Australia’s State Nomination Programs (SNPs) are pivotal for skilled migrants aiming to secure permanent residency through the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visas. Each state and territory tailors its nomination criteria to address specific economic and labor market needs, offering diverse pathways for prospective migrants. This comprehensive analysis delves into the 2024–25 SNPs across various Australian jurisdictions, highlighting key differences, opportunities, and considerations for applicants
Understanding State Nomination Programs
SNPs enable Australian states and territories to nominate skilled individuals for permanent or provisional visas, aligning immigration with regional workforce demands. While the Department of Home Affairs sets overarching eligibility criteria, individual jurisdictions impose additional requirements, such as specific occupation lists, residency stipulations, and work experience mandates.
2024–25 Nomination Allocations Overview
The Australian Government’s 2024–25 Migration Program has allocated nomination places as follows:
| State/Territory | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | Total Allocations |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | 3,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| Victoria (VIC) | 3,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| Queensland (QLD) | 600 | 600 | 1,200 |
| South Australia (SA) | 3,000 | 800 | 3,800 |
| Western Australia (WA) | 3,000 | 2,000 | 5,000 |
| Tasmania (TAS) | 2,100 | 760 | 2,860 |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 1,000 | 800 | 1,800 |
| Northern Territory (NT) | 800 | 800 | 1,600 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs
State-by-State Comparative Analysis
New South Wales (NSW)
Occupation Lists: Separate lists for subclass 190 and 491 visas, focusing on health, ICT, and engineering sectors.
Residency Requirements: No prior residency in NSW required; however, regional applicants may receive priority.
Application Process: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect; no additional Registration of Interest (ROI) needed.
More information: NSW Skilled Migration
Victoria (VIC)
Occupation Lists: No specific list; open to all occupations on the Department of Home Affairs’ list, with priority for health, STEM, and education sectors.
Residency Requirements: Open to both onshore and offshore applicants.
Application Process: Requires both EOI and ROI submissions.
More information: Live in Melbourne
Queensland (QLD)
Occupation Lists: Separate lists for onshore and offshore applicants, emphasizing healthcare, engineering, and trade occupations.
Residency Requirements: Onshore applicants must be residing and working in QLD; offshore applicants must have a job offer.
Application Process: Submit EOI and complete a state nomination application.
More information: Migration Queensland
South Australia (SA)
Occupation Lists: Comprehensive list covering over 500 occupations, including health, trades, and ICT.
Residency Requirements: Open to both onshore and offshore applicants; additional pathways for long-term residents.
Application Process: Submit EOI and state nomination application; some streams require ROI.
More information: Move to South Australia
Western Australia (WA)
Occupation Lists: Two streams—General and Graduate—with separate occupation lists focusing on healthcare, construction, and education.
Residency Requirements: Open to both onshore and offshore applicants; graduates must have studied in WA.
Application Process: Submit EOI and state nomination application; no application fee.
Tasmania (TAS)
Occupation Lists: No specific list; focuses on applicants with a genuine commitment to TAS and those in high-demand sectors.
Residency Requirements: Preference for those living and working in TAS; pathways available for graduates and business owners.
Application Process: Submit EOI and complete a nomination application.
More information: Migration Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Occupation Lists: ACT Critical Skills List, updated periodically to reflect labor market needs.
Residency Requirements: Applicants must meet the residence and employment criteria outlined in the Canberra Matrix.
Application Process: Submit EOI and Canberra Matrix; invitations issued based on ranking.
More information: Canberra Your Future
Northern Territory (NT)
Occupation Lists: NT Migration Occupation List, focusing on healthcare, engineering, and trade occupations.
Residency Requirements: Preference for applicants residing and working in NT; offshore applicants considered for high-demand occupations.
Application Process: Submit EOI and NT nomination application; commitment to living in NT required.
Key Considerations for Applicants
Occupation Alignment: Ensure your occupation is listed on the relevant state’s occupation list or aligns with their priority sectors.
Residency Status: Some states prioritize onshore applicants or those with local work experience.
Application Process: Familiarize yourself with each state’s specific application procedures, including EOIs, ROIs, and nomination applications.
Quota Availability: Monitor the remaining nomination places, as some states may close applications upon reaching their quotas.
How IC Australia Can Assist
Navigating the complexities of Australia’s State Nomination Programs requires expert guidance. At IC Australia, we offer:
Personalized Consultations: Assessing your eligibility across various states and territories.
Application Support: Assisting with EOIs, ROIs, and nomination applications.
Strategic Planning: Advising on the best pathways based on your occupation, experience, and preferences.
Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve your Australian migration goals.