What is State Nomination? It Could Be Your Shortcut to PR!

If you’re aiming for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia, you’ve probably come across various visa options—Skilled Independent, Employer Sponsored, and State Nominated visas among them.

One of the most strategic and increasingly popular routes is State Nomination—a program designed to meet local skill shortages while giving skilled migrants a faster, supported pathway to PR.

But how does it compare with other PR pathways like the 186 or 482 visas? Let’s explore.

What is State Nomination?

State Nomination is when an Australian state or territory government nominates a skilled worker to live and work in their region. This happens through Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

The most common visas under this stream are:

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent)
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Leads to PR)

States and territories maintain their own occupation lists and criteria, allowing them to attract workers with the specific skills they need.

Why State Nomination Could Be Your Shortcut to PR

Here’s how it gives you an edge:

✅ Extra Points in the Points Test

+5 points for Subclass 190
+15 points for Subclass 491
This boost is often what sets successful applicants apart.

✅ Faster Processing

State-nominated candidates are prioritized due to regional demand, meaning quicker invitations and faster decisions.

✅ More Occupation Options

Some occupations not on the federal Skilled Occupation List may still be eligible at the state or regional level, widening your opportunities.

✅ Pathway to Permanent Residency

Both 190 and 491 provide clear routes to PR. The 491 visa is provisional but can transition to Subclass 191, a permanent visa after fulfilling work and residency requirements.

Employer Sponsored Visas: 482 & 186

Let’s compare this with employer-sponsored options, which are also prominent pathways to PR:

👔 Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa

Temporary visa for 2–4 years
Requires employer sponsorship
Must work in an occupation on the Short-term or Medium-term list
Can lead to PR through Subclass 186 (if eligible)

🏛️ Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

Permanent residency visa
Requires a full-time job offer from an Australian employer
Three streams: Direct Entry, Transition from 482, and Labour Agreement

State Nomination vs. Employer Sponsored Visas

🔷 State Nomination (Subclass 190 & 491)

🎯 Points-tested visas (via SkillSelect)
✅ No job offer required
📍 Requires commitment to live/work in the nominating state or regional area
🏡 Subclass 190: Permanent residency from day one
🛣️ Subclass 491: 5-year provisional visa with a path to PR (Subclass 191)
🗂️ Access to broader or state-specific occupation lists
🔄 More flexibility to change employers once visa is granted
🕐 May take longer to receive invitation compared to employer sponsorship
📊 Suitable for skilled migrants with high points but no sponsorship

🔷 Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 & 186)

💼 Job offer and employer sponsorship required
🧾 Subclass 482: Temporary visa (up to 4 years), potential pathway to PR
🏛️ Subclass 186: Permanent residency through employer nomination
🚧 Limited to occupations on Short- or Medium-Term Skilled Occupation Lists
📍 Tied to the sponsoring employer (changing jobs may require a new visa)
🕒 Often faster if employer and nomination are ready
🎓 Ideal for candidates with strong industry experience and job offers
📈 No points test required

Criteria	State Nomination	Employer Sponsored
PR Status	190: PR / 491: Provisional	186: PR / 482: Temporary
Points Tested	✅ Yes	❌ No
Job Offer Required	❌ No	✅ Yes
Flexibility	✅ More flexible	❌ Tied to employer
Occupation Lists	State-based lists	Federal (Short-/Medium-Term) lists
Suitable For	Skilled migrants without a sponsor	Migrants with a job offer

Which Option Is Right for You?

You might consider:

State Nomination (190/491) if you:
- Have strong qualifications and work experience
- Score close to the required points but need a boost
- Are open to living in regional or specific state areas
- Don’t have a job offer yet
Employer Sponsorship (482/186) if you:
- Already have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you
- Work in a high-demand occupation with long-term job prospects
- Want a defined job role and quicker PR pathway via employer

Final Thoughts: Tailor Your Path to PR

Australia offers multiple routes to permanent residency, and State Nomination continues to be a standout for skilled individuals without employer backing. It’s a chance to align your career with Australia’s needs—and get rewarded for it.

However, if you’ve already secured an employer, Subclass 482 or 186 can be equally powerful. The best path depends on your occupation, points score, lifestyle preference, and long-term goals.

Tip: Many skilled migrants explore both state nomination and employer-sponsored opportunities to maximize their chances.

🧭 Take Action Now

🔍 Check if your occupation is on a state or territory list
📝 Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI)
📄 Explore employer-sponsored jobs in your field
📈 Seek migration advice for personalized guidance

Your journey to PR starts with the right information—and the right plan.

📞 Have questions? Contact us today for personalised guidance.

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