Subclass 190 State Nomination 2026: State-Nominated PR Visa Guide
The Subclass 190 State Nomination visa is widely regarded as the 'gold standard' for Australian permanent residency in 2026. Unlike the Subclass 189, which requires no sponsor, the 190 pathway involves nomination by an Australian state or territory government — unlocking an additional 5 bonus points on the points test and granting immediate permanent residency on approval.
How does Subclass 190 state nomination work in 2026?
Each Australian state and territory runs its own nomination program, with its own occupation list, eligibility criteria, and application rounds. The Department of Home Affairs has set the national state and territory nomination allocation at 20,350 places for 2025-26. You must first lodge an EOI in SkillSelect, then separately apply for state nomination through your preferred state's portal.
Which states are most active in 2026?
Western Australia and Queensland have emerged as particularly aggressive nominators in 2026, actively targeting skilled professionals willing to settle outside the Sydney-Melbourne corridor.
NSW has confirmed 3,600 state nomination places with active April 2026 invitation rounds for both Subclass 190 and 491. South Australia's January 2026 round saw health professionals receive the largest share of nominations — 69 out of 344 total invitations.
Which occupations are in demand for 190 state nomination?
State lists are generally broader than the MLTSSL used for the 189, giving applicants more flexibility. Priority occupations across most states in 2026 include registered nurses, civil engineers, software developers, early childhood teachers, carpenters, electricians, and accountants. An occupation not eligible for the 189 may still qualify for the 190 through a specific state's nomination list — making research across multiple state portals an essential strategy.
What you must agree to with Subclass 190
In exchange for state nomination and bonus points, you commit to living and working in the nominating state for a minimum of two years after visa grant. This is a legal obligation, not merely a suggestion. However, after fulfilling this commitment, you are free to relocate anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident. For professionals with location flexibility, the Subclass 190 state nomination 2026 remains one of the fastest and most accessible routes to Australian PR available today.
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