Best Australian states for skilled migrants in 2026

No single Australian state is best for every skilled migrant. The right choice depends on your occupation, how many points you hold, whether you need state nomination, and where jobs in your field are actually concentrated. This guide breaks down the key factors state by state so you can make an informed comparison rather than relying on general advice.

What state nomination means for your visa options

State and territory nomination is central to two visa subclasses: the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) and the Skilled Regional (Subclass 491). A 190 nomination gives you five extra points and leads directly to permanent residence. A 491 nomination gives you ten extra points and is a provisional visa — you move to permanent residence after three years via the Subclass 191.

If you have enough points to receive an invitation without nomination, you can apply for the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and live anywhere in Australia. But for most applicants in the current competitive environment, those extra nomination points are the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting indefinitely.

For a detailed breakdown of how nomination works in practice, see State nomination explained: how Australian states pick skilled migrants (2026).

How states differ: a side-by-side comparison

Each state and territory manages its own skilled nomination programme, sets its own occupation lists, and opens and closes invitation rounds independently. What one state offers your occupation this month may differ significantly from what another offers.

This table reflects general patterns — each state's actual occupation list changes with each nomination round. Check the relevant state migration authority for the current list before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Which state suits your situation

New South Wales

NSW is Australia's largest economy and has the deepest job market in technology, financial services, and healthcare. Sydney is the primary draw, but regional NSW is available under the 491. Competition for NSW nomination is typically high because of demand — if your occupation appears on the NSW list, make sure your points score is strong.

Victoria

Melbourne consistently records strong demand for healthcare professionals, engineers, and educators. Victoria's nomination programme tends to prioritise occupations with genuine shortages in the state rather than opening broadly. If you are in allied health or nursing, Victoria is worth monitoring closely.

Queensland

Queensland appeals to trade workers, construction professionals, and those in agriculture. The cost of living outside Brisbane is lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, and the state actively nominates for regional 491 pathways. If your occupation is trade-based and you are flexible on location, Queensland deserves serious consideration.

Western Australia

The resources sector drives consistent demand in WA for mining engineers, electricians, plumbers, and construction managers. Perth's job market has tightened in recent years, and the state has been among the more active nominators for trade and engineering occupations. Salary levels in WA are above the national average for many resource-related roles.

South Australia

SA runs one of the more accessible nomination programmes relative to its size. It actively seeks hospitality workers, IT professionals, and healthcare staff. Adelaide's cost of living is lower than the east coast capitals, which matters if you are setting yourself up financially while on a provisional visa.

Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT

Tasmania nominates mainly under the 491 and is particularly active in hospitality and trades. The NT nominates for occupations that are genuinely hard to fill — healthcare, construction, and some specialist trades — and its regional designation means many roles carry the 491 pathway. The ACT nominates under the 190 only, focusing on government-adjacent occupations and tech.

Key factors to weigh when choosing a state

Occupation list inclusion is the first filter. If your ANZSCO occupation code (the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations — the classification system that determines visa eligibility) is not on a state's current list, that state cannot nominate you regardless of how strong your points score is. Understanding how ANZSCO works is foundational — the ANZSCO explainer is a useful starting point if you are still mapping your occupation.

Points score determines your competitiveness for 190 and 491 nominations. States receive far more EOIs than they have nomination places, so they set cutoff scores that reflect actual demand. A state with a lower cutoff is not necessarily easier — it may mean fewer nomination places are available.

Job market depth matters most if you do not already have an employer lined up. Moving to a state where your occupation is in genuine demand makes it easier to meet the work experience requirements for subsequent visas, including the Employer Nomination (Subclass 186) if you later gain employer sponsorship.

Regional vs metropolitan is a genuine trade-off. Regional 491 nominations carry more points and may have lower competition, but you are required to live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years before applying for the 191. If you have family ties to a capital city or your occupation is concentrated in metro areas, regional nomination may not be realistic.

You can track occupation-level demand and points cutoffs across states at the Migrant Hub occupation rankings dashboard — it pulls from SkillSelect data and is updated regularly.

Common questions

Which Australian state is easiest to get nominated in?

There is no single easiest state — it depends entirely on your occupation and points score. Smaller states like South Australia and Tasmania sometimes have lower competition for specific occupations, but their overall nomination volumes are smaller too. The right state is the one where your occupation appears on the current list and your points score is competitive.

Does it matter where I live if I get a 189 visa?

No. The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) does not require you to live in any particular state or region. You can settle wherever you choose. State of residence only becomes a condition under the 491, which requires you to live and work in a designated regional area.

Can I apply for nomination in more than one state at the same time?

Yes. You can submit an EOI through SkillSelect and indicate interest in multiple states simultaneously. Individual states then decide whether to invite you based on your EOI details and their own criteria. Receiving an invitation from one state does not prevent others from also inviting you, though you can only accept one nomination.

How often do state occupation lists change?

Lists can change each financial year, and some states update them mid-year in response to labour market conditions. It is common for an occupation to be added or removed with relatively short notice. Check the relevant state migration authority's website regularly if you are waiting for your occupation to appear.

Does living in a regional area for the 491 actually lead to permanent residence?

Yes, provided you meet the residency and work requirements. After three years of living and working in a designated regional area on a 491, you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa. The conditions are specific — consider speaking to a MARA-registered agent for your specific circumstances to confirm you are on track before lodging.

Where to go next

See how your occupation is performing across states — including points cutoffs and invitation trends — on the Migrant Hub occupation rankings dashboard.