If you’re planning to migrate to Australia in 2025–26, simply meeting national visa requirements is no longer enough. Each Australian state and territory has unique migration priorities, occupation targets, and nomination strategies — meaning where you choose to live, study, and work could determine your Permanent Residency (PR) success.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 2025–26 State Nomination Requirements, explain each region’s focus areas, and show how Pathway to Aus can help you choose the right course, meet visa criteria, and move confidently towards PR.
Australia’s National Migration Plan 2025–2026: The Federal Overview
The Australian Federal Government has maintained the permanent migration cap at 185,000 places for 2025–26.
Each state and territory receives a portion of this cap to nominate candidates under:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) – Permanent visa
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) – Provisional regional visa
However, the states decide who gets nominated based on their own workforce needs and development goals.
| Visa Type | Description | Additional Points |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated (Permanent) | +5 points |
| Subclass 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | +15 points |
National Eligibility Requirements
Before you can be nominated by a state, you must meet Australia’s national skilled migration criteria:
- Age: Under 45 at the time of invitation
- English Proficiency: At least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent)
- Skills Assessment: Positive and valid for your nominated occupation
- Points: At least 60 before adding state/territory nomination points
Once you meet these, the real game begins — understanding what each state really wants.
State-by-State Breakdown: Skilled Migration 2025–2026
Below is an overview of how each Australian state and territory is managing its 2025–26 migration program, which industries they’re prioritising, and how you can align your pathway for nomination.
1. Victoria (VIC) – Priority Sectors Take the Lead
Victoria (home to Melbourne) is accepting nominations under an interim allocation, but it is very selective. While all occupations may technically be eligible, Victoria prioritises those working in its core priority sectors:
- Digital Technology
- Health & Medical Research
- Education
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Renewable Energy
Onshore Focus:
Applicants must usually be living and working in Victoria in a skilled occupation. Interstate applicants are rarely considered (except for border community cases).
Offshore Option:
Offshore applicants may apply but must demonstrate exceptional expertise or global demand within a Victorian priority sector.
| Visa | Focus | Hack |
| 190 / 491 | Skilled onshore workers & graduates in VIC | Align your occupation with Victoria’s core priority sectors |
2. New South Wales (NSW) – High Points, High Demand
NSW (home to Sydney) remains one of the most competitive states due to its strong economy and limited allocation — only 200 places for 190 and 180 for 491 so far under the interim quota.
Top Sectors NSW is Targeting in 2025–26:
- Construction & Housing
- Renewable Energy
- Digital & Cybersecurity
- Healthcare & Aged Care
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agri-food
Tips for NSW Nomination:
- Focus on high-demand occupations from the NSW Skills List
- Maintain a decision-ready SkillSelect EOI with all documentation verified
- Must have lived in NSW or offshore for at least the past six months
| Visa | Focus | Hack |
| 190 / 491 | High-scoring EOIs in key sectors | Update your EOI regularly — NSW checks evidence closely |
3. Queensland (QLD) – Balanced Pathways for Work, Study & Business
Queensland’s 2025–26 migration program is designed to support regional growth and attract skilled professionals. It offers clear streams for:
- Graduates from Queensland universities
- Skilled workers (onshore)
- Construction industry professionals
- Offshore skilled migrants
- Small business owners in regional QLD
Why QLD is Popular:
It’s one of the few states that welcomes offshore applicants and offers a Regional Small Business Owner 491 pathway (ideal for entrepreneurs ready to settle regionally).
| Visa | Focus | Hack |
| 190 / 491 | Graduate, Skilled, and Regional Business Owner streams | Choose your correct stream and meet its exact requirements before ROI |
4. Western Australia (WA) – Employment Is the Key
WA’s program is temporarily paused while awaiting full allocation but will resume with its two traditional streams — General and Graduate.
The state continues to prioritize applicants who:
- Hold a full-time job contract (6+ months) in WA
- Have 1+ year skilled work experience (Australian or overseas)
- Are in building, construction, and mining-related occupations
| Visa | Focus | Hack |
| 190 / 491 | Onshore applicants with long-term work contracts | Focus on securing a genuine job first — that’s your ticket to nomination |
5. South Australia (SA) – Quiet but Consistent
South Australia is currently using its small interim allocation to process strong, existing applications. Offshore applications are limited, but onshore workers and SA graduates still stand a good chance.
Key Priority Areas:
- Healthcare & Aged Care
- Education
- Agribusiness
- Construction
- Regional Workforce
| Visa | Focus | Hack |
| 190 / 491 | SA-based graduates and skilled workers | Maintain updated English and skills assessment to be decision-ready |
6. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – The Canberra Matrix Still Reigns
ACT uses the Canberra Matrix, ranking applicants by job, education, language ability, and community ties.
PhD graduates can even receive fast-track nominations (within a week!).
Top Occupations in ACT:
- ICT & Digital Technology
- Healthcare & Allied Health
- Education
| Visa | Focus | Hack |
| 190 / 491 | ACT Critical Skills List occupations | Don’t wait for a perfect Matrix score — submit early! |
7. Tasmania (TAS) – Study & Stay Strategy
Tasmania continues to promote its Migration Tasmania Application Gateway, supporting skilled migrants who live, work, or study locally.
Top Pathways:
- Tasmanian Graduates
- Skilled Employment (6–9 months)
- Established Residents
- Long-term regional workers
If you study a two-year course in Tasmania, you’re already on one of the strongest PR pathways available.
| Visa | Focus | Hack |
| 190 / 491 | Onshore graduates and local workers | Studying or working in Tasmania remains the golden ticket to nomination |
8. Northern Territory (NT) – Strict and Selective
The NT is currently only nominating onshore applicants facing critical visa deadlines or age-related limitations (turning 45 soon).
Offshore applications remain closed.
| Visa | Focus | Hack |
| 491 | NT residents nearing visa expiry or age limit | Apply quickly if your eligibility window is closing |
Why Work With Us
Migration rules can look straightforward — until you start connecting them.
We provide an end-to-end migration roadmap:
- Education Pathway: Select courses that align with PR opportunities
- Visa & EOI Support: Ensure your EOI and documentation are flawless
- Migration Planning: From student visa to PR and even citizenship
It’s a one-stop service combining education, migration, and visa expertise — helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The 2025–26 Skilled Migration Program rewards applicants who are strategic, prepared, and proactive.
Focus on:
– Studying or working in demand sectors (Construction, Care, Cyber, Health)
– Securing regional or state employment early
– Maintaining valid English and skills documents
Each state is looking for skilled, long-term residents ready to contribute to local growth — and if that’s your goal, your journey to Australian PR begins now.
For expert advice tailored to your profile, book a free consultation with our team