State nomination 2026–27 — how to read any state's requirements and pick a state by occupation

Given where 189 invitation scores sit these days, state nomination is no longer “plan B” — for most occupations it is the main road. A state or territory nomination adds 5 points for the 190 visa or 15 points for the 491 visa, and more importantly, you compete within that state’s pool instead of the national one.

The catch: every state plays by its own rules, criteria change every year, and most applicants pick a state based on… where their relatives live. This post shows you how to read any state’s nomination page in 15 minutes — and how to choose a state by OCCUPATION, the variable that actually decides outcomes.

The numbers: 2025–26 and the 2026–27 year about to open

In the 2025–26 program year, the national allocation was 12,850 places for the 190 visa and 7,500 places for the 491 across all states and territories. The 2026–27 program year opens from July 2026 — at the time of writing (May 2026), the new allocations have not been announced. Based on previous years, states typically reopen their programs progressively between July and September, after receiving their federal allocation.

Those two numbers tell you one thing: state nomination places are a finite, contested resource. Small states run out of quota early; big states select aggressively. Strategy and timing matter as much as your points score.

Every state has its own rules — but the same building blocks repeat

Read the nomination pages of all eight states and territories and you will see the same “bricks” arranged differently:

• Residence and/or work in the state — a common requirement: you have lived/worked in the state for X months (the number varies by state and stream).
• Job offer or employment in your occupation — many streams require a current job or employment contract in the nominated occupation.
• Minimum salary — some states set a salary floor for employment-based streams.
• Commitment to stay — every state requires a commitment to live and work there after the grant (commonly two years for the 190).
• Occupation on the state’s list — each state maintains its own occupation list, narrower than the federal lists.
• Minimum points and English — some states accept the base 65, others set higher bars for competitive occupations.

Once you recognise these building blocks, any state’s page can be read against the same framework.

State tendencies — indicative only, they change every year

The table below describes tendencies observed in recent years — not specific criteria, because criteria reset each program year. Always check the state’s official nomination page before deciding:

To repeat: these are patterns, not promises. A state can change direction completely between two program years.

Pick a state by occupation, not by relatives

The most common mistake: “my cousin lives in Melbourne, so I’m aiming for VIC.” Relatives help you settle — they do not help your nomination. A state nominates you because your occupation is on its demand list, not because you have somewhere to stay.

The right sequence:

1. Lock in your ANZSCO code and skills assessment first.
2. Scan the occupation lists of all eight states and territories to see where your occupation appears — not just the state you like.
3. Compare the attached conditions: which states require in-state employment, which accept offshore applicants, what scores are realistically being invited.
4. Rank by probability — then weigh lifestyle factors.

A registered nurse may find several states rolling out the welcome mat, while an accountant on the same score may only have a realistic 491 route in a regional state with a job offer — same points, completely different strategy. See our 189 vs 190 vs 491 comparison for where state nomination fits in the bigger picture.

Timing and the ROI mechanism

• The start of the financial year (July–September) is the golden window: fresh quotas, new criteria published, states reopen to applications. Have your skills assessment, English results and EOI ready by May–June so you can move the moment a state opens.
• The end of the program year (April–June): many states have exhausted or nearly exhausted their quota — applying then often means waiting for the new year anyway.
• ROI (Registration of Interest): some states do not accept direct applications; you register your interest first, and the state invites suitable candidates to apply for nomination. For these states, lodge your ROI early and update it when your circumstances change — it works much like an EOI in SkillSelect.

Checklist: read any state nomination page in 15 minutes

1. Is my occupation on this state’s list? Search by ANZSCO code, not job title.
2. Which stream applies to me? (living in the state / offshore / state graduate / job offer…)
3. How long is the residence/work requirement? X months counted to when?
4. Is a job offer or salary level required?
5. Does the state set its own minimum points or English level?
6. Does the state use ROI or direct applications? What is the nomination fee?
7. What is the post-grant commitment? (years required in the state)
8. When was the page last updated? — last year’s criteria are worthless for the new year.

Answer all eight and you know 90% of that state’s rules.

Summary

State nomination 2026–27 opens from July, and the advantage goes to people who prepare now: finalise the skills assessment, optimise points, scan all eight occupation lists for your occupation, and be ready to lodge the moment programs open. Choosing a state is a probability exercise driven by your occupation — not a sentimental one driven by where your relatives live.

Want to know which states are calling for your occupation and how to sequence your 2026–27 applications? Book a free assessment with VisaAffairs.

References

• Department of Home Affairs — State and territory nomination — gateway with links to each state’s nomination page.
• Department of Home Affairs — Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) — 190 visa criteria.
• Department of Home Affairs — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) — 491 visa criteria.

This article is general information current at publication. Australian migration rules change regularly — check the date and contact VisaAffairs before relying on it for your own case. Book a consultation for advice on your specific circumstances.