nomination. 

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Not Meeting the State or Employer Nomination Criteria: Ensure that you fully understand the criteria for the specific state or employer before applying.

Missing Documentationa: Always double-check that all required documents are included in your application. Missing documents or incomplete submissions can lead to delays or refusals.

Failure to Meet Points Requirements: Ensure that you have enough points to meet the points test for skilled migration visas.

📋 Required Documents

Skills Assessment from the relevant assessing body.

Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL results).

Employment evidence (contracts, references; licensing/registration if applicable).

State or Employer Nomination Documents (e.g., sponsorship letter).

Identification Documents (passport, birth certificate).

🌟 Why This Matters

Meeting the Nomination Criteria is essential for securing your visa and ensuring your eligibility for permanent residency. Whether you are applying for a state-sponsored or employer-sponsored visa, fulfilling the criteria increases your chances of success and helps you transition smoothly to living and working in Australia.

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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.