State Nomination and SkillSelect: How the Two Systems Interact

Overview: two systems running at once

When you pursue a subclass 190 or subclass 491 visa through state or territory nomination, you are taking part in two parallel systems at the same time: the federal SkillSelect system (administered by the Department of Home Affairs) and the nomination system run by each state or territory. Understanding how these two systems interact with each other is the key to planning effectively.

The mandatory first step: lodge an EOI in SkillSelect

No matter which state you want to be nominated by, the first step is always to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SkillSelect system. This is a mandatory requirement — without an EOI in SkillSelect, states cannot “see” your profile and cannot proceed with a nomination.

When you lodge an EOI, you need to indicate which visa types you are interested in: subclass 189 (independent), subclass 190 (nominated), and/or subclass 491 (regional). You can select more than one visa type at the same time in a single EOI.

How it works: states “select” EOIs from SkillSelect

When a state or territory reviews candidates, it accesses the SkillSelect system and searches for EOIs that match its needs. A state can search by occupation, points score, English proficiency, and many other criteria.

This is an initial one-directional “selection” process: the state actively reaches out to your EOI, rather than you submitting your profile directly to the state through SkillSelect. However, most states also run their own portals (the State Nominated Migration Program — SNMP portal) where you can lodge a separate application with that state — a step outside SkillSelect, but still running in parallel.

Subclass 190: nomination brings 5 bonus points

With subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), once a state confirms your nomination, your EOI points in SkillSelect are automatically increased by 5 points. This is a bonus for being sponsored by a state or territory.

After being nominated and receiving the additional 5 points, your EOI is considered by the Department of Home Affairs in the subclass 190 invitation rounds. If your score is high enough, you will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) from the Department to lodge a formal subclass 190 application.

Important note: These 5 bonus points apply only to subclass 190, not to subclass 189, even within the same EOI.

Subclass 491: an invitation from the state, not the federal government

The mechanism for subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) differs from subclass 190. With subclass 491 through state nomination:

• The state does not just add points to your EOI — the state sends an invitation directly to you through the SkillSelect system.
• After receiving the invitation from the state, you have 60 days to lodge your subclass 491 application.
• The Department of Home Affairs then assesses your visa application against the subclass 491 criteria.

This means that for subclass 491 there is no points-competitive invitation round as there is for subclass 189 or 190. If the state selects you and sends an invitation, you proceed straight to the visa application step.

Summary of the dual process

Subclass 190 — a two-stage process:

1. Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect (indicating interest in subclass 190).
2. Lodge a separate application with the state via its portal (if the state requires it).
3. The state reviews and nominates you → your EOI gains 5 points automatically.
4. The Department of Home Affairs sends an ITA in a subclass 190 invitation round if your score is high enough.
5. Lodge the subclass 190 application within 60 days.

Subclass 491 — a three-stage process:

1. Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect (indicating interest in subclass 491).
2. Lodge an application with the state via its own portal.
3. The state sends an invitation directly through SkillSelect if it approves you.
4. Lodge the subclass 491 application within 60 days.

A strategy for coordinating the two systems

To make the most of your chances, ensure your EOI in SkillSelect is always up to date and accurately reflects your real points score. At the same time, actively monitor the nomination portals of the states you are interested in and lodge a separate application with them when the opportunity arises. Some states open their intake in waves rather than continuously, so close monitoring is needed.