A state or territory nomination adds 5 points for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or 15 points for a Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). It also does not depend on the national 189 invitation rounds. With the 2026–27 Migration Program increasing 190 places to 35,500 while cutting the regional category to 14,110, the 190 is now the main state route for most applicants.
The year started slowly. Home Affairs figures show that between 1 July and 30 September 2026, Victoria and South Australia had made no nominations at all, and NSW and Queensland only a handful. Most states then reopened in October and early November.
State by state: what is open to applicants overseas
Victoria
Victoria has 900 places for the subclass 190 in 2026–27 and is now accepting Registrations of Interest (ROIs). Its 491 places have not been finalised, so it is not accepting 491 ROIs yet. To be considered, you need an EOI in SkillSelect and then a separate Victorian ROI.
New South Wales
NSW does not use ROIs. It selects candidates directly from EOIs in SkillSelect. If you live overseas, you must have lived outside Australia continuously for at least six months. If NSW invites you, you have 14 days to submit your nomination application, so prepare your documents in advance.
Queensland
Queensland published its 2026–27 program and opened ROIs on 6 November 2026. Everyone must lodge a new ROI, including people who registered in earlier years. One of its pathways is for skilled workers living offshore. According to Migration Queensland's guidance, this pathway asks for at least 65 points, Competent English, at least one year of skilled work in the last three years, and an occupation on its offshore occupation list. You must also commit to living in Queensland for two years (190) or in regional Queensland for three years (491).
South Australia
South Australia restarted its program on 22 October 2026. If you live overseas, you do not lodge an ROI. South Australia invites offshore applicants directly from their SkillSelect EOI. Its priority sectors are building and construction, defence, education, engineering, health and manufacturing. It has not yet published its allocation.
Western Australia
Western Australia issued 1,227 invitations on 14 October 2026 (836 for the 190 and 391 for the 491), after 1,100 in September, bringing its total to 2,327 so far this year. The nomination application fee is AUD 200. Applicants living in WA are ranked ahead of those living outside the state.
ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania
These also run programs, but their pathways for people living overseas are narrower and change often. Ask us to check whether your occupation fits.
- Keep your SkillSelect EOI accurate and up to date. NSW and South Australia select applicants straight from it.
- Victoria and Queensland need a separate ROI. Queensland requires a new one this year, even if you registered before.
- Healthcare, construction, engineering and education appear in several states' priority lists.
- A nomination comes with a commitment to live in that state, so choose a state you would genuinely move to.
- Not sure of your points? Use our points calculator and send us your score on WhatsApp.
Sources: Victorian Government (Live in Melbourne, 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program); Migration Queensland (2026–27 State Nomination Migration Program and offshore pathway guidance); Migration SA (General Skilled Migration program update, 22 October 2026); NSW Government (Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190); Migration WA (State Nominated Migration Program invitation results); Department of Home Affairs (SkillSelect state and territory nomination figures). Information is current as at 10 November 2026. This article is general information only and is not migration advice for your individual circumstances.