Comparing 190 and 491 state nomination by state and territory
Why you need to compare by state
Australia’s state nomination system does not work as “one common gateway for everyone”. Each state and territory runs its own nomination program, with occupation lists, connection requirements, quotas and opening schedules that are completely independent of one another.
This means that the same person, with the same occupation and the same profile, can be nominated by one state but turned down by another. Understanding the differences between states is an important step in any skilled migration strategy.
Overview comparison by state
NSW (New South Wales)
Quota: Among the largest or second largest in the country, but the number of applications is also very high.
Visas supported: 190 and 491 (491 for regional NSW — outside Greater Sydney).
Priority occupations: Health, engineering, IT, education, trades. A relatively broad list.
Connection requirement: Usually requires living or working in NSW. Some rounds limit offshore applicants.
Competition: Very high. In practice you need a high EOI score to receive an ITA from DHA after nomination.
Opening schedule: In rounds, not continuous. Announced via the NSW Government website.
Notable feature: Australia’s economic centre, with the most job opportunities.
VIC (Victoria)
Quota: Large, but competition is high.
Visas supported: 190 and 491 (regional Victoria — outside Greater Melbourne).
Priority occupations: Health, IT, engineering, education. Focused on critical shortage sectors.
Connection requirement: Usually requires being in Victoria or holding a job offer. Onshore applicants are prioritised.
Competition: Very high, especially for IT and engineering.
Opening schedule: In rounds, which may open by specific sector.
Notable feature: A cultural and education hub, with a flexible graduate stream.
QLD (Queensland)
Quota: Large, reflecting a sizeable population and a diverse economy.
Visas supported: 190 and 491 (regional QLD — outside Greater Brisbane).
Priority occupations: Health, engineering (especially mining and construction), trades, regional and remote education.
Connection requirement: Usually requires a Queensland connection, but sometimes open to offshore applicants in shortage occupations.
Competition: Medium to high.
Opening schedule: In rounds. Queensland has a reputation for relatively fast processing.
Notable feature: A large regional area covering many attractive coastal cities (Cairns, Townsville, Gold Coast).
SA (South Australia)
Quota: Medium, but with good approval rates when you meet the criteria.
Visas supported: 190 and 491 (regional SA — outside Greater Adelaide).
Priority occupations: Health, engineering, trades, agriculture and food.
Connection requirement (SA Link): More flexible — there is a graduate stream for international students who studied in Adelaide.
Competition: Medium. Less competitive than NSW and Victoria.
Opening schedule: In rounds, with several different registration streams.
Notable feature: Adelaide has a low cost of living and a graduate stream for university students. The SA Link is fairly flexible.
WA (Western Australia)
Quota: Medium to large, depending on each year’s economic needs.
Visas supported: 190 and 491 (regional WA — outside Greater Perth).
Priority occupations: Trades (the top category in WA), health, mining and oil-and-gas engineering, agriculture.
Connection requirement (WA Link): Mandatory. WA generally does not accept offshore applicants without a WA Link.
Competition: Medium — less competitive than NSW/VIC if you have a WA Link and a suitable occupation.
Opening schedule: In rounds.
Notable feature: Australia’s highest wages in mining and trades. The WA Link is a barrier, but also an advantage if you are already in WA.
TAS (Tasmania)
Quota: The smallest among the larger states.
Visas supported: 190 and 491 (all of Tasmania is regional).
Priority occupations: Health, trades, education, agriculture and food, tourism.
Connection requirement: There is a graduate stream. Usually requires a Tasmanian connection, but more flexible than NT and WA.
Competition: Lower than the larger states — a smaller quota but less competition.
Opening schedule: In rounds; the quota can fill early.
Notable feature: All of Tasmania is regional — including Hobart. Low cost of living. High quality of life. A graduate stream from UTAS.
NT (Northern Territory)
Quota: Relatively small, but with the highest rate of labour shortages.
Visas supported: 190 and 491 (all of the NT is regional).
Priority occupations: Remote-area health, trades (especially air conditioning mechanics), education, community services.
Connection requirement: Almost always requires being in the NT or holding an offer from an NT employer.
Competition: Low for people already in the NT working in shortage occupations.
Opening schedule: In rounds.
Notable feature: All of the NT is regional — including Darwin. Wages may include a remote-area allowance. The least competitive if you are already in the NT.
ACT (Australian Capital Territory)
Quota: Small, given the small area and population.
Visas supported: Mainly the 190. The status of the 491 should be confirmed directly.
Priority occupations: Government, IT, health, higher education, construction engineering.
Connection requirement: You must be in Canberra (living/studying/working).
Distinctive system: The Canberra Matrix — a separate points system, independent of the SkillSelect EOI.
Competition: Medium — a transparent process thanks to the Matrix.
Opening schedule: In rounds.
Notable feature: The Canberra Matrix lets you calculate your score in advance. Australia’s highest wages. The capital, with many government jobs.
When to choose which state
Choose NSW or VIC if:
- You already live and work there and want to stay long term
- Your occupation is in high demand and your EOI score is very high (90+)
- You don’t mind strong competition
Choose QLD, SA or WA if:
- You want better chances with lower competition
- You have, or can build, a connection with that state
- Your occupation matches local demand
Choose TAS, NT or ACT if:
- You want a 491 visa with a flexible regional area (Hobart or Darwin counts as regional)
- Your EOI score is not yet high enough to compete in NSW/VIC
- You are willing to live in a smaller state in exchange for better migration prospects
General advice: Don’t fixate on a single state. Prepare a strong application and apply to several suitable states at the same time — give priority to whichever state is open and a good fit.