Short answer: each state and territory runs its own nomination program for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect first, a state may nominate you, and then the Department invites you to apply. The rules, occupation lists and opening dates differ from state to state and change during the year, so always read the official state page on the day you act.
How state nomination works
- Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect. You need an EOI before you can be invited to apply for a 189, 190 or 491 visa (Department of Home Affairs, Expression of interest page, read 30 October 2026). See our guide to the SkillSelect EOI.
- Apply to the state under its own process, where the state asks for one (for example a Registration of Interest or a score-based matrix).
- The state nominates you, and you receive an invitation in writing to apply for the visa. Both the 190 and the 491 require that invitation (Migration Regulations 1994, Sch 2 cl 190.211 and 491.213, compilation No. 289, 2 October 2026).
- Lodge your visa application within 60 days of the invitation (Department of Home Affairs, read 30 October 2026).
- Keep the nomination in place. The 190 requires that the nominating state has not withdrawn the nomination (cl 190.215). For a state-nominated 491, the nomination must not have been withdrawn (cl 491.217(1)).
190 or 491: the difference in one table
| Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of visa | Permanent | Provisional (regional) |
| Who nominates or sponsors | A state or territory government agency nominates you | A state or territory government agency nominates you, or an eligible relative who usually lives in a designated regional area sponsors you (cl 491.217) |
| Where you live | As the visa allows | Regional conditions apply; see the 491 page |
| Our page | 190 visa | 491 visa |
Which list of occupations a state can nominate from is set by law; see skilled occupation lists explained. For Queensland's choice between the two, see QLD 190 vs 491.
Status of each state and territory program (read 30 October 2026)
This table shows only what each official page said when we read it on 30 October 2026. Programs open and close at short notice, so check the official page before you act.
| State or territory | Status on the official page (30 Oct 2026) | Official page |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | You cannot apply directly. NSW invites the highest-ranking EOIs in ANZSCO unit groups on the NSW Skills List, in rounds with no published dates. The page calls 190 nomination "exceptionally competitive". | NSW: Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) |
| Victoria | The 2026–27 program is "now open for subclass 190 Registrations of Interest". The page does not state that 491 is open. | Live in Melbourne: skilled migration visas |
| Queensland | Registrations of Interest for the 2025–26 program are closed. Settings and the opening date for the next program will be published later. See also our Queensland guide. | Migration Queensland |
| Western Australia | The program page still describes 2025–26 eligibility and invitation rounds. It does not state a 2026–27 opening. | Migration WA: State Nominated Migration Program |
| South Australia | Update of 22 October 2026: open for Registrations of Interest from people living and working in SA whose visas expire by 31 January 2027. Offshore candidates do not need to lodge a Registration of Interest; they may be invited directly from their SkillSelect EOI. | Move to South Australia: program update |
| Tasmania | The 2026–27 program opened on 17 August 2026 (site news item). Check the official page for current stream status. | Migration Tasmania |
| Australian Capital Territory | Canberra Matrix invitation round held 12 October 2026 (190 only). Further rounds tentatively in the weeks starting 25 January, 22 March and 24 May 2027. | ACT: Canberra Matrix invitation rounds |
| Northern Territory | NT has "received sufficient applications" for 2026–27. No new 190 or offshore applications. 491 only by exception, for some onshore NT Graduate or NT Resident applicants with visa or age deadlines on or before 30 September 2027. | NT Government visa nomination |
What states look at
Each state publishes its own criteria, such as its occupation list, residence or work in the state, and any score or ranking system. We do not summarise them here because they change during the program year. Read the official page linked above for the state you are considering, and check the date on it.
Points and nomination
The 190 and 491 are points-tested. The pool and pass mark for applications made on or after 16 November 2019 is 65 points (LIN 19/210, s 6). Your score at the time of the visa decision must not be less than the score stated in your invitation (cl 190.214, 491.216). Points values, including any points for nomination, are in our points test guide and points calculator. Past invitation data by occupation is in our EOI Explorer.
After you are nominated
At the time of invitation you must already have a suitable skills assessment and competent English (cl 190.212–190.213; 491.214–491.215). Have both in hand before the state nominates you. See skills assessments: which authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to more than one state?
Each state sets its own rules about this. Check the official page for each state you are considering before you apply.
Is a 190 or 491 nomination a visa?
No. A nomination lets the Department invite you to apply. You still need a written invitation and must lodge a valid visa application and meet every criterion (cl 190.211, 491.213).
How long do I have after an invitation?
The Department states you have 60 days from the date of the invitation to lodge your visa application.
Can a state withdraw a nomination?
The Regulations require that the nomination has not been withdrawn when your visa is decided (cl 190.215; 491.217(1)).
Does a nomination guarantee an invitation or a visa?
No. The Department states that submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation, and every visa criterion must be met at decision.
Talk to us before you apply
Choosing a state means matching your occupation, points and life plans to a program that may close at short notice. Book a skilled visa assessment for an honest view of where you stand.
Reviewed by Dr Asad Muhammad Khan, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2619525. Last reviewed: 30 October 2026.
Figures current as at 30 October 2026 (state and territory pages read 30 October 2026; Migration Regulations 1994 compilation No. 289, 2 October 2026; LIN 19/210); confirm with the Department of Home Affairs before lodgement.
This article is general information only and is not migration advice for your circumstances. Speak to a registered migration agent before you act.
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