- Every state and territory has its own occupation list and rules.
- Some score you (Victoria, ACT, Tasmania); others check you against criteria.
- Many states prefer people already living or working there.
- Nominations so far this program year are published by Home Affairs.
Why state nomination matters
A 190 or 491 needs a state or territory to nominate you (or, for the 491, an eligible relative to sponsor you). Nomination adds 5 points for the 190 and 15 points for the 491, and it often opens a pathway when the 189 cut-off for your occupation is high.
Every state at a glance
| State | How it chooses | Occupations on its list | Nominated 1 Jul to 30 Sep 2026 (190 / 491) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Victorian Points Test (VPT) | 101 | 0 / 0 |
| New South Wales | Invitation only, ranked within unit group | 78 | 11 / 0 |
| Australian Capital Territory | Canberra Matrix, ranked within unit group | 279 | <5 / <5 |
| Tasmania | Priority attribute points (Gold, Green, Orange Plus, Orange) | 230 | 271 / 96 |
| Western Australia | Ranking groups, then EOI points, then EOI date | 609 | 17 / 120 |
| Queensland | Own selection (not by points) | 306 | 7 / <5 |
| South Australia | Most competitive, priority industries first | 351 | 0 / 0 |
| Northern Territory | Not ranked by points; case by case | 139 | 188 / 208 |
Nomination counts: Home Affairs SkillSelect. Lists and methods: each state’s official migration website.
Score calculators and eligibility checkers
Victoria (Victorian Points Test), the ACT (Canberra Matrix) and Tasmania (priority attributes) publish a scoring system, so we built calculators that give your exact score. New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory publish criteria rather than a score, so our checkers show which criteria you meet and what is missing.
One profile, every state
Your free dashboard checks one profile against all 8 states at once: your match with each state’s published criteria, when you could apply, and where you sit among waiting EOIs.
General information only, not migration advice. Facts checked 13 Nov 2026. Rules can change at any time.
Want advice on your own case?
Talk to our registered migration agents (MARN 2518931, 2619448) in Glenroy, Parramatta or online.
General information only. This is not migration advice for your circumstances. Rules change, so always check the official source or speak with a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518931, MARN 2619448).
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