If you are applying for a Subclass 190 or 491 visa, the most important question is not “how many points do I have?” — it is “which state is actually inviting MY occupation?” This guide breaks down what each major state is looking for in 2025–26 so you can apply strategically.
Quick Overview
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What Changed in 2025–26?
The Australian Government set the total nomination allocation at just 20,350 places — against a planning level of 33,000. That is a 38% shortfall. With fewer spots available, your state choice and occupation alignment matter more than ever.
State-by-State Breakdown
New South Wales — 3,600 places (2,100 × 190 | 1,500 × 491)
NSW has the largest total allocation nationally but is also the most competitive. It now operates strictly from its NSW Skills List — if your occupation is not on it, an invitation is unlikely. Priority sectors include construction, healthcare, ICT, renewables, and advanced manufacturing. Evidence requirements are stricter than ever, and most successful applicants hold 75–85 points.
Victoria — 3,400 places (2,700 × 190 | 700 × 491)
Victoria holds the country’s biggest allocation for the permanent 190 visa. All CSOL occupations are technically eligible, but the state actively prioritises health professionals, teachers, engineers, and ICT workers. Applications go through the Live in Melbourne ROI portal. Being employed or educated in Victoria significantly strengthens your profile — points alone do not drive the outcome here.
Queensland — 2,600 places (1,850 × 190 | 750 × 491)
QLD’s allocation more than doubled from last year, driven by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics infrastructure pipeline. The state focuses heavily on construction trades, healthcare, and engineering. Onshore applicants need at least 6–9 months of Queensland employment. Offshore applicants need 1+ year of skilled experience. Both an Onshore and Offshore Skills List apply — check the correct one for your situation.
Western Australia — 3,400 places (2,000 × 190 | 1,400 × 491)
WA has a near-equal 190/491 split, with regional WA accounting for 41% of total places — one of the best regional options in the country. Priority sectors are mining, resources, construction, healthcare, and engineering. WA operates a transparent, round-based invitation system and highly values job offers from local employers. The program reached near-capacity early in 2025–26, so do not delay.
South Australia — 2,250 places (1,350 × 190 | 900 × 491)
SA is the most underrated state in 2025–26. It offers the broadest eligible occupation list (464 onshore roles) and publishes monthly invitation data by category — giving applicants rare, real market signals. SA rewards long-term residents and SA international graduates. Priority areas include health, engineering, ICT, education, business, and defence. If your occupation is less common, SA is often your strongest option.
Which State Suits YOUR Profile?
How to Check If Your Occupation Is Being Nominated
- Find your ANZSCO code using the Skills Match tool on the Department of Home Affairs website
- Confirm your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — mandatory for any state nomination
- Check your target state’s specific occupation or skills list on their migration portal:
- Victoria: liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au
- NSW: invest.nsw.gov.au
- Queensland: migration.qld.gov.au
- Western Australia: migration.wa.gov.au
- South Australia: migration.sa.gov.au
- Lodge your SkillSelect EOI with complete, documented information
- Submit your state ROI and monitor invitation rounds regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which state has the most 190 visa places in 2025–26? Victoria leads with 2,700 Subclass 190 places — the highest single-state allocation for the permanent visa nationally.
Q2. Can I get nominated if my occupation is not on the CSOL? No — your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List before any state can nominate you.
Q3. Do I need to live in a state to get nominated by it? Most states accept offshore applicants, but being onshore in your target state significantly improves your chances.
Q4. How many points do I need for state nomination in 2025–26? The minimum is 65 points including the state bonus, but most successful applicants in competitive states score 75–85.
Q5. Should I target one state or multiple? Target multiple — with 38% fewer places this year, spreading your EOI across more than one state gives you a much stronger safety net.
Not Sure Where You Stand? Edvise Hub Can Help
Navigating state nomination on your own is time-consuming — occupation lists change, invitation rounds open and close without notice, and one wrong move on your EOI can cost you months. That is where Edvise Hub comes in.
Edvise Hub helps skilled migrants identify the right state for their occupation, review their EOI before submission, and stay updated on the latest invitation rounds across Victoria, NSW, Queensland, WA, and SA. Whether you are just starting out or already in the system waiting for an invite, the team at Edvise Hub can help you build a strategy that actually matches your profile — not just generic advice.
Get in touch with Edvise Hub to find out which state is most likely to nominate you in 2025–26.
Disclaimer: This article is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. Always verify requirements on official state portals or consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
