State nomination for Australian visas – Subclass 190 and 491

This article provides a complete guide on the State Nomination process in Australia. Key information in this article:  

• Visa subclasses that require State Nomination  

• Key features of State Nomination program  

• Best practices

Visa subclasses that require State Nomination  

State nomination is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration program or points test system. The State/Territory nominates the applicant for one of the following visas: 

• Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190 is a permanent visa for skilled workers, allowing them to live and work in Australia. You must be nominated by an Australian state/territory government and the Visa can be lodged onshore or offshore after an invitation is received.  

• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 is a provisional visa for skilled workers, valid for 5 years from the date of grant. Subclass 491 allows you to live, work and study in a designated regional area. To be eligible for the Permanent Skilled Regional Visa – Subclass 191 – you need to live and work for 3 years
  

Key features of State Nomination program  

• Points test system: State Nomination Visas fall under the General Skilled Migration which is a points test system. Applicants get points for various aspects and receive a total points score.  

• Points are awarded for multiple factors – Points are awarded based on factors such as age range, English language proficiency, overseas and Australian employment, educational qualifications, and partner’s skills. Visit Understanding Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program in 2025 to learn the full points test breakdown.  

• Nomination points: State/territory nomination gives the applicant 5 points for Subclass 190 and 15 points for Subclass 491. 

• Expression of Interest (EOI) and Registration of Interest (ROI) – Submitting the EOI is the first step of applying for the 190 or 491 Visa. This step involves the applicant expressing their interest in applying for one of the visas. EOI submissions involve providing important information about your skills, work experience, English proficiency and more.  
• Registration of Interest (ROI) – Submitting the ROI is a step that is specific to some states/territories and happens after you submit the EOI. ROI should not be considered as a guarantee or a pre-invite and the information that you provide is based on your EOI submission. 
  

• Minimum points threshold: To receive an invitation to apply for one of the State Nomination Visas, applicants need to score at least 65 points.  

• Targeted skills: State Nomination Visas are focused on meeting specific occupation shortage needs of the nominating state or territory. 

• Commitment to region: Applicants nominated by a state/territory are generally expected to live and work in the nominating region for a specified period, generally a minimum of 2 years.  

Best practices 

Under the State Nomination program, state/territories may invite you based on the occupation shortages, job market trends and merit. Overall points, English proficiency, and years of experience are crucial aspects of the program. We recommend you follow these best practices provided below to make your process smooth sailing:  

• Timely preparation – We recommend that you prepare your application on time. Certain aspects of the visa process may take up additional time, depending on your circumstances. Example – Skills Assessments for different occupations have different processing times, this time must be factored before you prepare for your 190 or 491 Visa. 

• Be mindful of the processing times – If you are waiting for an invite for the 190 or 491 Visa and are currently on a temporary visa, it is important to keep track of your current visa’s expiry and the processing times for 190 or 491 Visa.  

• Ensure document accuracy and relevance – To avoid delays or rejections, it is crucial to ensure that the information you have provided to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) is accurate and all documents have also been translated to English.  

• Maximising your points – As there are multiple factors that can get you additional points, aim to maximise your points. You can do this by improving your English score, sitting for the NAATI exam, or by completing a Professional Year (PY) Program.  

• Keep your application up-to-date – If your circumstances or any details about your application change, you are required to notify the Department as soon as possible. Any delays in updating your details can cause delays for your 190 or 491 Visa application.  

• Stay updated with news – Keep an eye out on the migration and visa changes for your state/territory. This will help you understand the Australian migration scene and make suitable decisions.  

• Seek professional advice – As submitting your application for the 190 or 491 Visa can be a complex process, it is recommended that you seek professional advice from the get-go. By getting in touch with a registered and expert migration agent, you can fully understand all your options. They will be able to support you on your 190 or 491 Visa journey.