Choosing the right Australian state can make a significant difference when pursuing permanent residency through skilled migration. However, there is no single state that is easiest for everyone. State nomination requirements vary, and the strongest option depends on factors such as your occupation, points, work experience, current location and whether you are considering a Subclass 190 or 491 pathway.
In 2026–27, states continue to set their own nomination priorities and eligibility requirements. Some pathways favour applicants already living and working in the state, while others provide opportunities for offshore applicants or people with skills in priority occupations. Understanding these differences can help you identify where your profile may be most competitive.
Which States Offer the Best Opportunities for PR?
South Australia and Western Australia currently offer some of the broadest state nomination opportunities for skilled migrants, including pathways for eligible offshore applicants. Tasmania can be a strong option for people already living, working or studying there, while New South Wales remains highly competitive. Queensland and Victoria are awaiting their 2026–27 program settings, so their position may change once those are announced.
How State Nomination Affects Your PR Options
For skilled migrants, choosing a state is about more than deciding where to live. Each state sets its own nomination criteria and priorities for skilled visas, including the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491).
Before seeking state nomination, applicants generally need to meet the relevant federal skilled migration requirements. This can include having an eligible occupation, obtaining a suitable skills assessment, meeting the points threshold and submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. States then apply their own requirements when deciding who they may nominate.
Depending on the jurisdiction and pathway, factors such as your occupation, points score, employment, current location, previous study or residence, and whether you are applying from Australia or overseas may affect your prospects for nomination.
Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee nomination. States may prioritise particular occupations or applicant profiles, and eligible candidates can still be competing for a limited number of nomination places.
1. South Australia (SA)
South Australia offers both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nomination, with pathways for eligible applicants already living and working in the state as well as skilled workers overseas.
Current pathways give particular consideration to factors such as occupation, employment in South Australia, regional work and priority sectors. Offshore applicants may also be considered through their SkillSelect EOI, depending on their occupation and ranking.
For applicants considering regional migration, the Subclass 491 pathway can provide a route towards permanent residence after meeting the relevant requirements.
2. Western Australia (WA)
Western Australia offers Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nomination through its State Nominated Migration Program, with both General and Graduate streams.
Applicants already living in Western Australia receive priority, while interstate and overseas candidates can also be considered. WA also gives priority to occupations in sectors including construction, healthcare and social assistance, hospitality and tourism, and education and training.
Applicants are selected from their Expression of Interest, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation. Your occupation, location, points and the state’s current priorities can all affect how competitive your EOI is.
3. Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania’s 2026–27 skilled migration program is open for both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nomination. The state uses a Registration of Interest system and ranks candidates using priority attributes, with stronger priority given to applicants whose employment, skills and circumstances closely match Tasmania’s current needs.
Tasmania is particularly relevant for applicants already living and working in the state, including graduates and skilled workers. Teaching, health and allied health professionals can receive especially strong priority where they meet the relevant employment and income conditions.
For offshore applicants, opportunities are more limited in 2026–27. Tasmania is not issuing invitations through its Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles pathway this program year, although eligible overseas health and teaching professionals with qualifying Tasmanian employment may still access a Subclass 190 pathway.
4. Queensland (QLD)
Queensland offers both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nomination, with pathways for skilled workers living in Queensland, offshore applicants, Queensland graduates, building and construction workers, and eligible small business owners in regional Queensland.
For onshore skilled workers, current criteria place significant weight on already living and working in Queensland. Offshore applicants can also be considered where their occupation appears on Queensland’s offshore skills list and they meet the relevant work experience and other requirements. Queensland also has a dedicated pathway for eligible building and construction workers.
Queensland’s 2025–26 nomination places have now been filled and Registrations of Interest are closed. The state is awaiting advice on future program settings, so applicants considering Queensland should check the new requirements when the next program opens.
5. Victoria (VIC)
Victoria offers nomination for both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 and considers skilled applicants living in Victoria as well as overseas. Its latest program prioritised sectors including health, social services, education, construction, new energy and advanced manufacturing, with hospitality and tourism also prioritised for Subclass 491.
Victoria ranks Registrations of Interest using factors such as age, English ability, work experience, education, occupation skill level and, for onshore applicants, salary. This makes competitiveness dependent on the applicant’s overall profile rather than simply meeting the minimum eligibility requirements.
Victoria’s 2025–26 program is currently closed to new Registrations of Interest, and the 2026–27 program has not yet opened. Applicants considering Victoria should therefore check the new criteria once they are announced.
6. New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales offers both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nomination, but its skilled nomination program is highly competitive. For Subclass 190, NSW uses a selection-based invitation process rather than allowing applicants to apply directly for nomination.
NSW considers factors such as occupation, points, English ability, education and skilled work experience when selecting candidates. Offshore applicants can also be considered where they meet the relevant residence and occupation requirements. Regional NSW has separate Subclass 491 pathways for eligible regional workers, graduates and invited candidates.
Both NSW skilled nomination programs are currently closed for the program year because available nomination places have been allocated. NSW is reviewing the settings and eligibility criteria for the next program year, so applicants should check the new requirements once they are published.
How the States Compare for Skilled PR
The differences become more noticeable when you look at who each state is currently trying to attract.
| State | Current picture |
|---|---|
| South Australia | One of the broader options, with routes for local graduates and workers as well as eligible applicants overseas. |
| Western Australia | Open to candidates in and outside WA, although applicants living in the state and those working in priority sectors are given preference. |
| Tasmania | Stronger for people who already have a connection to Tasmania through work or study. Offshore options are more limited in 2026–27. |
| Queensland | Has offered routes for both onshore and offshore applicants, but its 2025–26 places are filled and the next program settings are still awaited. |
| Victoria | Considers both local and overseas applicants, but selection is competitive and its 2026–27 settings have not yet opened. |
| New South Wales | A popular but highly competitive option, with candidates selected for invitation rather than simply applying directly for nomination. |
This makes South Australia and Western Australia the broadest options in the current comparison, while Tasmania can be particularly relevant if you are already established there. Queensland and Victoria are harder to judge for the coming program year until their new settings are released.
What Makes a State Easier for PR?
A state may be easier for you if your occupation, points, employment and location match its current nomination priorities. Existing local work or study can improve your options in pathways that favour state residents, while access to offshore nomination matters if you have not yet moved to Australia.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a State for PR
When comparing state nomination options, avoid assuming that:
- a state described as “easy” will be easier for your particular profile
- having an eligible occupation guarantees nomination
- a larger nomination allocation automatically means better chances
- meeting the minimum criteria means you will receive an invitation
- state nomination requirements stay the same from one program year to the next
The best option depends on the current criteria and how your profile compares with the applicants each state is prioritising.
Where to Go Next
If you’re comparing Australian states for skilled PR, these guides can help you understand the pathways and steps involved:
FAQs
A higher points score can make you more competitive, but states also consider factors such as occupation, employment, location and their current nomination priorities.
Yes. States set their own occupation requirements and priorities, so your nominated occupation may create different opportunities depending on where you seek nomination.
No. State nomination is one part of the visa process. You must still meet the requirements of the relevant skilled visa and complete the federal application process.
State nomination is based on your genuine intention to live and work in the nominating state or territory. You should understand the commitments associated with your nomination before applying.
Requirements can change during or between program years as states adjust occupations, priorities, pathways and selection criteria. Check the current state requirements before relying on older information.
Conclusion
The easiest state to get PR in Australia depends on the nomination options available for your profile. South Australia and Western Australia currently offer some of the broadest opportunities, while Tasmania can be particularly relevant for applicants who already have a strong connection to the state.
State nomination programs can change between program years, so it is important to check the latest criteria before deciding where to focus your efforts.
If you’re unsure which state or skilled migration pathway may suit your circumstances, professional guidance can help you understand your options.
Book a consultation to find out which Australian visa pathway best suits you.
Claire Dawson
Australian visa content specialist focused on skilled migration, employer sponsorship, partner visas, student pathways, and long-term options for moving to Australia.
