Securing this nomination automatically awards you an additional 5 points on your Department of Home Affairs points test and moves your application to the front of the queue. However, every state has different requirements, criteria, and critical skill shortages. Here is your state-by-state strategy for securing a 190 visa.

Understanding State Nomination Criteria

To apply for a Subclass 190 visa, you must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and apply for a nomination from the state where you live or want to live. In 2026, states are highly selective, prioritizing applicants who are already living and working locally in critical industries.

Top State Strategies for International Graduates

1. Western Australia (WA) — Focus on Perth

Perth is a massive hotspot for state nomination. Because the entire state of Western Australia is classified as a regional area, the WA government runs a highly favorable Graduate Stream.

• The Strategy: If you complete a qualification (Bachelor, Master, or PhD) at an accredited Western Australian university or an approved VET college, you gain a massive advantage. WA routinely prioritizes local graduates who have a job offer or an ongoing employment contract in fields like Engineering, Healthcare, Construction Trades, and specialized IT.

2. New South Wales (NSW) — Focus on Sydney

As Australia's largest economy, NSW attracts heavy competition. Because of the volume of applicants, NSW uses a highly targeted selection process.

• The Strategy: NSW focuses strictly on specific sectors listed on their Skills List. To be competitive for a 190 invite in Sydney, you generally need a high points score, superior English proficiency (PTE 79+ or IELTS 8.0), and a genuine record of employment within your nominated skilled occupation inside the state.

3. South Australia (SA) & Tasmania (TAS)

These states are entirely regional and highly welcoming to international graduates who have committed to building a life locally.

• The Strategy: South Australia heavily rewards long-term residents and graduates with tailored streams. Tasmania uses a unique "Gateway" points system where completing local studies or working in a critical role awards you direct priority for nomination.

Eligibility Checklist for the Subclass 190

To lodge a valid application once invited, you must:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

• Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.

• Possess a valid, positive Skills Assessment for your nominated occupation.

• Achieve at least a "Competent" level of English (minimum IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50 across all modules), though higher scores are realistically needed to be competitive.

• Score a minimum of 65 points (inclusive of the 5 points granted by state nomination).

Build Your State Strategy with Everest Global

State migration policies change rapidly, and applying for nomination requires an airtight submission. At Everest Global Education, our registered MARA agents track every state update in real-time.

Whether you are studying locally or consulting our offshore teams in Nepal (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Beni, Dhangadhi), and India our onshore experts in Sydney and Perth will help you choose the right state, the right course, and the right path to Permanent Residency.

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