Migration Overseas
Compare all Australian states and territories for 190 and 491 visa sponsorships. Find the best state for your profession, lifestyle, and goals.
Each Australian state and territory offers unique sponsorship opportunities with different requirements and benefits.
Full comparison of all states across multiple criteria to help you choose the best option.
| State | 190 Points | 491 Points | Processing Time | Commitment | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 75-95+ | 70-85+ | 8-12 months | 5 years (190) | Very Hard |
| VIC | 70-85+ | 65-75+ | 8-12 months | 5 years (190) | Hard |
| QLD | 70-80+ | 65-75+ | 6-10 months | 4 years (190) | Medium |
| SA | 65-75+ | 60-70+ | 4-8 weeks | 3 years (190) | Easy |
| WA | 70-80+ | 65-75+ | 6-10 months | 4 years (190) | Medium |
| TAS | 65-75+ | 60-70+ | 6-8 weeks | 2 years (190) | Easy |
| NT | 65-70+ | 60-65+ | 4-8 weeks | 2 years (190) | Easiest |
| ACT | 65-80+ | 65-75+ | 8-12 months | 5 years (190) | Medium |
Points: Approximate minimum points needed. Some occupations/situations may have lower requirements.
Processing Time: Time from invitation to decision notification. Varies based on application complexity.
Commitment: Time you must stay in that state as a condition of visa. 491 visa allows movement after this period.
Difficulty: Relative ease of getting state sponsorship compared to other states.
| State | English Requirements | Work Experience Needed | Visa Fee (AUD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Competent (IELTS 6) | Varies by occupation | $2,700-3,500 | Sydney-focused professionals |
| VIC | Competent (IELTS 6) | Varies by occupation | $2,700-3,500 | IT & tech professionals |
| QLD | Competent (IELTS 6) | Varies by occupation | $2,700-3,500 | Healthcare & engineering |
| SA | Competent (IELTS 6) | Minimal requirements | $2,700-3,500 | First-time applicants |
| WA | Competent (IELTS 6) | Varies by occupation | $2,700-3,500 | Skilled trades & mining |
| TAS | Competent (IELTS 6) | Minimal requirements | $2,700-3,500 | Growing your career |
| NT | Competent (IELTS 6) | Minimal requirements | $2,700-3,500 | Easiest entry option |
| ACT | Competent (IELTS 6) | Varies by occupation | $2,700-3,500 | Government & public sector |
Specific recommendations based on your profession and career field.
Tech workers have excellent opportunities across Australia. Victoria is known for its tech ecosystem, but NSW Sydney also has strong opportunities.
Critical shortage in healthcare across Australia. All states welcome healthcare professionals. Queensland and WA offer shorter commitments.
Strong demand for engineers nationwide. NSW and Victoria are traditional engineering hubs. Regional states offer easier pathways.
Accountants face high competition. While all states welcome them, smaller or regional states offer easier pathways.
Tradespeople are in high demand everywhere. Western Australia is particularly focused on trades. Regional states offer good value.
If this is your first application, start with the easiest states. Once you secure PR, you can move anywhere in Australia after commitment period.
Yes, for 190 visa: After completing your commitment period (usually 2-5 years), you can move to any other state or territory. The commitment is to the state that sponsors you, not permanently.
Yes, for 491 visa: After the initial commitment period, you can move anywhere in Australia. Many people use 491 as a stepping stone to reach PR (via 191) or to experience a region before moving.
Strategy: Apply to the easiest state first to secure your visa, then move to your preferred state after commitment ends.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about state nomination pathways.
190 visa is permanent residence with a commitment period. 491 is a temporary visa (5 years) with a regional commitment requirement. After 491, you can apply for 191 (permanent) if you meet criteria. 190 is generally preferred but has higher requirements.
No, you only need to live in the sponsored state for the commitment period (2-5 years depending on the state and visa). After that, you're free to move anywhere in Australia.
Northern Territory is the easiest with lowest point requirements and fastest processing. South Australia and Tasmania are also relatively welcoming. NSW and Victoria are the most competitive.
Yes, you can apply to multiple states simultaneously. You nominate one occupation in each application. If multiple states sponsor you, you choose which state sponsorship to accept.
Processing times vary: NT/SA/TAS are fastest (4-8 weeks), QLD/WA are medium (6-10 months), NSW/VIC/ACT are slowest (8-12 months). This is just for state sponsorship decision, not the full visa grant.
State sponsorship itself is typically free. However, the visa application fee you pay to the Department of Home Affairs is the same for 190/491 regardless of which state sponsors you ($2,700-3,500 AUD).
No, state sponsorship doesn't directly add points in the 189 sense. But being state-sponsored is required for 190/491 visas. The sponsorship itself is the pathway - you don't need to reach high points.
You can apply to other states. Each state has its own assessment criteria. Being rejected by NSW doesn't mean SA will reject you. Try states with lower requirements if initial applications fail.
Yes, your occupation must be on the relevant state's sponsored occupation list. Different states have different lists. Your occupation must be on MLTSSL for 190 or ROL for 491.
Yes, state sponsorship (190/491) gives you general migration rights. You're not tied to a specific employer like TSS visas. You can change jobs or become self-employed during your commitment period.
Our experts can assess your profile, recommend the best state for your situation, and guide you through the sponsorship process. Get personalized advice today.
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