How Do State and Territory Nominations Work for Skilled Visas in Australia in 2026?

State and territory nominations allow Australian states and territories to nominate skilled workers for certain visa pathways based on local workforce needs. The Department of Home Affairs manages the visa process, while each state or territory sets its own nomination criteria.

Applicants who receive a nomination may gain access to specific visa subclasses and, in some cases, additional points toward their overall score. The nomination process runs alongside the federal visa system and forms part of the broader skilled migration framework.

Why State and Territory Nominations Exist

State and territory governments use nominations to address local labour shortages and support regional development. Each state or territory identifies occupations, and skill sets that are needed within its area.

This creates an additional pathway for applicants whose occupations align with those regional needs. It also allows states to select candidates who match their economic priorities and workforce requirements.

How the Australian Department of Home Affairs Assesses Nominated Applications

The Department of Home Affairs assesses visa applications after a nomination has been granted by a state or territory. The nomination itself is handled at the state level, while the visa decision remains under federal authority.

The overall process usually involves:

• submitting an Expression of Interest

• applying for state or territory nomination

• receiving a nomination from the state or territory

• lodging the visa application with the Department of Home Affairs

The Department then reviews the application based on eligibility criteria, points, and supporting documents.

How State Nomination Criteria Can Vary

Each state and territory sets its own nomination requirements. These can include:

• occupation lists specific to the state

• minimum work experience requirements

• employment conditions within the state

• residency or study requirements in that region

• additional documentation or commitments

These requirements may change depending on local workforce demand.

How State Nomination Affects Visa Options

Access to specific visa pathways

State nomination is linked to certain skilled visa subclasses. Applicants who receive a nomination can access these pathways if they meet all other requirements.

Points contribution

In some visa pathways, a state nomination contributes additional points to the applicant’s overall score. This can influence ranking within the invitation process.

Regional focus

Some nomination pathways are tied to regional areas. Applicants may need to live and work in the nominating state or territory as part of their visa conditions.

Where Applicants Often Need More Clarity

Choosing the right state or territory

Each state has different requirements and occupation lists. Reviewing these carefully helps applicants identify which region aligns with their background.

Understanding eligibility conditions

State criteria can include specific employment or residency expectations. A clear review of these requirements helps avoid confusion during the application process.

Timing of nomination

State nomination programs may open and close at different times throughout the year. Staying updated with current announcements supports better planning.

State Nomination and Overall Visa Strategy

State nomination can form part of a broader skilled visa strategy. It may provide additional options for applicants who meet specific regional requirements.

Applicants often benefit from reviewing:

• how their occupation aligns with state lists

• whether their experience meets regional criteria

• how nomination fits within their overall visa plan

This helps create a clearer direction when choosing a pathway.

Why Professional Migration Guidance Matters Here

State nomination involves both federal and state-level requirements. Understanding how these layers interact can support a more organised approach to the process.

Applicants often review both visa eligibility and state-specific criteria when planning their next steps.

Practical Next Steps

1. Review the occupation lists for different states and territories.

2. Check eligibility requirements for each region.

3. Assess how your experience aligns with state criteria.

4. Monitor opening and closing dates of nomination programs.

5. Prepare documents required for both nomination and visa applications.

How LMSD Supports Skilled Visa Applicants

At Legacy Migration, we assist applicants in reviewing how state and territory nominations fit within their skilled visa options. This includes looking at occupation alignment, regional requirements, and how nomination pathways connect with overall visa eligibility.

Applicants often approach this stage with different levels of preparation. A consultation can help organise these factors into a clearer view before proceeding.

Final Thoughts

State and territory nominations provide an additional layer within Australia’s skilled migration system. They connect local workforce needs with visa pathways managed at the federal level.

A clear understanding of how nomination programs operate helps applicants assess which regions align with their occupation and experience. This step often shapes both eligibility and the direction of the application.

With both state and federal requirements involved, careful review at this stage supports a more structured approach to the visa process.

The information, updates, news, and advice provided are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalised guidance. For accurate advice regarding your specific migration case, we invite you to reach out to us directly by sending a message through this link: https://www.legacymigration.com.au/take-your-first-step-to-living-working-or-studying-in-australia

Migration Agents Registration Number: 1797357

QEAC Number: S041