Regional & State Nominated Visas
(Subclass 190 & 491)
Australia’s Regional and State Nominated Visas provide skilled workers with a clear pathway to live and work in Australia while supporting states and regional communities facing skill shortages. These visas are part of Australia’s points-tested skilled migration program and offer increased opportunities for applicants who are nominated by a state or territory government or commit to working in regional Australia.
Popular options include the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa and the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa, both of which offer additional points, improved invitation prospects, and pathways to permanent residency. While these visas require a commitment to live and work in a nominated location, they often provide faster and more achievable outcomes compared to independent skilled visas.
At My Immigration Options, we help skilled migrants understand state nomination criteria, maximise their points score, and navigate the application process with confidence, from skills assessments and Expressions of Interest to visa lodgement and permanent residency planning.
Introduction
Australia’s Regional and State Nominated Visa programs are designed to attract skilled workers to areas experiencing genuine workforce shortages. These visas provide a valuable pathway for applicants who may not qualify for independent skilled visas but are willing to live and work in a specific state, territory, or regional area.
By supporting regional development and addressing local skill gaps, these visas offer strong opportunities for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia. While they come with location commitments, they often provide faster invitations and additional points under the skilled migration system.
At My Immigration Options, we help skilled workers understand state and regional requirements, select the most suitable visa pathway, and prepare strong, decision-ready applications.
What Are Regional & State Nominated Visas?
Regional and State Nominated Visas are part of Australia’s points-tested skilled migration program. They require nomination from an Australian state or territory government or sponsorship linked to regional Australia.
These visas are ideal for applicants who:
Have skills in demand in specific locations
Are open to living and working outside major cities
Want to increase their points score and chances of invitation
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Key Features
Permanent residency upon visa grant
Full work and study rights in Australia
Access to Medicare
Ability to include eligible family members
Pathway to Australian citizenship
State nomination provides an additional 5 points, significantly improving your competitiveness.
State Commitment
Applicants must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years after arrival.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years.
Key Features
Requires state nomination or eligible family sponsorship
Provides 15 additional points
Full work and study rights in regional Australia
Pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 191 after meeting requirements
Regional areas include most locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, offering strong job opportunities and lifestyle benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility depends on the visa subclass and nominating authority, but generally includes:
A suitable occupation on the relevant state or regional list
A positive skills assessment
Meeting the points test threshold
Competent English or higher
Meeting health and character requirements
Willingness to live and work in the nominating area
Each state and territory sets its own criteria, which can change regularly based on labour market needs.
The Application Process
Applying for a Regional or State Nominated Visa involves several key steps:
Step 1
Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Step 2
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, nominating the 190 or 491 visa.
Step 3
State or Regional Nomination
Apply for nomination through the relevant state or territory authority.
Step 4
Invitation to Apply
If nominated, you will receive an invitation to lodge your visa application.
Step 5
Visa Application
Submit your visa application through ImmiAccount with all supporting documents.
Step 6
Health & Character Checks
Complete medical examinations and police clearances.
Step 7
Visa Decision
The Department assesses your application and notifies you of the outcome.
Points Test Explained
Regional and State Nominated Visas are points-based. Common point allocations include:
Age (25–32 years): 30 points
Superior English: 20 points
Work Experience: Up to 20 points
Qualifications: Up to 20 points
State Nomination (190): +5 points
Regional Nomination (491): +15 points
Applicants with higher points scores are more likely to receive invitations.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on demand and nomination priorities. As a guide (2025):
Subclass 190: 10–20 months
Subclass 491: 8–18 months
Timelines depend on occupation demand, state priorities, and application quality.
Trusted by students
“The adviser reviewed my documents in one session and told me exactly what to fix. My visa was granted within weeks — I felt supported every step of the way.”
Aisha, MSc Economics
Benefits of Regional & State Nominated Visas
These visas offer several advantages, including:
Increased chances of invitation through nomination
Additional points under the skilled migration system
Access to permanent residency pathways
Strong job opportunities in growing regions
Lower competition compared to independent visas
Family inclusion in your application
Common questions
Do I need a consultation?
A short consultation quickly clarifies eligibility and the required documents — it often prevents costly mistakes later.
How long does processing take?
Processing varies by visa type and season; we estimate typical student visas at 3–8 weeks and provide tailored timing during consultation.
Can you help with dependants?
Yes — we advise on dependant eligibility, evidence and combined applications where students bring family.
Common Challenges
Applicants often face challenges such as:
Rapid changes to state occupation lists
Meeting nomination-specific criteria
Competition for limited nomination places
Understanding regional commitments
Preparing strong evidence to support nomination
Professional guidance can help avoid delays and missed opportunities.
Why Apply with My Immigration Options?
Regional and State Nominated Visas require careful planning and up-to-date knowledge of state requirements.
At My Immigration Options, we provide personalised, end-to-end support, including:
Assessing eligibility and points score
Identifying the best state or regional pathway
Preparing skills assessments and EOIs
Managing state nomination applications
Preparing and lodging visa applications
Ongoing updates and communication
We ensure your application is aligned with current nomination priorities and prepared to the highest standard.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Regional and State Nominated Visas provide skilled workers with a practical and achievable pathway to live and work in Australia, with strong opportunities for permanent residency. Whether through the Subclass 190 or Subclass 491, these visas reward flexibility and a willingness to contribute to Australia’s regions.
At My Immigration Options, we help skilled migrants navigate this process with clarity and confidence. If you are considering a Regional or State Nominated Visa, now is the time to explore your options and take the next step towards your future in Australia.
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