Selecting the best states in Australia is a highly important decision for applicants of Subclass 190 and 491 visas. Each state and territory has its own occupation demand, nomination criteria and selection priorities. A closer look at these differences can help you improve your chances of receiving an invitation and help you plan your long-term settlement in Australia in a more effective way.
In this aspect, we’ll discuss some of the best states to migrate to in Australia through subclass 190 and 491 visas.
An Overview of Subclass 190 and 491 Visas
Before selecting a state for migration, let’s have a look at what both subclass 190 and 491 visas mean. Here’s a brief look at both visa types:
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
The skilled nominated visa subclass 190 allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. Once the visa is granted, you can work and study in Australia as well as sponsor your relatives to come to Australia.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491)
The skilled work regional visa subclass 491 allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for 5 years. This skilled worker visa allows you to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want till its validity. After living for consecutive 3 years from the time of visa granted, you can apply for the Permanent Residency (PR).
Common Requirements for Both Visas
There are four main common skilled visa Australia requirements of both visas, which are as follows:
- Your skills assessment as per your nominated occupation
- Submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Collecting a minimum of 65 points in the points test
- State or territory nomination
Also Read: How 2026 Changes Affect Your Graduate Visa 485 Plans in Australia
Best States in Australia for Skilled Migration
Selecting the right state for the 491 and 190 visa Australia depends on your occupation, work experience, and flexibility to live in regional areas. Understanding what each region offers can help you select the most appropriate option for you. Here are the top 8 states to choose for skills-nominated migration in Australia:
1. Tasmania
Tasmania has an extremely low unemployment rate with 3.9%. The region is well known for offering decent wages and growth to skilled workers Australia. The state also offers a relaxed lifestyle, a transparent PR visa process through the Gateway portal and a colour-coded system. These colour-coded systems are as follows:
- Orange pass for a long waitlist
- The green pass is for people who have already spent 6 months in the region
- A gold pass is given for an instant visa invitation and approval
2. South Australia
South Australia stands out for offering one of the most diverse skilled occupation lists among all states. This makes it a strong choice for applicants from various professional backgrounds like health care, construction, social work, education and retail sectors.
In order to be eligible for the South Australia nomination, applicants must meet the following Australia sponsorship visa requirements:
- For Graduates: Applicants must have 6 months of experience in the relevant sector.
- Skilled Workers: Must have employment in South Australia.
For all offshore applications, the applicant should have 3 years of work experience in the country.
3. Western Australia
Western Australia has built a strong reputation due to its growing economy, particularly in mining engineering and health sectors. This creates consistent demand for skilled workers across several industries.
Here are a few advantages of the Australia visa application to work in Western Australia:
- High demand in the construction, mining, and engineering sectors
- Streamlined nomination pathways for applicants with relevant experience
- Opportunities linked to employer sponsorship and job offers
- Strong economic growth supporting long-term employment
Also Read: Difference Between 190 and 189 Visa: Which One Should You Choose?
4. Queensland
Queensland is an attractive option for skilled migration Australia. The state continues to grow economically, which creates opportunities across health, engineering, trade, agriculture and IT sectors.
Its benefits can be better understood through the following aspects:
- Increasing demand in the engineering, agriculture, and hospitality industries
- Clear pathways under Subclass 491 for regional applicants
- Balanced lifestyle with growing employment markets
5. Victoria
Victoria adopts a more targeted approach by selecting the application of the 190 or 491 visa Australia to assess how they contribute to specific sectors of the economy. This makes it suitable for applicants with strong professional backgrounds.
The state’s selection approach includes:
- Priority given to healthcare, ICT, and infrastructure occupations
- Selection through a Registration of Interest (ROI) system
- Opportunities available for both onshore and offshore applicants
To get more clarity about the Victoria employment sponsorship, take assistance from immigration experts like a visa consultant in Perth.
6. New South Wales
New South Wales (NSW) offers one of the strongest job markets in the country, but it is also one of the most competitive states for nomination. The state prefers candidates with higher points and strong experience. Here are a few subclass 190 and 491 visa conditions for the nomination in NSW:
- For 190 visa applicants: You need to stay in the region for a minimum of 6 months before the application.
- For 491 visa applicants: You need to have lived in the region for the last 3 months before applying for it.
7. Northern Territory
The Northern Territory provides flexible pathways for both visa 190 and visa 491 Australia applicants who are open to regional living. Some of the key advantages of northern territories are as follows:
- Broader occupation eligibility compared to many other states
- Opportunities for both onshore and offshore applicants
However, applicants must meet a few subclass 190 and 491 visa requirements for the nomination in the Northern Territory. These are as follows:
- 190 Visa Applicants: The applicant needs to complete 2 years of living in the Northern Territory.
- 491 Visa Applicants: The applicant must complete employment for 1 year of living and 6 months of employment.
Also Read: Australia 189 Visa Processing Time: Complete Guide
8. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT (Canberra) has a points system based on English proficiency, qualifications, work experience and residence. It uses a ranking system to assess applicants. To better understand ACT’s approach, here’s what it means for subclass 491 and subclass 190 visa Australia:
- For 190 Visa Applicants: You may get a seamless approval for ACT if your occupation meets the Critical Skill List of the ACT or you have completed a PhD from the University of the ACT.
- For 491 Visa Applicants: Your occupation must be on the latest ACT Critical 491 visa occupation list. Also, you must have at least 1 year of full-time, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation within the last five years.
In order to manage such complex clauses of state-nominated immigration in Australia, consult with a regional expert like an immigration agent Perth.
Final Thoughts
The selection of the best state for your subclass 190/491 application mainly depends on the demand for your skill set in the region and state-specific requirements. In order to get more clarity about state selection, you can take assistance from a migration consultant Perth. They can assist you in understanding each state’s speciality and uniqueness, which helps you choose the most appropriate state for nomination.
Also Read: How Long Does Australian Skilled Migration Visa Processing Take?
