State nomination
Each state and territory runs its own program, list and timing. We choose the right state for your occupation and have your file ready before it opens.
- Category
- Points-tested
- Used for
- 190 (+5 points), 491 (+15 points)
- Status
- Changes monthly — see the table below
- Our fee
- From A$3,300
Start here
Do this
- Calculate your Victorian Points Test (VPT) score before Victoria opens
- Check each state's occupation list every program year
- Prepare before the opening
- Keep proof of residence and work
Avoid this
- Assuming last year's list still applies
- Applying to several states with inconsistent claims
- Ignoring residence requirements
- Missing the opening window
What a wrong turn can cost: Missing an opening can mean waiting another program year.
Are you on the right track?
- Do you know which states list your occupation?
- Is your file ready today?
- Do you meet the state's residence rules?
Unsure about any of these? Talk it through on a free call — you're not alone in this.
Is this you?
- You're planning a 190 or 491.
- You don't know which state suits your occupation.
- You want an alert when your state reopens.
What changed
13 Oct 2026 Victoria published its 2026–27 Victorian Points Test (VPT) and new fees ($66 ROI, $198 nomination incl. GST). Registrations from earlier years must be resubmitted when the program opens.
2026–27 State places up; regional places reportedly cut sharply.
State status
| State | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Opening soon (2026–27) | New VPT ranking; new ROI required; fees $66 ROI + $198 nomination (incl. GST). Updated 13 Oct 2026. |
| NSW | Not yet open | Awaiting 2026–27 allocation |
| Queensland | Not yet open | Awaiting 2026–27 allocation |
| South Australia | Open | Active program |
| Western Australia | Accepting | 2026–27 settings not yet announced |
| Tasmania | Open | Registrations from 17 Aug 2026 |
| ACT | Open | — |
| Northern Territory | Open | — |
Victoria updated 13 October 2026 from Live in Melbourne. Other states as at 31 August 2026 — always confirm on the state's own website.
State by state
What each state says right now, from its official site. Rules change quickly, so check the official page on the day.
Victoria
Opening soonAs at 13 October 2026, Victoria said its 2026–27 program will open soon for registrations of interest.
- How it works
- Register interest. Victoria ranks registrations with its own Victorian Points Test (VPT).
- Points or ranking
- Yes. The Victorian Points Test.
- State fees
- Registration of interest A$60, nomination A$180 (A$66 and A$198 with GST if you pay in Australia).
South Australia
Open (onshore, limited)From 22 October 2026, registrations of interest are open for people already living and working in South Australia whose visa expires by 31 January 2027.
- How it works
- Onshore: lodge a registration of interest. Overseas: keep a SkillSelect expression of interest; no registration of interest needed. Everyone needs a current SkillSelect EOI.
- Points or ranking
- No state points test found. Priority sectors: building and construction, defence, education, engineering, health and manufacturing.
- State fees
- Not stated on the update page. Check Migration SA.
New South Wales
Invitation onlyNSW invites from SkillSelect throughout the year. It publishes no invitation round dates.
- How it works
- Lodge a SkillSelect expression of interest. If invited, you have 14 days to respond. You need a skills assessment for an occupation on the NSW Skills List, and either 20+ hours a week of work in NSW in your occupation or 6 months living in NSW (onshore), or 6 months living outside Australia (offshore).
- Points or ranking
- No state points test. NSW uses your SkillSelect points.
- State fees
- Not stated on the 190 page. Check the NSW page.
Australian Capital Territory
Rounds runningThe ACT held a Canberra Matrix invitation round on 12 October 2026. It says its 2026–27 allocation is not yet confirmed by the Australian Government.
- How it works
- Submit the Canberra Matrix. Applicants are ranked by Matrix score and invited. You must live and work in Canberra for at least two years from grant.
- Points or ranking
- Yes. The Canberra Matrix (Canberra residents and overseas applicants have separate versions).
- State fees
- Canberra Matrix A$25, 190 or 491 nomination A$325 (A$27.50 and A$357.50 with GST). Non-refundable.
Each state runs its own program, list and timing, and they change often. Check the official page on the day you apply. Nobody can promise a nomination. Last checked 22 October 2026.
Who qualifies
- An occupation on the state's list.
- The state's own criteria — often living or working there.
- Federal requirements: skills assessment, English, age and points.
Step by step
- Choose the stateOccupation, residence rules and competitiveness.
- PrepareSkills assessment and English done before opening.
- Register interestExpression of interest plus the state's own application.
- NominationThen the visa invitation and lodgement.
Document checklist
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Common problems
Myths and facts
How we help you with State nomination
- 1UnderstandA state match for your occupation.
- 2PlanA ranked plan with timing.
- 3PrepareYour file ready before opening.
- 4LodgeDay-one application and follow-up.
- 5DestinationVisa lodged within 60 days of invitation.
What you'll receive
How we keep in touch: Alerts as states open, then weekly updates.
Three ways to do it
An honest look at your options. Some people do this themselves, and that can work well.
| Topic | With Omar Nafiz | Doing it yourself | With another provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| State choice | Compared across all states | Your current state only | Varies |
| Timing | Ready before opening | Scrambling after | Varies |
| Alerts | Day-one alerts | Manual checking | Varies |
| Consistency | One set of claims everywhere | Easy to contradict yourself | Varies |
| Cost | Included in our package | Fees only | Varies |
A situation like yours
An illustrative situation, in Omar's words. Names and details are fictional. See all situations.
Which state suits my occupation?
- Age 27
- English Proficient
- 📌 State nomination
The situation. Ivan is 27, an IT professional with Proficient English. He does not know which state to aim for, or when each one opens.
How I'd approach it
What I check first. Every state has its own list, rules and timing, so I look at them one by one. Victoria uses its own points test. South Australia opened registrations on 22 October, but only for people already living and working there whose visa expires by 31 January 2027. New South Wales invites from SkillSelect, with no announced round dates. The ACT ranks applicants on the Canberra Matrix.
The options. Match his occupation to each state's list. Prepare one file that works for all of them. Set alerts for each opening. Fees differ too: the ACT charges A$25 for the Matrix and A$325 for a nomination, plus GST.
Age and English. At 27 his age scores 30 federally and 300 in Victoria. Proficient English scores 10 and 100. Those are strong starting numbers, but each state still ranks on its own rules.
My caution. Rules change quickly and each state publishes its own. I check the official page on the day. Nobody can promise a nomination.
Illustrative situation. The names and details are fictional.
Questions people ask
Which state is easiest?
It depends on your occupation and where you live.
When does Victoria reopen?
Victoria says the 2026–27 program will open soon. Everyone needs to submit a new ROI then — check your score with our Victorian Points Test calculator.
Pricing
Consultation
A full review of your situation and a written plan.
Included in skilled visa package
Expression of interest, state applications and visa.
Government visa charge (Department of Home Affairs, as at 1 July 2026)
| Visa | Main applicant | Extra 18+ | Extra under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nominated (190) | A$6,140 | A$3,070 | A$1,535 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | A$6,140 | A$3,070 | A$1,535 |
Checked 22 October 2026. Official pricing table · Estimate for your family
Our prices as at 22 October 2026. Packages are paid in stages, only after you sign a written service agreement. All services and fees.
Book
Talk to us about State nomination
Start with a free 15-minute phone call. If you need full advice, book a A$110 consultation — it comes off your package.
Often considered alongside
Official sources
Figures checked 8 October 2026. Visa rules and charges change — we confirm everything for your situation before you pay for a package.