Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated — state nomination strategy

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated adds 5 points to base points via state/territory nomination. Pathway:
  EOI submission → state nomination → invitation (with +5 points) → visa application

Each Australian state + territory operates its own Skilled Migration nomination program. Each has:
  • State-specific occupation list (different from CSOL)
  • State-specific eligibility criteria
  • State-specific commitment period (typically 2 years residence)
  • Annual nomination caps

Draft 600-700 word Subclass 190 state nomination strategy for [CLIENT_NAME] targeting [TARGET_STATE] for [OCCUPATION] (base points [BASE_POINTS_BEFORE_NOMINATION]).

§1 — STATE NOMINATION OVERVIEW BY STATE (250-300 words)

NSW (New South Wales) — most competitive, largest economy:
  • Sydney-based occupations + regional NSW
  • Lower base points threshold for regional NSW (Wagga, Newcastle, Wollongong)
  • Highest demand: Healthcare, ICT, Engineering
  • Process: Invitation-only based on EOI + manual review

Victoria — strong ICT + manufacturing:
  • Melbourne-based + regional VIC
  • Specific Master's graduate path
  • Demand: Healthcare, ICT, Engineering, Education
  • Process: EOI selection + nomination consideration

Queensland — emerging tech hub + agriculture:
  • Brisbane + regional QLD (Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville)
  • Demand: Mining, Healthcare, Tourism
  • Process: State-specific application form

South Australia — most accessible state:
  • Adelaide-based + entire SA regional
  • Indian applicants common
  • Demand: Hospitality, Healthcare, Education
  • Process: SA Skilled Occupation List + State Skilled Stream

Western Australia — mining + healthcare:
  • Perth + regional WA (Pilbara, Kimberley)
  • Demand: Mining specialists, Healthcare
  • Process: State-specific application

Tasmania — most welcoming + lowest threshold:
  • Whole state regional
  • Indian Master's graduates often go via Tasmania
  • Demand: All sectors with shortages
  • Process: TAS-specific Skilled Migration

Northern Territory — DAMA + GSM:
  • Whole NT regional
  • Lowest English thresholds via DAMA
  • Demand: Hospitality, Healthcare, Trades

ACT (Canberra) — government + tech:
  • Specific ACT Occupation List
  • Strong demand for ICT, Engineering, Healthcare

§2 — STATE-SPECIFIC OCCUPATION LIST FOR [TARGET_STATE] (130-160 words)

For [TARGET_STATE]:
  • Verify [OCCUPATION] is on the [TARGET_STATE] Skilled Occupation List
  • Check 2026 list (updated annually)
  • Confirm nomination capacity (some occupations close mid-year)

State occupation lists update annually. Major adjustments 2024:
  • Some occupations moved to regional-only nomination
  • Health-related occupations added to most state lists
  • Pro-rata occupations on 189 may still be available via 190

§3 — STATE-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY FOR [TARGET_STATE] (180-220 words)

Beyond standard 189 baseline, [TARGET_STATE] may require:
  • Minimum English proficiency (PTE 65+ / IELTS 7.0+ common)
  • Specific work experience (state-specific years)
  • Salary at or above state-specified threshold
  • Australian study requirement (typically 1-2 years in [TARGET_STATE])
  • State residence intention
  • Job offer (some states require, e.g. ACT, certain NSW streams)

For [TARGET_STATE] (verify specific criteria):

NSW Stream:
  • Currently working / studied in NSW preferred
  • Skills + experience matching identified shortages

VIC Stream:
  • Master's graduate from VIC institution path
  • Healthcare professional pathway with VIC Health backing

QLD Stream:
  • Connection to QLD (work, study, residence)
  • Specific employer / industry preference

SA Stream:
  • Most accessible — Australian Master's graduate from SA institution
  • Working in SA Hospitality / Construction / Trades

[STATE_TIES] expanded for [CLIENT_NAME]:
  • Specific connection to [TARGET_STATE]
  • Past study / work / residence / family
  • Strength of tie informs nomination probability

§4 — APPLICATION PROCESS FOR [TARGET_STATE] (200-250 words)

Step 1 — EOI in SkillSelect:
  • Select Subclass 190
  • Include preferred state nomination
  • Submit base points + state nomination bonus +5 = total points

Step 2 — State nomination application:
  • Apply through [TARGET_STATE] state government's online portal
  • Application fee: varies (typically AUD 200-500)
  • Supporting documents:
    □ EOI receipt
    □ Skills assessment positive
    □ English test results
    □ Qualifications + transcripts
    □ Work experience reference letters
    □ Tax records (Australian + overseas if applicable)
    □ State residence evidence (if any)
    □ Settlement plan + intention to stay in state
    □ Genuine interest / commitment narrative

Step 3 — State assessment:
  • State evaluates against nomination criteria
  • Process: 2-3 months typically
  • Outcome: nomination approved / additional info / refused

Step 4 — Nomination + visa invitation:
  • If state approves: applicant receives state nomination + SkillSelect invitation
  • 60 days to lodge full visa application

Step 5 — Visa application:
  • Submit through ImmiAccount
  • Visa fee: AUD 4,640 (primary applicant; revised, verify)
  • Documentation similar to 189
  • Decision: 6-12 months processing

§5 — 2-YEAR COMMITMENT (60-80 words)

Subclass 190 holders typically commit to:
  • Live in [TARGET_STATE] for 2 years post-grant
  • Work in [TARGET_STATE] for 2 years
  • State governments may "monitor" commitment (some are stricter than others)
  • Breach (early relocation to another state): may trigger visa cancellation under s.116(1)(b)

After 2 years: free movement within Australia. Path to citizenship after 4 years legal residence.

§6 — APPLICANT PROFILE FIT FOR [TARGET_STATE] (40-60 words)

Compare [CLIENT_NAME] profile against [TARGET_STATE] preferences:
  • Age + qualifications + experience alignment
  • Indian-specific patterns: SA + TAS + NT often welcoming; NSW + VIC competitive

Recommend best-fit state if [TARGET_STATE] criteria not met.

End with: "DRAFT SUBCLASS 190 STATE NOMINATION STRATEGY — for MARN-registered agent review. State nomination criteria vary widely; verify current [TARGET_STATE] requirements at the state's skilled migration website. State nomination is competitive — apply to multiple states if eligible to maximise invitation chances."