SC 190 State Nomination Visa Australia 2026: Every State’s Requirements, Quotas and Occupation Lists
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa grants Australian permanent residency — and unlike the SC 189 Skilled Independent visa, you do not need to score 90+ points to get an invitation. A state or territory government nominates you, adding 5 bonus points to your score and unlocking invitation rounds that the 189 federal pool does not offer.
In 2025–26, states and territories received 20,350 nomination places across both the 190 and 491 visa programs. Understanding which state is actively nominating your occupation — and what each state actually wants — is the difference between receiving an invitation in months and waiting years.
This guide covers every state’s 2025–26 quota, occupation priorities, eligibility requirements and application portal — so you can identify where your profile is strongest.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. State nomination programs, occupation lists and quotas change throughout the financial year. Consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARN) for advice specific to your circumstances.
At a glance: SC 190 in 2025–26
| Visa type | Permanent residency — granted from day one |
| Points bonus from nomination | +5 points |
| Minimum points (before bonus) | 60 points on your EOI |
| Minimum total (including +5 bonus) | 65 points to submit EOI |
| Realistic competitive score | 70–85 points depending on state and occupation |
| Who nominates you | A state or territory government |
| 2-year commitment | Must live and work in the nominating state for 2 years after grant |
| Application fee (primary) | $4,640 AUD (2025–26) |
| Processing time | 5–15 months from federal invitation to grant |
| Where to submit EOI | SkillSelect |
Federal eligibility requirements
Before approaching any state, you must meet the federal requirements that apply to all SC 190 applicants:
- Under 45 years old at the time of invitation, with a positive and current skills assessment in an eligible occupation, at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent), and a minimum of 60 points on the SkillSelect EOI before the state’s 5-point bonus is added. Hudsonfinancialplanning
- Your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — states can only nominate occupations that appear on the federal list
- Health requirements — medical examination with a DHA-approved panel physician
- Character requirements — police clearances from every country lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
These requirements are the same across all states. What differs significantly is what each state adds on top of these baseline criteria.
For a full breakdown of how points are calculated across every category, see the Australia points test 2026 guide.
The 2-year state commitment
All SC 190 visa holders must commit to living and working in the nominating state for 2 years after visa grant. States check compliance through surveys and may contact you to verify where you live and work. After 2 years you are free to move anywhere in Australia — the commitment does not restrict you permanently.
States want people who will stay, not those planning to move to Sydney or Melbourne as soon as they get permanent residency. Most state nomination applications ask you to demonstrate genuine intent to settle — and states have become increasingly rigorous in assessing this.
State-by-state breakdown: 2025–26
Victoria — 2,700 places (190) + 700 (491)
Victoria holds the country’s biggest allocation for the permanent 190 visa. All CSOL occupations are technically eligible, but Victoria actively prioritises health professionals, teachers, engineers, and ICT workers.
Key requirements:
- Currently living in Victoria. No minimum duration requirement. Skilled employment is required — you must disclose your current job details in Victoria.
- While you do not strictly need a job to apply, holding skilled employment with a Victorian employer significantly boosts your Registration of Interest (ROI) competitiveness and allows you to claim earnings.
- Being employed or educated in Victoria significantly strengthens your profile — points alone do not drive the outcome here.
- Minimum 65 points in SkillSelect
Application portal: liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au Process: Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) — Victoria selects from the ROI pool before issuing nomination invitations.
New South Wales — 2,100 places (190)
NSW operates with one of the more restrictive programs nationally. It now operates strictly from its NSW Skills List — if your occupation is not on it, an invitation is unlikely. Priority sectors include construction, healthcare, ICT, renewables, and advanced manufacturing. Evidence requirements are stricter than ever, and most successful applicants hold 75–85 points.
Key requirements:
- Must have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the NSW Skilled Occupation Lists for the 190 visa and at least Competent English. Note: Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Republic of Ireland or New Zealand are not required to complete an English assessment.
- Must currently be living in NSW for at least 6 months, or have a strong connection to the state
- You do not have to be currently working in NSW in your nominated occupation to be eligible for nomination — but being employed in the state strengthens your application significantly.
- Most competitive applicants score 75–85 points
Application portal: migrate.nsw.gov.au
Queensland — 1,850 places (190) + 750 (491)
QLD’s allocation more than doubled from last year, driven by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics infrastructure pipeline. Queensland offers clear pathways for onshore workers, graduates and offshore workers.
Key requirements:
- As a skilled worker, you must provide evidence of 6 months of full-time skilled employment in your nominated occupation within Queensland.
- As a graduate, you must have completed your qualification in Queensland and currently live there
- Queensland prioritises offshore applicants in certain occupations — particularly healthcare, engineering and trades.
- Queensland uses a Registration of Interest (ROI) system
Application portal: migration.qld.gov.au
Western Australia — up to 3,400 places (190 + 491 combined)
WA has a near-equal 190/491 split, with regional WA accounting for 41% of total places — one of the best regional options in the country. Priority sectors are mining, resources, construction, healthcare, and engineering. WA operates a transparent, round-based invitation system and highly values job offers from local employers.
Key requirements:
- For the General Stream, you typically need a six-month full-time employment contract in WA in your nominated occupation.
- If applying through the Graduate Stream, you must have completed a Certificate III or higher at a WA institution and studied full-time on campus for 2 years.
- The program reached near-capacity early in 2025–26 — do not delay applications.
Application portal: migration.wa.gov.au
South Australia — 1,350 places (190) + 900 (491)
SA is the most underrated state in 2025–26. It offers the broadest eligible occupation list (464 onshore roles) and publishes monthly invitation data by category — giving applicants rare, real market signals. SA rewards long-term residents and SA international graduates. Priority areas include health, engineering, ICT, education, business, and defence. If your occupation is less common, SA is often your strongest option.
Key requirements:
- SA has pathways for certain high-caliber applicants including offshore applicants in priority occupations.
- SA requires 6 months of work experience in the state for certain occupations.
- Lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne — genuinely attractive for settlement
- SA publishes monthly invitation data — use it to time your application strategically
Application portal: migration.sa.gov.au
If you are moving to South Australia and planning life in Adelaide, see lifehints.com.au for practical tips on settling in, finding rentals and managing the cost of living in a new city.
Australian Capital Territory — 800 places (190)
The ACT uses the “Canberra Matrix” to rank applicants. To qualify as a Canberra Resident, you must live in the ACT for at least 6 months and work there for 26 weeks.
The ACT is unique — Canberra is classified as a designated regional area for the SC 491 despite being the national capital. The 190 pathway through the ACT requires genuine Canberra residence and a clear connection to the territory’s economy — which is dominated by government, defence, and university sectors.
Application portal: act.gov.au/migration
Tasmania — 1,200 places (190)
Tasmania has become increasingly popular due to its accessible nomination pathway.
Key requirements:
- The Skilled Employment pathway requires you to work in the state for 9 to 15 months, depending on your occupation.
- The state puts an emphasis on applicants who are living and working in Tasmania. Most onshore applicants will only become eligible after 6 or 9 months of Tasmanian employment.
- International students who studied in Tasmania or candidates with job offers in Hobart have strong prospects
- Hobart’s lower cost of living compared to Sydney or Melbourne makes it genuinely attractive for new migrants — see lifehints.com.au for budgeting tips on living in a smaller Australian city.
Application portal: migration.tas.gov.au
Northern Territory — limited places (by exception only)
The NT is operating under the strictest conditions — offering limited nominations by exception only. This is mainly for onshore applicants whose visas expire before 31 December 2025 or who have birthdays that create urgency. The NT is not a viable pathway for most applicants in 2025–26.
Application portal: migration.nt.gov.au
How to choose the right state
State nomination is not automatic — it is earned through strategic alignment of your skills with specific state workforce needs and selection requirements. New South Wales might prioritise IT professionals at 90+ points, while South Australia welcomes healthcare workers at 70 points for the same occupation.
Step 1 — Check your occupation. Confirm your occupation is on the federal CSOL and then check which states include it on their own nomination lists. These differ significantly.
Step 2 — Calculate your points. Know your exact score before approaching any state. If your score is below 70, some states will not be viable. Use the Australia points test 2026 guide to identify where you stand and how to add points.
Step 3 — Target multiple states. With 38% fewer places this year, spreading your EOI across more than one state gives you a much stronger safety net. Most applicants indicate interest in 2–3 states in their SkillSelect EOI.
Step 4 — Be genuine about your commitment. States assess whether you genuinely intend to live there. Only apply for states where you genuinely intend to live. Applications that appear strategic rather than genuine are increasingly being declined.
Step 5 — Be decision-ready. Most states opened the year with a tiny interim allocation — spots are limited, selection is ruthless, and being decision-ready is the only way to get ahead. Have your skills assessment, English test and supporting documents ready before you apply for nomination.
SC 190 vs SC 189 vs SC 491
| SC 189 | SC 190 | SC 491 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who nominates you | Nobody — purely points | State/territory government | State/territory government or family |
| Points bonus | None | +5 | +15 |
| PR on grant | Yes | Yes | No — provisional, PR via SC 191 after 3 years |
| Where you must live | Anywhere in Australia | Nominating state for 2 years | Designated regional areas |
| Realistic points needed | 85–95+ | 70–85 depending on state | 65–80 after +15 bonus |
| Best for | Very high scorers | Mid-range scorers with state demand | Lower scorers open to regional life |
For the regional pathway with a +15 bonus, see SC 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa 2026.
Costs
| Fee | Amount (2025–26) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $4,640 |
| Secondary applicant 18+ | $2,320 |
| Secondary applicant under 18 | $1,160 |
| State nomination application | Varies — most states charge $300–$500 |
State nomination fees are paid to the state government separately and before the federal visa application fee. Additional costs include skills assessment ($300–$2,800 depending on authority), English test ($330–$430), medical examinations ($300–$500 per person) and police clearances ($50–$200 per country).
How the process works: step by step
- Get a skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation. See skills assessment Australia 2026 for which authority assesses which occupations and how long it takes.
- Submit your EOI through SkillSelect. Select the SC 190 and indicate your preferred states. Your EOI enters the pool and states draw from it to invite applicants to apply for nomination.
- Apply for state nomination through the relevant state portal. Each state has its own process — some require a Registration of Interest (ROI) first, others accept direct applications.
- Receive a state nomination from the state government. This is added to your SkillSelect profile, triggering your eligibility for a federal invitation.
- Receive a federal invitation from the DHA in the next relevant SkillSelect round. You have 60 days to lodge the full visa application.
- Lodge the visa application through ImmiAccount and pay the application fee.
- Complete health and character requirements. Medical examination and police clearances are completed after lodgement.
- Receive your visa. Processing takes 5–15 months from lodgement. The visa is granted as permanent residency from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to multiple states simultaneously?
Yes — you can indicate interest in multiple states in your SkillSelect EOI. However each state requires a separate nomination application through its own portal, and you must be genuine about your intent to live in each state you approach.
Do I need a job offer to get state nomination?
It depends on the state. You do not strictly need a job offer to apply in some states, which gives flexibility. But having a job offer from a local employer dramatically improves your chances in almost every state.
Can I move interstate after getting the visa?
Not for the first 2 years. After the 2-year commitment period expires, you are free to live and work anywhere in Australia. The 2-year requirement is a visa condition — not a guideline.
What if my state nomination is declined?
You can apply to another state, improve your profile (score, English, work experience) and reapply, or consider whether the SC 491 regional pathway is a better fit. A decline from one state does not prevent applications to others.
Does the 190 visa lead to citizenship?
Yes. As a permanent resident from day one of the visa grant, you begin accumulating the residence time required for Australian citizenship — 4 years total, with at least 1 year as a permanent resident. See Australia citizenship guide 2026 for the full requirements.
What’s the difference between MLTSSL and CSOL?
The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is the older term — it has been incorporated into the broader Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) under the new Skills in Demand framework. When checking occupation eligibility, use the current CSOL on the DHA website.
This article is general information only. State nomination programs, occupation lists and quotas change throughout the financial year. Consult a Registered Migration Agent registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) for advice specific to your circumstances.
Sources: DHA — SC 190 Skilled Nominated visa | DHA — state and territory nomination allocations | Live in Melbourne | Migration SA | Migration WA
