Easiest State Nomination in Australia 2026: Complete Comparison
Choosing which state to target for nomination is one of the most strategic decisions in the Australian skilled migration process. Each state has different requirements, occupation lists, competitive thresholds, and processing times. This comparison guide ranks all states and territories by accessibility and helps you identify the best fit for your circumstances.
Quick Facts: State Nomination Comparison 2026
| State/Territory | Accessibility | Typical 190 Points | Typical 491 Points | Processing Time | Capital Regional? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Territory | Most accessible | 65-80 | 65-75 | 4-10 weeks | Yes (Darwin) |
| South Australia | Very accessible | 70-85 | 65-80 | 6-12 weeks | Yes (Adelaide) |
| Tasmania | Accessible | 70-85 | 65-80 | 8-16 weeks | Yes (Hobart) |
| Western Australia | Moderate | 70-85 | 65-80 | 6-12 weeks | Yes (Perth) |
| Queensland | Moderate | 75-90 | 65-80 | 8-16 weeks | No (Brisbane) |
| ACT | Moderate (Matrix) | Varies | Varies | 6-12 weeks | Partial |
| Victoria | Competitive | 80-95 | 70-85 | 8-14 weeks | No (Melbourne) |
| NSW | Most competitive | 80-95+ | 75-90 | 8-16 weeks | No (Sydney) |
Ranking: Most to Least Accessible
1. Northern Territory — Most Accessible
The NT consistently offers the most accessible pathways:
Why it's accessible:
- Lowest competitive points thresholds in Australia
- NT DAMA provides employer-sponsored concessions (lower English, salary, age requirements)
- Small applicant pool relative to available nominations
- The NT actively recruits migrants
- Fast processing (4-10 weeks)
- All of NT is regional (Darwin included)
Trade-offs:
- Remote location — Darwin is a small, tropical city
- Smaller job market
- Higher cost for some goods due to transport
- Hot and humid climate
Best for: Applicants with lower points scores, those eligible for DAMA, healthcare workers, trades
2. South Australia — Very Accessible
SA has built a reputation as one of the most welcoming state programs:
Why it's accessible:
- Broad occupation list across multiple categories
- Adelaide classified as regional (491 with 15 bonus points in a capital city)
- Multiple application categories (Working in SA, Graduate, External)
- Direct application system (no ROI waiting)
- Lower competitive thresholds than eastern seaboard states
Trade-offs:
- Some occupations restricted for external applicants
- External applicants often need higher English scores
- Smaller job market than Sydney or Melbourne
Best for: International students studying in SA, workers already in SA, applicants wanting city living with regional benefits
3. Tasmania — Accessible
Tasmania's study pathway has made it a migration destination:
Why it's accessible:
- Entire state is regional
- Well-known study pathway from University of Tasmania
- Lower competitive thresholds
- Broader occupation list for Tasmanian graduates
Trade-offs:
- Requirements have tightened in recent years
- Small job market
- Isolated island location
- Cooler climate
Best for: International students, healthcare workers, trades professionals
4. Western Australia — Moderate
WA offers a good balance of accessibility and economic opportunity:
Why it's accessible:
- Perth classified as regional (491 with city living)
- Strong mining and resources economy creates real demand
- WASMOL provides clear occupation guidance
- Graduate stream for WA students
Trade-offs:
- Perth is geographically isolated from eastern Australia
- Some occupations require job offers
- Competition increasing as Perth grows
Best for: Mining/resources professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, WA graduates
5. Queensland — Moderate
Queensland's growing economy and Olympic infrastructure create opportunities:
Why it's accessible:
- Large state with many regional centres
- Gold Coast is regional for 491
- 2032 Olympics driving demand in construction and engineering
- Good range of occupations
Trade-offs:
- Brisbane is not classified as regional
- Competition increasing with population growth
- Some occupations have specific conditions
Best for: Construction/engineering professionals, healthcare workers, those wanting warm climate
6. ACT — Moderate (Matrix Dependent)
The ACT's Matrix system makes accessibility highly variable:
Why it can be accessible:
- Strong ICT and government-adjacent economy
- Clear ranking system (you know where you stand)
- Canberra has lowest unemployment in Australia
Trade-offs:
- Matrix heavily favours ACT residents
- Overseas applicants need critical shortage occupations
- Unique ranking system can be confusing
Best for: ICT professionals, healthcare workers, those already in Canberra
7. Victoria — Competitive
Victoria's desirability makes it competitive:
Why it's competitive:
- Melbourne is a top-tier global city attracting high demand
- ROI system means you're waiting for selection
- High points thresholds (80-95+ for 190)
When it works:
- You have a very high points score
- You're in a priority sector (health, ICT, engineering)
- You're already employed in Victoria
8. NSW — Most Competitive
NSW is the hardest state to get nomination from:
Why it's competitive:
- Sydney attracts the most demand of any Australian city
- Highest points thresholds nationally
- Invitation-only system with limited nominations
- Very selective on occupations
When it works:
- You have 85+ points
- Your occupation is in critical shortage
- You have a Sydney employer or strong NSW connection
How to Choose Your State
Consider These Factors
1. Is your occupation listed? The most critical factor. Check each state's occupation list before anything else. If your occupation is only available in certain states, that narrows your options immediately.
2. What's your points score? If you're at 65-75 points, target NT, SA, Tasmania, or regional WA. If you're at 85+, you have options across all states including NSW and Victoria.
3. Are you already in Australia? If you're already studying or working in a particular state, you'll likely have the strongest pathway through that state's graduate or working stream.
4. Are you flexible on location? Flexibility is your biggest asset. Applicants willing to live in regional areas or smaller cities have significantly more options and lower competitive thresholds.
5. What's your occupation sector? Healthcare workers have strong pathways everywhere. IT professionals do well in ACT, Victoria, and NSW. Trades workers are valued in regional areas across all states.
Strategic Approaches
The Study Strategy: Study in Tasmania, SA, or the NT to access graduate pathways with broader occupation lists and lower thresholds.
The Regional Strategy: Target regional areas of any state for 491 with 15 bonus points. Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart, and Gold Coast all offer city/regional hybrid living.
The Employment Strategy: Find work in your target state first, then apply through the working stream for the strongest application.
The Points Maximum Strategy: If you have a very high points score (90+), target the state where you actually want to live — you'll likely be competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has the shortest processing time?
The Northern Territory typically processes fastest at 4-10 weeks. South Australia and Western Australia are also relatively fast at 6-12 weeks.
Can I apply to multiple states?
You can only select one state in your SkillSelect EOI at a time. Some states allow ROIs while your EOI lists another state, but you can only accept one nomination. Strategically, it's better to focus on one target state.
What if no state nominates me?
If no state invites you, review your options: increase your English score, gain more work experience, consider a different state, or explore employer-sponsored pathways.
Does state nomination guarantee permanent residency?
State nomination is a recommendation to the Department of Home Affairs. While it's unusual for nominated applicants to be refused at the visa stage (assuming health and character are clear), it's not technically a guarantee.
Can I move to another state after getting nominated?
For the 190, there's a moral (not legal) expectation to stay in your nominated state for at least two years. Moving immediately can affect future applications. For the 491, you're legally required to live in a designated regional area for three years.
When should I apply?
Most state nomination programs operate on a July to June program year. Applying early in the program year (July-September) is generally advisable as nomination places are freshest. Some states exhaust their allocations before the year ends.
