State Nomination 2026–27: Which States Are Open for Indian Professionals?

Australia’s state nomination program remains an important pathway for skilled Indian professionals who want permanent residency. Through state and territory nomination, eligible applicants can earn extra points and access skilled migration opportunities tied to local workforce needs.

However, the 2026–27 program year has brought different developments across Australia. For Indian professionals planning to migrate to Australia, the important question is whether their occupation, qualifications, work experience, and applicant location match the state’s current selection criteria.

This guide explains the latest state nomination Australia 2026–27 updates, eligibility requirements, opportunities for offshore Indian applicants, and the steps involved in applying.

Key Takeaway

• Australia’s 2026–27 State Nomination Program offers skilled Indian professionals opportunities to pursue PR through Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.
• State nomination programs have different opening dates, occupation priorities and eligibility criteria. An allocation does not necessarily mean applications are open.
• NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT have active selection processes, while Queensland is scheduled to open its ROI process on 6 November 2026.
• Subclass 190 offers direct permanent residency with 5 additional points, whereas Subclass 491 offers 15 additional points and a potential PR pathway through Subclass 191.

Australia’s State Nomination Program for 2026–27: What’s Changed?

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program allows state and territory governments to nominate skilled professionals who can contribute to their local economies.

Each state has its own occupation priorities, eligibility requirements, and selection process. These are based on local workforce shortages, economic needs, and the number of nomination places available. The Australian immigration rules also differ as per states and territories.

The two main state-nominated visa pathways are:

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated visa: A permanent residency visa for skilled professionals nominated by an Australian state or territory.
• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa: A five-year provisional visa for skilled professionals who intend to live and work in designated regional Australia.

For 2026–27, applicants should pay particular attention to three developments:

1. Different opening dates: States are launching their programs at different times rather than following one national opening date.
2. More selective nomination processes: Some states are prioritising specific industries, employment backgrounds, regional connections or applicant categories.
3. Different opportunities for offshore applicants: Being eligible for a state-nominated visa does not automatically mean an applicant living in India can apply through every state.

How State and Territory Nomination Works

State nomination allows an Australian state or territory to identify skilled migrants whose qualifications and experience match its workforce requirements.

The process generally involves these steps:

1. Check whether your occupation is eligible for the relevant visa and state nomination program.
2. Obtain a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system.
4. Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI), Canberra Matrix or state application if the selected jurisdiction requires it.
5. Receive an invitation from the state or territory, if selected.
6. Apply for the relevant visa after receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

The process differs between jurisdictions. An EOI is not a visa application. It simply allows the Australian Government and relevant state authorities to consider your profile.

The state government decides whether to nominate you. The Department of Home Affairs makes the final visa decision.

Difference Between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491

Although both visas involve state nomination, they have different residency conditions and long-term outcomes.

Subclass 190 is a permanent visa, while Subclass 491 allows eligible applicants to apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191 after holding an eligible visa for at least three years and meeting its conditions.

The 2026–27 program also highlights an important distinction: a state’s nomination allocation does not mean its application process is open. States can have nomination places but restrict applications to particular occupations or applicant categories.

State Nomination Allocations vs Actual Open Applications

An allocation is the number of primary applicants a state or territory can nominate during a particular program year. It is not the same as the number of applications currently being accepted. Similarly, an open program does not mean every eligible applicant will receive an invitation.

As of 31 October 2026, the published position is:

These are jurisdiction-specific announcements, not a complete national allocation table.

You can check the federal allocation information here: Department of Home Affairs: State and Territory Nomination Allocations

Why State Nomination Can Matter for Indian Professionals

For Indian professionals, state nomination can make a significant difference to their skilled migration profile.

The main advantages include:

• Additional points: Subclass 190 nomination adds five points, while Subclass 491 nomination adds 15 points.
• Access to different occupations: Some state programs have occupation lists and pathways that provide opportunities beyond the options available through other skilled visa routes.
• Offshore opportunities: Certain states consider eligible applicants who are still living and working in India.
• Regional migration options: Applicants willing to settle outside major metropolitan areas may be able to explore additional nomination pathways.
• State-specific selection: Employment history, industry experience, qualifications, and local workforce requirements can influence selection.

However, nomination is competitive. Meeting the minimum federal eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection by a state.

Which Australian States Are Open for Nomination in 2026–27?

The following table provides a snapshot of the state and territory nomination position as of 31 October 2026.

NSW 190 Nomination

New South Wales uses an invitation-based selection process. Applicants cannot directly apply for a Subclass 190 nomination.

To be considered, candidates need:

• An eligible occupation on the NSW Skills List.
• A valid skills assessment.
• An eligible SkillSelect EOI.
• At least six months of continuous offshore residence if applying from outside Australia.

NSW considers factors such as age, English proficiency, qualifications, points and skilled employment experience.

Its 2026–27 Skills List has been updated for Subclass 190. The Subclass 491 program remains closed to new applications.

Victoria State Nomination

Victoria opened its 2026–27 Subclass 190 program on 26 October 2026, with 900 nomination places. Both onshore and offshore applicants can submit a Registration of Interest (ROI), provided they meet the relevant requirements.

Victoria uses its Victorian Points Test to assess candidates. Factors include age, English, qualifications, work experience, occupation and partner skills.

South Australia 491 and Other Skilled Migration Options

South Australia is considering offshore candidates through SkillSelect without requiring a separate ROI.

For 2026–27, the state is prioritising:

• Building and construction
• Defence
• Education
• Engineering
• Health
• Manufacturing

High-ranking candidates in other industries may also be considered.

Offshore applicants generally need at least three years of skilled work experience in their nominated or closely related occupation within the previous five years, along with the relevant visa and state eligibility requirements.

The state is also accepting ROIs from eligible people living and working in South Australia whose current visas expire by 31 January 2027.

Indian professionals should check the current occupation list to establish whether their occupation is eligible for Subclass 190, 491 or both.

Queensland and Western Australia

Queensland: The 2026–27 program has been published, with ROIs scheduled to open on 6 November 2026. Queensland maintains separate occupation lists and requirements for onshore and offshore applicants.

Western Australia: Home Affairs recorded WA state nominations during July and August 2026 for both Subclass 190 and 491. Applicants should check the Migration WA website for the latest occupation lists and invitation arrangements before proceeding.

Tasmania, ACT and Northern Territory

Tasmania: The program opened on 17 August 2026, with 1,250 Subclass 190 and 800 Subclass 491 places. Both ROI pathways are operating. However, Tasmania does not plan to invite applicants through its general offshore Subclass 491 occupation-profile pathway this year. Certain overseas health and teaching professionals with qualifying Tasmanian job offers may still be considered for Subclass 190.

ACT: The Canberra Matrix is operating. In its 12 October 2026 round, the ACT issued 63 Subclass 190 invitations to overseas applicants under its critical skills category. No overseas 491 invitations were issued in that round. The 2026–27 allocation is still awaiting confirmation.

Northern Territory: The NT has received sufficient applications for 2026–27. It is accepting only limited exception applications for certain onshore Subclass 491 candidates. General offshore and new Subclass 190 applications are not currently accepted.

What to Do if a State’s Program Is Closed or Full

A closed program does not necessarily mean you have to stop your Australian PR planning.

You can:

1. Check whether another state has an open pathway for your occupation.
2. Explore Subclass 491 if you are willing to settle in regional Australia.
3. Improve your English test score to increase your points.
4. Review your skills assessment and occupation code.
5. Monitor state announcements for new invitation rounds or reopened pathways.
6. Consider other skilled migration routes, including Subclass 189 or employer-sponsored visas, if eligible.

Avoid submitting applications simply because a state has reopened its portal. Check whether you meet the current criteria first.

Which State Is Easiest for Australia PR in 2026?

There is no single easiest state for every applicant. Your occupation, work experience, English score, qualifications, and location determine which nomination pathway may be suitable.

For example, a software engineer may find an eligible occupation group on the NSW 190 list, while another state’s offshore occupation list may not include the same occupation.

Before comparing nomination numbers, check:

• Whether your occupation is eligible.
• Whether offshore applicants are accepted.
• Whether your skills assessment meets the requirements.
• Whether you meet the state’s work experience criteria.
• Whether you can meet any regional settlement conditions.

A higher points score can strengthen your profile, but it does not guarantee nomination. The federal minimum is 65 points for both 190 and 491, while individual states apply additional selection criteria.

Read more about Australia Points Tests 2026 Changes

How to Apply for Australian State Nomination From India

Indian applicants can begin preparing their skilled migration applications while living in India. The process generally follows these steps, although the state-specific stages differ.

Step 1: Check Your Occupation and Visa Eligibility

Start by identifying the occupation that best matches your qualifications and professional duties.

Check:

• Whether the occupation is eligible for Subclass 190 or 491.
• The relevant assessing authority.
• The state’s current occupation list.
• Whether offshore applications are accepted.
• The age and English requirements.
• Whether you meet the minimum points threshold.

Do not select a state before confirming that your occupation is eligible under its current program.

Step 2: Obtain a Valid Skills Assessment

A suitable skills assessment is required for most points-tested skilled migration applications. The assessing authority depends on your occupation.

For example:

• ACS assesses many ICT occupations.
• Engineers Australia assesses eligible engineering occupations.
• VETASSESS assesses a range of professional occupations.
• Other occupations have their own designated assessing authorities.

Check the required qualifications, work experience and documents before submitting your assessment.

Step 3: Calculate Your Points and Take an English Test

Calculate your federal skilled migration points before submitting your EOI.

Points may be awarded for age, English proficiency, qualifications, skilled work experience, partner skills and other eligible factors.

For Indian professionals, English proficiency can be particularly important. The Department of Home Affairs changed its accepted English tests and score requirements from 7 August 2025. Applicants taking tests in 2026 should use the current score requirements rather than relying on older IELTS or PTE score charts.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest or Registration of Interest as Required

Once your skills assessment, English results and points calculation are ready, submit an EOI through SkillSelect.

The next step depends on the state.

Keep your EOI accurate and update it when your circumstances change.

Step 5: Apply for State Nomination if Invited or Eligible

Some states invite applicants to submit a full nomination application. Others allow direct applications through specific pathways. Follow the instructions and deadlines provided by the relevant state. Do not assume that submitting an EOI or ROI means your nomination has been approved.

Step 6: Prepare Documents for the Visa Application

If your nomination is approved, the state nomination will trigger the relevant skilled visa invitation through SkillSelect. You must then submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs within the deadline specified in your invitation.

For the federal skilled visa invitation, the standard application period is 60 calendar days.

Your visa application must include evidence supporting the claims made in your EOI and the other documents required by Home Affairs.

Documents Indian Professionals Should Prepare

Document requirements vary by occupation, assessing authority, and state. However, the following records are commonly needed during the skills assessment, nomination, and visa application stages.

Passport, Education, and Qualification Records

• Valid passport.
• Degree certificates.
• Academic transcripts and marksheets.
• Diploma or professional qualification certificates, where applicable.
• Documents supporting any change of name.
• Certified English translations for documents that are not in English.

Ensure your name, date of birth and educational details are consistent across documents.

Skills Assessment and English Test Results

• Valid skills assessment outcome.
• English language test results.
• Registration or professional licence, if required for your occupation.
• Supporting documents requested by the assessing authority.

Check the validity of your skills assessment before submitting an EOI or accepting an invitation.

Employment References and Proof of Work Experience

Employment evidence is particularly important for applicants claiming skilled employment points.

• Employment reference letters.
• Appointment and experience letters.
• Detailed job descriptions.
• Employment start and end dates.
• Salary and remuneration details.
• Payslips.
• Bank statements showing salary credits.
• Tax documents, where available.
• Other evidence of professional responsibilities.

Employment references should describe your actual duties rather than use generic statements.

Proof of Residence, Employment, or Regional Connection Where Required

Some state programs require additional evidence of local connections. Depending on the pathway, this may include:

• Australian residential address evidence.
• Employment contracts.
• Payslips from an Australian employer.
• Rental agreements.
• University completion documents.
• Evidence of regional study or employment.
• Documents showing a qualifying family connection.

These requirements are particularly relevant to onshore and regional nomination pathways.

Supporting Documents for Claims Made in Your EOI or ROI

Every claim made in your EOI or ROI should be supported by reliable evidence.

For example:

Do not claim additional points unless you can substantiate them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for State Nomination

Indian applicants should avoid these common errors:

• Assuming a state is accepting applications simply because it has a nomination allocation.
• Choosing a state based only on its number of nomination places.
• Using outdated occupation lists or previous-year eligibility criteria.
• Claiming points for employment or qualifications without sufficient evidence.
• Selecting an ANZSCO code based only on a similar job title.
• Assuming that a high points score guarantees an invitation.

Always verify the current requirements on the relevant government website before submitting an application.

How VisaAxis Can Help You Explore Australia PR Pathways

Choosing the right Australian skilled migration pathway requires more than checking a points score. An applicant needs to understand occupation eligibility, skills assessment requirements, state-specific criteria, and the difference between permanent and provisional visa options.

At Visa Axis, we help Indian professionals assess their profiles and prepare for the relevant migration process.

Reviewing Your Occupation, Points, and Eligibility

A profile assessment can help identify:

• The most suitable ANZSCO occupation.
• Relevant skills assessment requirements.
• Federal points score.
• English proficiency requirements.
• Eligible state nomination pathways.
• Potential gaps in employment or qualification evidence.

This helps applicants understand their options before investing time and money in applications.

Comparing Subclass 190 and 491 Pathways

The choice between Subclass 190 and 491 should reflect your professional profile and settlement preferences.

VisaAxis can help applicants compare the two pathways, understand state-specific eligibility requirements and assess whether regional migration is a suitable option.

Preparing for Changes in State Nomination Criteria

We timely review current occupation lists, check program updates, organise supporting documents and prepare application information according to the relevant requirements.

The aim is to help applicants make informed decisions and submit well-prepared applications. 

Choose a State Based on Eligibility and Current Criteria

Australia’s 2026–27 state nomination program offers opportunities for skilled professionals from India, but the availability of each pathway varies.

The best approach is to assess your occupation, skills assessment, points score, and work experience before choosing a state.

For Indian professionals, a well-matched nomination pathway is more useful than simply applying to the state with the largest allocation.

Planning to apply for Australian PR from India? Connect with our immigration experts at VisaAxis to explore your skilled migration options, review your eligibility, and understand the path forward. 

FAQs