Regional allocations also remain significant and focus mainly on the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) and Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191) visas. These state and territory-nominated visa subclasses are some of the most reliable choices for Australian permanent residence (PR) in 2026, especially for those willing to live outside of major cities.
Major State and Territory Nominated Visa Options
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government in Australia.
Key features of the 190 visa:
- You gain direct permanent residency from approval.
- 5 additional points for state or territory nomination.
- Flexibility to live and work anywhere in your nominating state or territory.
- It is expected you will stay in that nominating area at least two years.
The subclass 190 visa starts as permanent from day one, so it is naturally a preferred option for many skilled migrants seeking stability and a sure path to citizenship in Australia once all requirements are met.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa requiring you to get state or territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member in a designated regional area.
Key features of the 491 visa:
- You get a 5‑year provisional visa.
- 15 additional points for regional nomination or sponsorship.
- It requires you to study, live or work in specific regional places.
- There is a clear route to permanent residency via the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) if you meet the criteria.
If you are open to more rural Australia and require more points, this visa is a strong option to secure an invitation that may not be possible through the 190 or 189 visas alone.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) is a permanent residency visa for eligible 491 (and 494 visa holders who have met the regional residence and income requirements)
Key features of the 191 visa:
- Permanent residency for those with eligible regional provisional visas
- The ability to live and work anywhere in Australia once granted.
- A natural progression from a provisional regional visa (such as 491) to full PR, and then Australian citizenship if you fit all criteria.
All together, subclasses 190, 491 and 191 give skilled migrants multiple state and territory-nominated options to plan a phased migration moving from provisional regional status to complete permanent residency.
Importance of State and Territory Nominated Visas in 2026
In 2026, competition for independent visas such as the subclass 189 remains high. So, for many applicants, having a state and territory nomination through the 190 or 491 pathways is the most practical and flexible for getting PR.
State and territory-nominated visas offer these benefits:
Improved invitation prospects
Nomination gives you extra points in SkillSelect: 5 points for the 190 visa and 15 points for the 491 visa. You are also included in the state-specific rounds, improving your invitation chances.
Structured pathways to PR and citizenship
- The 190 visa grants you permanent residency right away
- The 491 visa, combined with meeting residence and income requirements, leads to PR via the 191 visa.
- Both pathways can ultimately support an application for Australian citizenship once residency and character requirements are met.
Targeted opportunities in genuine skill shortage areas
Every state and territory publishes its own occupation lists and nomination criteria, focusing on local demand. Your occupation may be in high demand in one state or territory, even if it is highly competitive nationally.
Strong options outside metro regions
The 491 and 191 pathway specifically supports regional Australia. 190 visa is often used to grow both metropolitan and regional cities. Skilled migrants open to regional lifestyle and lower cost of living may have particularly strong opportunities.
Onshore advantage
If you are already in Australia, especially with work experience, studies or ties to regions, many state programs will prioritise you. Being onshore gives you a significant edge for nomination in 2026.
2026 State and Territory Situation for Nominated Visas
Each state and territory sets its own nomination criteria, occupation lists and invitation systems for visas (subclasses 190 and 491), based on local economy and workforce needs.
As at end May 2026, the programs are at different stages for the 2025–26 program year (ending 30 June 2026), with many states and territories preparing for their 2026–27 allocations.
Western Australia (WA)
- Strong availability reported for state-nominated places, with around 65% of some allocations remaining in recent updates.
- Focus areas include construction, healthcare, engineering and trade occupations listed on the WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL).
- Ongoing invitation rounds make state nomination for 190 and 491 visas in WA a particularly attractive option in 2026.
Queensland (QLD)
- There is still a high number of remaining places for 190 state-nominations, with additional regional opportunities under the 491 program.
- Main focus sectors include healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure.
- QLD is a strong option for both onshore and offshore applicants seeking state or regional nomination.
South Australia (SA)
- Moderate availability with regular invitation rounds for 190 and 491 visas.
- Strong focus on healthcare, engineering, education and aged care.
- SA is known for clear processes and ongoing invitations, making it a good choice for migrants seeking state nomination to secure PR in SA’s cities or regions.
Tasmania (TAS)
- Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for current year programs are closing in early June 2026.
- Often perceived as more accessible for a range of occupations, especially for those with Tasmanian study, work or residence history.
- A good option if you are open to living and working in a smaller state under a 190 or 491 visa.
Victoria (VIC)
- The VIC program is closed to new ROIs for the 2025–26 year.
- Applicants interested in Victorian state nomination for 190 or 491 visas should monitor for new 2026–27 allocations and updated criteria.
New South Wales (NSW)
- Highly competitive, particularly for the 190 visa.
- Almost all 190 places for the current program year are filled, but some regional and provisional pathways may remain open.
- Suitable for very strong candidates in target occupations; others may have better prospects in WA, QLD or SA.
Northern Territory (NT) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Availability is inconsistent; some streams are closed or limited at present.
- NT and ACT can still be viable options for certain priority occupations or applicants with strong local ties, particularly via regional pathways leading to the 191 visa.
Important: Allocations and criteria for the 2026–27 state and territory nominated programs will be confirmed in the coming months. States with stronger remaining quotas and occupations aligned to your profile currently offer the best opportunities for 190, 491, and 191 visas.
Advantages of State and Territory Nomination for PR in 2026
Choosing a state or territory-nominated pathway via the 190, 491 and 191 visas in 2026 offers some benefits compared to only relying on independent options:
1. Faster, Flexible PR pathways
The extra 5 or 15 points from nomination, together with state‑specific invitation rounds, can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation sooner.
2. Genuine skill shortage targeting
States prioritise occupations with real demand in their local economies. Your chances may be higher if your skills are needed in a particular state or region, even where national competition is intense.
3. Regional and lifestyle opportunities
Many nomination programs encourage people to settle in regional areas or smaller cities especially under the 491 and 191 pathways, where you may benefit from lower housing costs, shorter commutes and a strong sense of community.
4. Clear, staged route to citizenship
Whether you obtain PR directly via the 190 visa or progress from a 491 to PR via the 191 visa, you can eventually apply for Australian citizenship if you meet residency and character requirements.
5. Recognition of onshore study and work
In 2026, many states continue to reward applicants who have studied, lived or worked locally, recognising their existing contribution to the local workforce and community.
How True Blue Migration Assists With Subclass 190, 491 and 191 Visas
Winning with state and territory-nominated visas in 2026 depends on matching your abilities and situation with right state or territory’s priorities and choosing the right visa subclass (190, 491 or 191) for your goals.
True Blue Migration’s registered migration agents:
Monitor monthly invitation rounds and state‑specific occupation lists so you know where your occupation is most in demand for state and regional nomination.
- Assess your profile against multiple states and territories and recommend the best nomination options across the subclass 190, 491 and, ultimately, 191 visa pathways, with particular strengths in assisting clients targeting WA, QLD and SA.
- Prepare and lodge strong Expressions of Interest (EOIs) applications, ensuring your information is correct and well‑documented.
- Provide full support, from skills and points assessment through to state nomination, visa application and ongoing strategy towards PR and citizenship.
Contact True Blue Migration today for a Free initial visa assessment.
A carefully planned state and territory-nominated pathway can turn your Australian PR goal into a realistic, achievable outcome. Our registered migration Agents will assist you each step of the way, helping you understand your options and providing expert guidance.
Email info@trubluemigration.com
Phone 03 9038 9070