How to Get State or Territory Nomination for Australia PR

For skilled migrants aiming for Australian permanent residency, state or territory nomination can be a game-changer. Certain visas, such as the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa), require applicants to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Obtaining a nomination not only boosts your points score, increasing your chances of receiving an invitation, but also opens doors to opportunities in regions with high demand for skilled workers. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, engineer, teacher, or tradesperson, understanding how state or territory nomination works is essential for planning your PR journey.

What is State/Territory Nomination?

State or territory nomination is a formal endorsement from an Australian state or territory government that you possess the skills and experience needed in their region. This nomination is a key requirement for certain skilled visas, primarily:

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) – permanent visa.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) – provisional visa leading to PR.

Being nominated provides extra points toward your migration application:

• 5 points for Subclass 190.
• 15 points for Subclass 491.

It also signals to the Department of Home Affairs that your occupation is in demand in that particular state or territory, significantly increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, which is independent and purely points-tested, state nomination links your application to regional workforce needs, making it a strategic advantage for many applicants.

Examples of States and Territories Offering Nomination

Notes:
• The list above is indicative; each state/territory updates its occupation list regularly.
• Additional points come from nomination, boosting your EOI score and chances for invitation.
• Some states may require regional study, work experience, or a job offer in the state.

Why State Nomination Matters

State or territory nomination can make a significant difference in your pathway to Australian PR. Here’s why it matters:

• Boosts Points Score: Nomination adds 5 points for Subclass 190 or 15 points for Subclass 491, which can be the difference between receiving an invitation or not.
• Improves Invitation Chances: Some applicants who do not meet the points threshold for the Subclass 189 visa may still secure PR through state nomination.
• Access to Regional Opportunities: Many states use nominations to attract skilled workers to regional areas where shortages are critical, creating better employment opportunities for applicants.
• Strategic Pathway to PR: Especially for the Subclass 491 visa, nomination provides a clear route toward permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, after meeting regional work and residency requirements.

In short, state nomination aligns your skills with Australia’s workforce needs while giving you a competitive advantage in the skilled migration program.

Eligibility Criteria for State/Territory Nomination

To be considered for state or territory nomination, applicants generally need to meet the following criteria:

1. Occupation on the State List
   • Your occupation must appear on the state or territory’s skilled occupation list.
   • Each state may have different lists and priorities depending on regional demand.
2. Age Requirement
   • Most states require applicants to be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
3. Skills Assessment
   • A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation is required.
4. Points Test
   • Applicants must meet the minimum points threshold for the visa.
   • Nomination points (5 for 190, 15 for 491) can help reach the required total.
5. English Language Proficiency
   • Competent English is required, usually IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
6. Health and Character Requirements
   • All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character standards.
7. State-Specific Requirements
   • Some states may require work experience, regional study, or a job offer in their territory.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee nomination, but it is the essential first step to being considered by the state or territory government.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Obtaining a state or territory nomination involves several clear steps. Here’s a typical process:

1. Research and Choose a State/Territory
   • Identify which states or territories are in demand for your occupation.
   • Review their specific requirements and occupation lists.
2. Check Occupation List and Requirements
   • Confirm that your occupation is eligible.
   • Ensure you meet any state-specific criteria, such as work experience or regional study.
3. Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
   • Submit your EOI through SkillSelect, indicating which state or territory you are applying to.
4. Apply for State/Territory Nomination
   • Complete the state’s application form.
   • Submit all required documents, including skills assessment, English results, and proof of experience.
5. Receive Nomination Approval
   • If successful, the state or territory will grant nomination approval, adding points to your EOI.
6. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
   • After nomination, the Department of Home Affairs may issue an invitation to apply for your visa.
7. Lodge Your Visa Application
   • Submit your visa application within the timeframe specified in the invitation, including all supporting documents.

Following this process carefully increases your chances of receiving state nomination and progressing toward permanent residency.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Nomination

Securing a state or territory nomination can be competitive. The following tips can help strengthen your application:

1. Target High-Demand States
   • Choose states or territories with strong demand for your occupation.
   • Check the most recent priority occupation lists to identify opportunities.
2. Highlight Relevant Work Experience
   • Emphasize experience that matches your occupation and the state’s needs.
   • Include regional work experience if applying for a 491 visa.
3. Demonstrate Strong English Skills
   • Higher English proficiency can improve your points score and appeal to the state.
4. Leverage Additional Points
   • Include points for partner skills, regional study, or professional experience where eligible.
5. Keep Your EOI Updated
   • Regularly update your EOI with new qualifications, work experience, or skills to reflect your current profile.
6. Follow State Guidelines Carefully
   • Ensure all documents meet the state’s requirements.
   • Submit applications accurately and within deadlines.

By applying these strategies, you improve your chances of being nominated and ultimately receiving an Invitation to Apply for PR.

Common Challenges & Considerations

While state or territory nomination offers a clear pathway to PR, applicants should be aware of potential challenges:

• Variation in Requirements
  • Each state or territory has its own occupation list and eligibility criteria, which may change frequently.
• Nomination Does Not Guarantee PR
  • Receiving a nomination increases your points and invitation chances, but you must still meet all visa requirements.
• Commitment to the Nominating State
  • For Subclass 190 and 491 visas, you are generally expected to live and work in the nominating state or region, especially for the first two years.
• Competitive Occupations
  • Even if your occupation is on the state list, high demand for certain professions may make the nomination process competitive.
• Processing Times
  • Some states may have longer processing times, which can affect your visa application timeline.

Understanding these challenges helps applicants plan strategically and avoid common pitfalls during the nomination process.

How RACC Indonesia Can Help

Navigating the state or territory nomination process can be complex, but RACC Indonesia provides professional guidance to simplify your pathway to PR:

• Choosing the Right State/Territory
  • We help you identify states where your occupation is in high demand and where you have the best chances of nomination.
• Assistance with EOI and Nomination Applications
  • We guide you step by step through the SkillSelect EOI and state nomination application process.
• Maximizing Points
  • Our team ensures all relevant experience, qualifications, and additional points are properly documented to strengthen your profile.
• Personalized PR Strategy
  • We create a roadmap tailored to your career, visa options, and timeline, ensuring you have the best chance of success.

By working with RACC Indonesia, skilled migrants can navigate the nomination process confidently, increasing the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for Australian PR.

Conclusion

State or territory nomination is a powerful tool for skilled migrants aiming for Australian permanent residency. Whether applying through the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) or the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa), nomination can significantly boost your points, improve your chances of receiving an invitation, and align your skills with Australia’s workforce needs.

Careful planning, selecting the right state, meeting eligibility criteria, and presenting a strong application, is essential to success. With guidance from RACC Indonesia, skilled migrants can confidently navigate the nomination process and take a strategic step toward permanent residency in Australia.

👉 Start your PR journey today: consult RACC Indonesia to explore your eligibility and secure the best pathway for your future in Australia.