Introduction
Australian state nomination is one of the most popular visas that can help you stay in Australia permanently. However, the process is competitive and requires careful planning. Below are essential pieces of advice to help applicants prepare a strong and compliant application.
1. Understand the Difference Between Visa Types
State nomination visas are generally linked to the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491).
- Subclass 190 offers permanent residency and requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
- Subclass 491 is a provisional visa that leads to permanent residency after meeting work and residence requirements in a regional Australia.
Before applying, ensure you fully understand which visa suits your occupation, location preferences, and long-term migration goals.
2. Research State and Territory Requirements Carefully
Each Australian state and territory has its own occupation lists, criteria, and priorities. These requirements may include:
- Minimum work experience
- State-specific English language scores
- Employment offers or current employment in the state
- Study history in the state
- Residency duration within the state
Please note that the eligibility for one state can be different from another. For example, South Australia requires at least 30 working hours per week in a relevant occupation while Queensland requires at least 9 months of work experience in Queensland immediately before your Registration of Interest, and minimum 20 hours of working per week (casual/multiple jobs accepted).
Always review the most recent guidelines to know the most updated requirement for the state nomination visa that you plan to apply for. Or contact our experienced Migration Agent at hello@solmigration.com or 07 3003 1899 for expert advice.
3. Ensure Your Occupation Is Eligible and Accurate
Your nominated occupation must be on both the relevant skilled occupation list and the state’s nomination list. In addition:
- Your skills assessment must match your nominated occupation exactly
- Employment duties must align with the ANZSCO description
- Any discrepancies can result in refusal or loss of points
Please note that each state may have a different occupation list and will have Accuracy and consistency across all documents are critical.
4. Maximise and Correctly Calculate Your Points
State nomination provides additional points (5 points for Subclass 190 and 15 points for Subclass 491), but competition remains high. Make sure your points test score is accurate and well-supported, including:
- English language results
- Skilled employment (Australian and overseas)
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study or regional study
- Partner skills (if applicable)
Over-claiming points is a common mistake and can lead to visa refusal.
5. Demonstrate a Genuine Commitment to the State
States want migrants who will live and work locally, normally for at least 2 years under 190 visa. You may need to show:
- Employment or job offers in the state
- Long-term settlement plans
- Previous study or residence in the state
- Industry demand alignment
Your statement of commitment should be genuine, realistic, and tailored to the state you are applying to.
6. Prepare Documents Early and Thoroughly
rocessing times can be short once invitations are issued. Prepare key documents in advance, such as:
- Skills assessment
- English test results
- Employment references
- Payslips and contracts
- Qualification certificates and transcripts
Well-organised documentation reduces stress and lowers the risk of missing deadlines.
7. Be Aware of Changing Migration Policies
Australian migration policies change frequently. Occupation lists, points thresholds, and nomination criteria may be updated without much notice. Staying informed ensures you:
- Apply at the right time
- Adjust strategies when requirements change
- Avoid relying on outdated information
Always use official government sources or registered migration professionals.
8. Consider Professional Migration Advice
While not mandatory, consulting a registered migration agent can be beneficial, especially if your case is complex. A professional can help:
- Assess eligibility accurately
- Avoid common errors
- Develop a tailored state nomination strategy
This is particularly useful for applicants with borderline points or multiple visa pathways.
Conclusion
As a trusted migration consultancy in Brisbane, we’ve helped students from over the world begin their study journeys successfully in Australia.
Whether you need help choosing the right course or preparing a strong application, our experienced Brisbane-based migration agents are here to help. Contact us today at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com
If you wish to apply for an employer-sponsored visa to Australia, contact our Experienced Teams at 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com for comprehensive support.