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If you are planning to apply for a 190 or 491 visa, the state nomination trend is a crucial factor for you. You can have all the impressive scores and perfect documents but if a state refuses to nominate you, your application can not go any further.
The harsh truth is that in 2026, each state and territory has different criteria, career lists and processing methods. Picking the suitable state can increase your chances. Choosing the wrong one can result in a waste of months and thousands of dollars. In the blog, we will discuss State Nomination Trends for 190 and 491, so that you can understand which cities are more inviting.
Australia’s state and territory nomination agenda continues to be a critical route for skilled migration in the 2026-27 program year. It allows states and territories to choose qualified applicants for two main visa streams:
Each state and territory accepts an allocation of nomination places from the federal government and then offers invitations based on local requirements and priorities.
Here is a state-by-state analysis based on the most delinquent 2026 allocation data from the Department of Home Affairs.
WA has the most considerable 491 allocation in the country at 2,200 places, also a healthy 190 allocation. The state’s economy is increasing because of mining, energy and construction and they are actively hiring workers.
Most suitable for
Engineers, trades workers, healthcare professionals, mining-related careers and IT experts.
Why is it best
WA has the most all-around career lists and manages to process nominations relatively fast. If your profession is on their list, WA should be at the top of your reference list.
Reference
You will need to dedicate yourself to living in WA. The state takes obedience seriously and expects selected applicants to settle there.
SA has 900 places for the 491 visa and keeps a wide employment list, especially for applicants keen to live in regional South Australia. The state has been one of the more accessible nomination routes.
Most suitable for
Healthcare workers, teachers, chefs, aged care workers, trades and ICT professionals
Why is it best
SA provides extra focus for applicants already living in the state, graduates of SA universities and those with job recommendations in regional areas. The DAMA advantages in provincial SA can also lower the wages and English requirements.
Tasmania has 650 places for the 491 visa and has become a favourite migration route destination. The state provides a special path for applicants who study at a Tasmanian college, even if it is for short periods.
Most suitable for
Graduates of Tasmanian institutions, healthcare workers, hospitality professionals and trades
Why is it best
Tas had lower point needs than the mainland states. But the challenger has grown, especially in recent years.
Be careful of
Tasmania’s small economy means career options are limited in some domains. Ensure you can find a job in your designated work before devoting.
QLD has 750 places for the 491 visa and concentrates on straightforward work secured to the state’s economic importance. The state is especially interested in healthcare, education and trades employees for regional Queensland.
Most suitable for
Nurses, doctors, teachers, engineers, construction trades and agricultural workers
Why is it best
Regional Queensland delivers a reasonable lifestyle at an affordable cost and the state’s emphasis on typical occupations means less competition if your work matches their requirements.
Victoria has 700 places for the 491 visa and a more considerable allocation for the 190 visa. As Australia’s second most extensive state, it draws a high number of applicants and makes it more competitive than more undersized states.
Most suitable for
IT professionals, healthcare workers, engineers, financial professionals and researchers
Why is it best
Victoria’s professional migration program is well-organised and transparent. If you have good capabilities and high English scores, the competition is effortless.
Reminder
Victoria sometimes opens and closes its program during the year, so timing is important.
NSW has a lower allocation concentrated mainly on the 491 visa for regional areas outside Sydney. Achieving the NSW 491 selection demands living and working in selected regional areas of the state.
Most suitable for
Applicants already living in regional NSW, healthcare workers, teachers and tradespeople
Why is it best
Lower applicant volume for regional NSW means fewer competitors if you are living outside Sydney.
The ACT utilises its own ranking matrix in lieu of depending only on the standard points test. The ACT selection process weighs aspects like employment in Canberra, length of home and English proficiency through a different scoring method.
Most suitable for
Applicants who are living and working in Canberra
Why is it best
If you are selected in the ACT, the matrix method can work powerfully in your favour. For applicants who are not living in the ACT, it is very hard to get selected.
The NT has less allocation but also faces real labour deficiencies across many fields. The Northern Territory provides extra benefits for employers in the area.
Most suitable for
Healthcare employees, trades, hospitality, aged care and anyone who wants to live in a remote location.
Why is it best
Fewer competitors because of the remote location.If you wish to live in the NT, the route can be more rapid than in other states.
Your selected career should be on the clear state’s list for the visa subclass you are applying for.
States want you to live and do your job in their jurisdiction. Do not select a state you have no preference for moving to.
States value applicants who already live there, have done their studies there or have employment proposals in the state.
Nothing is preventing you from applying to different states. Whichever one you select first, you can move with it.
Some states process selection in weeks, others take months. If timing is important, ask about recent processing timelines.
| Mistake | Why is it Dangerous | More Useful Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Impersonating someone else’s points score | Identical points do not mean the same invitation possibility | Compare the complete profile, not just the score |
| Concentrating only on Subclass 190 | You may miss stronger 491 or regional opportunities | Consider both 190 and 491 |
| Neglecting state-based regulations | Every state nominates differently | Make a state-by-state plan |
| Considering one round as the long-term trend | Invitation rounds can change with quotas and sector demands | Observe trends over time |
| Ignoring English improvement | English scores often separate similar applicants | Improve English where possible |
| Applying without matching the correct stream fit | Eligibility alone is not sufficient | Check the appropriate pathway |
Australia PR in 2026 is almost more than just achieving high scores. It is about enhancing your general profile. If you do not have the Australian skilled migration cities list to close your application with a better plan, you will suffer even with a good score.
Immigration Buddy aids applicants in fulfilling their Australian dream through better plans and useful techniques. From choosing the right state to supporting your application and matching it with state-specific selection trends, we offer masterful recommendations throughout your Subclass 190 or 491 visa journey. Book a consultation today and get the best service.
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