For the Subclass 190 and 491 visas, state and territory nomination is required. Each jurisdiction maintains its own occupation list, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Australia has six states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania) and two territories (Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory). Each has a distinct labour market, and this is reflected in their nomination priorities.

The process works as follows:

1. Applicant confirms their occupation appears on the state's nominated occupation list
2. Applicant meets the state's additional criteria (minimum work experience, qualification level, salary, English score, etc.)
3. Applicant submits a state nomination application through the state's migration portal
4. State assesses the application and, if approved, sends a nomination
5. Applicant uses the nomination to lodge an EOI (if not already done) or update their existing EOI
6. Department of Home Affairs issues an invitation to apply for the visa

State nomination is not guaranteed. States have limited allocation numbers each year, and demand usually exceeds supply for popular occupations. Some states process applications in rounds while others assess on a rolling basis.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW is home to Sydney, Australia's largest city. It is highly competitive for nominations because of its desirability. The NSW Skilled Nominated Visa program focuses on critical skills. NSW has imposed additional criteria for many occupations, including requiring applicants to have a genuine intention to live and work in NSW and sometimes requiring prior employment or connection to the state.

Key occupations commonly nominated: software engineers, registered nurses, civil engineers, accountants, ICT project managers.

Victoria

Victoria (Melbourne) runs the Victorian Skilled Migration program. Victoria uses an EOI system of its own (VSMR - Victoria Skilled Migration Registration) and selects applicants based on skills, experience, and connection to Victoria.

Victoria prioritises occupations in health, technology, construction, and education. It also has interstate transfer provisions for 491 holders.

Queensland

Queensland's Skilled Nominated program requires applicants to demonstrate a genuine commitment to living and working in Queensland. Queensland also has a strong regional component applicants willing to settle in regional Queensland are given preference for the 491 visa.

Key occupations: civil engineers, construction project managers, accountants, software engineers, healthcare professionals.

South Australia

South Australia (Adelaide) is one of the more accessible states for Indian applicants because the points cutoffs from invitations issued through SA are often lower than NSW or Victoria. South Australia has a strong focus on retention, nominees are expected to remain in the state.

SA also runs specific programs for international graduates from South Australian universities.

Western Australia

Western Australia's economy is driven significantly by mining, resources, and construction. Occupations in these sectors are well-represented on WA's nomination list. The state has its own Skilled Migration Program (WASMP) and processes applications independently.

WA is geographically distant from other major cities, which affects lifestyle considerations, though Perth itself is a large, well-serviced city.

Tasmania

Tasmania's skilled migration program accepts applicants with lower points scores than the east coast states. It actively recruits skilled migrants to address skill shortages. The state has a significantly smaller population and a quieter pace of life. Many Indian applicants use Tasmania as an entry point before relocating once they obtain permanent residency.

Tasmania also offers pathways for 491 visa holders who cannot meet the 190 criteria elsewhere.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Canberra is Australia's capital city and home to federal government departments and agencies. The ACT Skilled Nominated Visa accepts applications from skilled workers across a broad range of occupations. Canberra has a high standard of living, strong public infrastructure, and lower housing costs than Sydney or Melbourne.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory accepts applicants for occupations that address its specific labour market needs, often in healthcare, engineering, and education in remote and regional areas. The NT's nomination adds 15 points (as a regional nomination), which is significant.