State Nomination for Australian Visas
State Migration Plans were introduced to allow individual states and territories to sponsor skilled migration visa applicants who have skills and occupations that are currently in demand to address the skills shortage needs of each respective state within their local labour markets. Skilled migrants who are unable to meet the skilled independent points threshold can take advantage of the additional points offered by each state or territory to assist in qualifying for skilled migration visas such as subclass 190 or subclass 491 visas. The State Migration Plans specify which occupations state and territory governments can nominate applications under and specify the number of visas that will be granted as part of this program.
How does it work?
- You must ensure you meet all Department of Home Affairs visa requirements.
- You must thoroughly check that your occupation appears on the respective state’s occupations list as these constantly change.
- You must have all the evidence to support your claim against points tested visas before lodging your expression of interest application.
- You will receive a State Nomination invitation after being assessed as eligible by your chosen State Migration Office
- After receiving an approval notification from State Migration office, you will need to lodge your visa application to the Department of Home affairs within 60 days.
State Nomination Benefits
Skilled Visas
The benefits receiving a skilled occupation related state nomination include:
- Access to an extensive list of occupations
- Additional points towards the Federal points test for the 190 and 491 visas.
- Priority visa application processing of your visa with the Department of Home Affairs
- Ability to be independent of requiring a single employer to sponsor you.
Business & Investment Visas
State nomination enables state governments to attract successful business owners and investors to their respective states, which in turn supports job creation, business investment and enhances industry capability. All business visas require state government nomination. Each state will outline their priority sectors and type of business and investment proposals valuable to their economic recovery and growth.
Business and Skilled Migration Queensland is now known as Migration Queensland(MQ) is the state nominating body for the Queensland Government, and a business unit of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ). In partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Migration Queensland (MQ) nominates successful skilled and businesses applicants. State migration plans allow individual states and territories to sponsor business migration applicants under a broad range of industries and specifies which the types of business and investments that will benefit the State of Queensland.
Skilled Visas
The 491 and 190 program is currently OPEN and will remain open until the quota is filled. Migration Queensland will only consider ‘decision ready applications’ for onshore applicants living and working in Queensland.
Applicants currently living and working in Queensland in their skilled occupation may be eligible to be nominated under the following visa subclasses:
- Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190)
This visa is for skilled workers and postgraduate alumni who wish to live and work in Queensland permanently.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
This visa is a provisional visa that allows nominated skilled workers to work and live in REGIONAL Queensland for five years and is a pathway to permanent residency.
Employment types are flexible and can be in the form of:
- Working for one or more employers
- Holding two part-time jobs
- Working in your own business as an owner operator
The subclass 491 stream for Queensland requires you to undertake any of employment activities and reside in the following regional locations outside of Brisbane. Proficient English is required. You must commit to residing for 2 years post visa grant for SC190 Visa and 3 years post visa grant for SC491 Visa.
Regional areas include regions that fall within these post codes: 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4183 to 4184, 4207 to 4275, 4280 to 4287, 4306 to 4498, 4507, 4517 to 4519, 4550 to 4575, 4580 to 4895
If you are applying for a subclass 190 or 491 visa, you must meet all state nomination requirements for Queensland. Special requirements apply for skilled migrants who are currently working in an occupation listed on the special quota of Queensland occupations. The program is currently closed for applicants who are currently working offshore (out of Australia)
Skilled Program
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa (from 65 points and above)
The Subclass 491 visa is open to applicants who score min 65 points and have an occupation listed on the eligible Department of Home Affairs occupations list. You must also have been working for a minimum of 3 months in a regional location in Queensland and have a job offer for an additional 12 Months from your employer in your nominated occupation.
The Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Subclass 190 visa (from 80 points and above as a priority) Only onshore applicants working in Queensland will be considered.
You must also have been working for 6 months and provide sufficient evidence for min 35 hours of week employment from your employer in a the relevant nominated occupation. Your must provide evidence of a further 12 month employment contract with your employer who must be registered in Queensland with your nomination application.
SUBCLASS 491 –OWNER OPERATOR SMALL BUSINESS STREAM
Before applying for State Nomination and in addition to meeting Department of Home Affairs requirements and 65 points test pass mark, you must:
- Have purchased and operated a small business in a regional area for no less than 12 months if the purchase was before 1 April 2021 OR
- Have purchased and operated a small business in a regional area for more than 6 months if the puchase was after 1 April 2021.
- Have purchased an existing business for the minimum price of $100,000AUD and be trading in the business for 6 months prior to application OR
- Demonstrate evidence of profitable business operations for your start up for 2 years, including turnover of min $200,000AUD in the 12 months before EOI
- Have prior business experience or qualifications to successfully run the business, or previous family-run business experience.
- Be on a visa that allows full-time work and operation of the business for a minimum of 35 hours per week (study visas do not apply)
- Have 100% ownership of the business (partnerships or joint ventures not eligible)
- Employ one (1) employee who is an Australian resident working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Please note: an Australian resident for 491-SBO purposes is an Australian permanent resident, Australian citizen, or New Zealand citizen on a subclass 444 Special Category visa.
- provide evidence of sufficient settlement funds.
This stream is ideal for applicants who are holding the following visas which allow them to work full time for a period no less than 6 months before applying:
- Subclass 485 Graduate Visa (Skilled or Post Study Stream) which is usually valid for 1.5 years up to 2 years.
- Subclass 407 Occupational Training visa which is usually valid for 1 to 2 years.
- Adult spouse or partner dependent of Subclass 482 employer sponsored visa holders which provide the adult partner dependent full work rights. (*please note this is subject to the partner or spouse meeting the DHA requirements in the first instance for the SC491 points tested visa)
Students who have completed their studies and are eligible to apply for SC485 or SC407 visas should start planning at least three months after these visas have been granted to apply under this stream if applicants decided to purchase a small busin
Business & Investment Visas
The Business Migration Program for Queensland is OPEN
State and Territory agencies across Australia including Migration Queensland have outlined their priority focus areas for new business and investment visas. They will place priority for high quality applications related to economic recovery, or those businesses which focus on productive investment and job creation or have a regional investment focus within the business program.
There are four streams now being nominated for business & investment visa subclasses:
(Subclass 132 – Significant Business History stream is officially closed)
Subclass 188 – Business Innovation stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Queensland
- Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$1.25 Million ready to be transferred to Queensland within 3 years after visa grant.
- Must invest min A$400,000 into the proposed business will be established in the Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast regions ; OR
- Must invest min A$300,000 into the proposed business will be established in regional Queensland
- Property Development business will not be accepted
Subclass 188 – Investment stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Queensland
- Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$3 million ready to be transferred to Queensland Australia (including (A$2.5 million for Complying Investment and A$500,000 for Settlement in Queensland)
Subclass 188 – Significant Investment stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Queensland
- Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$5 million which will be invested in a Complying Investment in accordance to the Complying Investment Framework (CIF)
Subclass 188 – Entrepreneur stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Queensland
- Is for start-up and early-stage entrepreneurs who have been endorsed to develop their concepts
- This stream is not yet opened.
To effectively manage the ongoing high demand for NSW nomination, and to ensure that NSW nominees are aligned to the skills needs of the state’s economy, NSW uses a selection-based invitation process.
Candidates cannot directly apply for NSW nomination and should consider being invited to apply for NSW nomination as a limited possibility. Candidates are strongly encouraged to actively consider all migration pathways and visa options.
Skilled Visas
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for points tested skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government agency. NSW Treasury nominates eligible highly skilled workers to drive economic growth in NSW.
- You must meet the eligibility criteria for NSW and you must be currently residing in NSW.
- NSW will not invite EOIs submitted from people currently residing in another Australian state or territory, or offshore.
- For more information about this requirement, please see our skilled visa FAQs website.
- You must hold a valid skills assessment in an occupation that exactly matches an occupation on the NSW subclass 190 visa occupation list. *These lists are subject to change without notice
The occupations NSW is currently nominating are for the following visa subclasses under the skilled migration streams:
- Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visas
- The NSW Government can nominate eligible skilled applicants who will commit to working in critical sectors in regional New South Wales
- The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) allows skilled migrants to live, study and work in designated regional areas for a period of 5 years
- Regional Development Australia (RDA) offices will begin assisting NSW Treasury manage the subclass 491 visa in early February 2021.
There are 3 Main streams for NSW
- For applicants living and working in regional NSW
- For applicants who have recently completed their studies in regional NSW
- For applicants who are skilled in an occupation required in a regional NSW area
- Skilled Nominated (permanent) subclass 190 visas
To be eligible for the Skilled Nominated Visa for NSW you must:
- have submitted an EOI and have a valid Skills Assessment in a NSW target sector
- be currently residing in NSW and either be:
- currently employed in NSW where your employment meets the standard for claiming skilled employment in your nominated occupation, or
- have genuinely and continuously resided in NSW for the past three months before application
Business & Investment Visas
The Business & Investment Migration Program for New South Wales Nomination for this visa allows you to own and manage a business in NSW, to conduct business and investment activities or undertake an entrepreneurial activity in NSW
Subclass 188 – Business Innovation stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to NSW
- Must be under 50 years of age
- Must have Bachelor Degree Qualification OR in the past 10 years have at least:
- 3 years of business experience in a NSW target sector, or 5 years of business experience in a non-target sector
- Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$1,75 Million if you plan to move to Sydney or A$1,25Million if you move to regional NSW
- Must demonstrate business turnover requirement for the last 2 fiscal years before application of minimum A$1,25 Million if you plan to move to Sydney or A$750,000 if you plan to move to regional NSW
- Must invest minimum A$300,000 into a regional area business or minimum A$500,000 into a business in Sydney and meet the permanent SC888 Visa requirements.
Subclass 188 – Investment stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to NSW
- Must be under 50 years of age
- Must have Bachelor Degree Qualification OR in the past 10 years have at least:
- 3 years of business experience in a NSW target sector, or 5 years of business experience in a non-target sector
- For at least one of the five most recent fiscal years, you have directly managed one of the following:
- a qualifying business in which you, your partner, or you and your partner together had at least 10% ownership interest, or
- an eligible investment of at least A$2,500,000 owned by you, your partner, or you and your partner together
- Must ensure investments meet investment requirements for NSW to meet permanent visa requirements
Subclass 188 – Significant Investment stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to New South Wales
- Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$5 million which will be invested in a Complying Investment in accordance to the Complying Investment Framework (CIF) which meets the NSW investment criteria
Subclass 188 – Entrepreneur stream
You must be accepted by a NSW Start-up Accelerator Program or Startup Incubator Program. Accelerators and Incubators include (but are not limited to):
- Stone and Chalk | The Studio | 25fifteen | Cicada Innovations | BlueChilli | Fishburners | Future Transport Digital Accelerator | Microsoft ScaleUp Program | Caltex C-Lab | Tank Stream Labs | The Founder Institute
- You must have adequate funding secured to complete your business project from an approved entity.
Approved entities include:
- Commonwealth Government agency
- NSW government agency
- Publicly funded research or innovation organisation
- Higher education provider specified in Higher Education Support Act 2003
- Investor registered as an Australian Venture Capital Limited Partnership or Early State Venture Capital Limited Partnership
You must include:
- Proof of concepts
- Business channel to market
- Scalability
- Business registration and ABN registered in NSW
Victorian visa nomination can help you meet the requirements for some Australian skilled and business migration visas.
Victoria is actively targeting business and skilled migrants and professionals with skills that support Victoria’s economic recovery and health response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Skilled Visas
Victorian skilled visa nomination allows those already living and working in Victoria in the target sectors at least 3-6 months prior to application to continue supporting Victoria’s economic recovery and health response to the coronavirus pandemic in the Victorian target sectors.
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled migrants with advanced talent currently working in Victoria using their STEMM skills
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa allows points-tested skilled workers and their families to live, study and work in designated regional areas for a period of 5 years. This visa is a provisional points-tested visa to assist regional Australia to access the people and skills it needs to grow and thrive. This visa is for people who wish to settle in regional Australia who have skills that are in high demand in Australia’s labour market.
- To be eligible to apply for Skilled work regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) visa nomination, you must:
- Live and work in regional victoria
- Work in a Victorian target sector using your STEMM Skills
- Be under 45 years of age
- Have competent English
- Have a valid skills assessment
- Have achieved the minimum points score
- Employment and occupation
You must be currently employed in regional Victoria in a nominated occupation within the target sectors which include: Health, Medical research, Life sciences, Agri-food, Advance manufacturing, New energy, emissions reduction and circular economy, Digital – All Digital skills including cyber security and digital games.
Regional areas include regions that fall within regions in this map
This includes both the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) and Skilled Nominated (Permanent) (subclass 190) visas.
Business & Investment Visas
You must show how your eligible business will contribute to the Victorian economy and that you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and overall strategic direction of the business. The general rule of thumb is that you must demonstrate strong connections in industry or expert skills between your current or previous business activity and your proposed Victorian business activity.
The types of business and investor visas supported and nominated by Victoria include the following permanent visas and temporary visas.
Subclass 188 – Business Innovation stream
This is a provisional visa for those with business skills who want to establish, develop, and manage a new or existing innovative business in Victoria.
To be eligible to apply for Victorian Business Innovation stream (subclass 188A) visa nomination, you:
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Victoria to meet the requirements for permanent residence and meet the Department of Home Affairs requirement including the minimum financial requirements
- Must be under 55 years of age
- Must have a STEMM qualification, or an MBA or relevant business history in a target sector
- Must have an innovative business proposal
- Must have scored at least 65 points
Subclass 188 – Investment stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to reside in Victoria
- Must be under 55 years of age
- Make a complying investment of $2.5Million AUD into investment funds that will contribute to the Victorian economy
- Must ensure investments meet investment requirements for Victoria to meet permanent visa requirements
- Must achieve 80 points for the SC188 Investment Stream points criteria
Subclass 188 – Significant Investment stream
- Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to investing and residing in Victoria
- Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$5 million which will be invested in a Complying Investment in accordance to the Complying Investment Framework (CIF) which meets the Vicotira investment criteria
Subclass 188 – Entrepreneur stream
- The Subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream is not currently open. Entrepreneur criteria will be available once this stream is in effect for Victoria
South Australia’s Skilled and Business Migration program provides migrants a pathway to living, working or establishing their business in South Australia through the support of State Nomination. State nomination enables the state government to nominate highly skilled migrants to meet South Australia’s skills needs for the skilled and talented migration visas. The Business and Investment visa categories also offer different streams depending on whether you already own a business, want to start a business in South Australia or if you want to invest in the state.
Skilled Visas
There are two visa options available for skilled migrants through South Australian state nomination.
This is a state nominated permanent visa for skilled migrants that allows you to live and work in South Australia.
This is a state nominated provisional visa for skilled migrants that allows you to live and work in South Australia for up to five years and can provide a pathway to permanent residency.
Minimum nomination requirements:
- Applicants must meet Home Affairs minimum requirements for age, English levels and Points, and
- Applicants must nominate an occupation eligible for a 190 or 491 nomination on the South Australia skilled occupations list and have a valid and positive Skills Assessment for that occupation, and
- Applicants must be currently working in South Australia for at least the last 3 months in their nominated or closely related occupation, for at least 20 hours per week or 40 hours per fortnight. The work experience must be undertaken post-qualification completion and paid at the appropriate rate for the skill level.
Business & Investment Visas
State nomination enables state governments to attract successful business owners and investors to the state of South Australia, which in turn supports job creation, business investment and enhances industry capability. All business visas require state government nomination. State nomination does not automatically result in the grant of a visa. Your application must also be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs against a number of visa-specific requirements. You will only be granted a visa if all requirements are met.
Below is a full list of visa options available for business and investor applicants
- Business Innovation stream: Successful business owners who want to undertake business in South Australia.
Intend to live in South Australia.
Propose an investment and/or business activity in South Australia that will meet the South Australian state nomination ‘benefit to state requirements’ for the subclass 888 Business Innovation stream
- Investor stream: Successful investors or business owners willing to invest and maintain AUD$2.5 million (AUD$3.75 million if over 55 years of age) into complying investment fund for the duration of the provisional visa.
- Significant Investor stream: People willing to invest AUD$5 million into a complying investment fund for the duration of the provisional visa.
- Entrepreneur stream: People who have support from a selected Service Provider to undertake a complying entrepreneurial activity that is proposed to lead to either the commercialisation of a product or service in South Australia or the development of a business in South Australia
Applicants who have between 55 and 65 points can apply for exceptional circumstances for the additional 10 points from the South Australian Government. These applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.
The choice of investment options is based on the client’s own preference and Department of Home Affairs complying investment requirements.
It is strongly recommended that applicants obtain professional legal and financial advice before investing or undertaking any business activity.
All State requirement outcomes must be achieved within South Australia and must be met by the two-year review stage. You must meet in person with a representative of the Business Migration team at least once every six months from the date of the visa grant until the Department of Home Affairs review has had a decision reached. The six-monthly meetings will ensure discussion of the progress of the proposed business and submission of information as requested by the Business Migration team for use in the review conducted by Department of Home Affairs.
Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) Government can nominate you under the subclass 491 and 190 visas if you meet Australian Government’s standard requirements, and meet NT Government’s nomination eligibility, and commit to living and working in the Territory within your skilled occupation for at least three years upon the grant of your visa. The NT Government considers a range of factors to inform decisions on applications for nomination. Applications will be assessed on its own merits and invitation to apply is at the discretion of the NT Government.
Skilled Visas
The NT Government participates in the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa and Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa schemes.
This is a permanent visa which lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. If you are nominated for the subclass 190 by the NT Government, you will be expected to live and work in the Territory for at least three years from visa grant.
This is a provisional five year visa that will allow you and your dependant family members to live, work and study in a regional area such as the NT.
By applying for a nomination you must understand that the NT Government:
- supports a nomination solely to the NT and does not apply outside of the NT
- is not responsible for finding you employment, accommodation or providing financial assistance
- is not liable for any inaccuracies or omissions in the information it provides you relating to your application, nor are its employees
- will not issue release letters for transfer to other states / territories outside of the Northern Territory.
You must have a skilled occupation that is on the Australian Government’s current list of eligible skilled occupations. The Northern Territory Migration Occupation List (NTMOL) provides an indication as to which of the eligible skilled occupations are in demand in the NT. Offshore applicants must read the NTMOL to determine their eligibility.
**Onshore NT GSM nomination applications are now open.
Onshore applications for Northern Territory nomination under the General Skilled Migration program can now be lodged .Offshore applications remain closed while the national border restrictions stay in place.
MINT – Migration Innovation Northern Territory Program
- The Migration Innovation Northern Territory (MINT) program is an initiative owned by the Darwin Innovation Hub and Paspalis Asset Management and supported by the Northern Territory Government. The program assists overseas nationals get Northern Territory Government nomination. They need to show commitment to involvement with the Darwin Innovation Hub. The Migration Innovation Northern Territory 2019/20 program has commenced. Read more on the program objectives, nomination criteria and how to take part.
- For further information go to the Darwin Innovation Hub website
Business & Investment Visas
Australia’s Northern Territory Government can nominate eligible overseas business people and investors for all Business Innovation and Investment visas.
Nomination by a state or territory government is mandatory for all visas in the Business Innovation and Investment Program except the Significant Investor visa and Premium Investor visa.
There are three visa subclasses and several streams in each visa subclass.
Nomination by a state or territory government is mandatory for all visas in the Business Innovation and Investment Program except the Significant Investor visa and Premium Investor visa.
There are three visa subclasses and several streams in each visa subclass.
- Subclass 132 – Business Talent**
- Subclass 188 – Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)*
- Subclass 888 – Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent)*
Under the Territory Migration Agreement, the ACT is allocated a fixed number of nominations each year. The ACT will be following the direction of the Australian Government to focus on nominations for skilled and business migrants critical to the needs of the state. This includes individuals providing critical or specialist medical services, those with critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services, and people who deliver services in sectors critical to Australia’s economic recovery
Skilled Visas
Applying for ACT nomination is a two-stage process:
- Skilled applicants must formally express an interest in applying for ACT nomination by completing a score-based ‘Canberra Matrix’ where you are allocated points against demonstrated economic contribution or benefit and/or a genuine commitment to be part of the ACT community.
- You can select either ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination. The highest ranked candidates in each stream will then be selected and invited to apply for ACT nomination.
The ACT offers nomination under the following State / Territory nominated skilled migration streams:
- Skilled Work Regional (provisional) subclass 491 visas
- Skilled Nominated (permanent) subclass 190 visas
There are 3 nomination pathways under each of the visa streams of SC190 and SC491 for ACT. The nomination pathway you follow will depend on where you currently live.
- Canberra resident applicants
To follow this pathway, you (and any dependents -spouse/partner and children) must currently live in Canberra. You must have lived and worked here for at least:
3 months (491 nomination)
6 months (190 nomination)
- Overseas applicants – currently closed
To follow this pathway, you (and any dependents – spouse / partner and children) cannot be in Australia:
You must have lived overseas for at least one (1) year.
You cannot hold any type of Australian visa except for a visitor visa.
- PhD streamlined
To follow this pathway, you must have completed a PhD at an ACT university.
- Canberra residents:
You must have lived in Canberra for at least 12 months at time of invitation.
You have a PhD completion letter / PhD award from an ACT university.
- Interstate / overseas applicants:
You must have been awarded a PhD from an ACT university within the last two years.
- You must meet the eligibility criteria for ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination before you can complete the Canberra Matrix:
Eligibility criteria – ACT 491 nomination or ACT 190 nomination: page 6
Canberra Matrix 491 / 190 scoring table: page 10
- Overseas applicant: The Canberra Matrix is currently closed to overseas applicants
If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, you must complete and submit the online application (and pay the service fee) within 14 days. You must attach the required documents to evidence your eligibility and Matrix score claimed at the date of Matrix submission.
You must read the ACT nomination guidelines carefully to ensure that you are eligible to complete the Canberra Matrix for ACT 491 / 190 nomination. If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, your supporting documentation must evidence your eligibility and Matrix score claimed at the date you submitted the Matrix.
Business & Investment Visas
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) offers nomination under the following streams:
- 188A – Business Innovation stream: this is a provisional (5 year) visa for people who want to invest at least $200,000 to establish or purchase a business in Canberra.
- 188A – Business Innovation Extension stream: this visa is for holders of a subclass 188 visa who are seeking a two year extension of their visa to help them meet the criteria for a permanent subclass 888 visa.
- 188C – Significant Investor stream: this is a provisional (5 year) visa for people who want to invest A$5 million into a Complying Investment Fund with a focus of min $500,000 AUD investment targeted to ACT
- 188E – Entrepreneur Stream: this is a provisional (5 year) visa for people who are undertaking, or proposing to undertake, an entrepreneurial venture in Australia.
Appplicants must meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – Entrepreneur stream AND Undertake, or propose to undertake, an entrepreneurial activity in the ACT that relates to an innovative idea that is proposed to lead to the commercialisation of a product or service or the development of an enterprise of business in Australia. The entrepreneurial venture must not be related to residential real estate, labour hire or involve purchasing an existing business or franchise
To apply for a State Nominated Skilled visa you must be nominated by a State or Territory such as the Government of Western Australia (WA).
To be eligible for WA nomination you must meet both the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) criteria for the nominated visa and the WA criteria for State nomination.
Skilled Visas
State nomination streams
You can be nominated through one of two streams.
1. The general stream WASMOL schedule 1: If you have an available occupation on the WA skilled migration occupation list schedule 1 eligible for the intended visa subclass and can meet the additional requirements. Visit the General stream WASMOL schedule 1 requirements page or see the below table for more information.
2. The general stream WASMOL schedule 2: If you have an available occupation on the WA skilled migration occupation list schedule 2 eligible for the intended visa subclass and can meet the additional requirements. Visit the General stream schedule 2 requirements page or see the below table for more information.
3. The graduate stream: If you gained a Certificate III or higher qualification in WA and have an available occupation on the Graduate Occupation List eligible for the intended visa subclass and can also meet the additional requirements. Visit the Graduate stream requirements page or see the below table for more information
Applicants who have a nominated occupation identified on the Western Australian skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) or Graduate occupation list (GOL) may be eligible for Western Australian State nomination using one of the following visa subclasses:
This permanent visa allows you to live and work in all areas of WA. Visit the Home Affairs website for more information on the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Information on the requirements to be nominated by Western Australia can be found on the General stream WASMOL schedule 1 requirements page, the General stream WASMOL schedule 2 requirements page or the Graduate stream requirements page of our website. Information on the application process can be found on the How to apply for State nomination page.
This is a five year provisional visa for skilled workers.
This visa allows you to live in regional Australia. Currently all of WA is considered regional. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information on the subclass 491 visa.
Information on the requirements to be nominated by WA can be found on the General stream WASMOL schedule 1 requirements page, the General stream WASMOL schedule 2 requirements page or the Graduate stream requirements page of our website.
The WASMOL is available to applicants who intend to use the general stream. The GOL is available for applicants who intend to use the graduate stream.
To determine your eligibility to apply, consult the Criteria for State nomination.
- Regional WA only – Specific Occupations List
Candidates nominating for occupations that are designated ‘Regional Western Australia only’ in the General or Graduate stream must provide evidence of a job offer/contract of employment in a location defined by the Commonwealth as Category 3 – Regional Centres and Other Regional Areas (not Perth and Mandurah). These include the following areas by postcodes: 6041 to 6044, 6084, 6207, 6213, 6215 to 6537, and 6560 to 6770.
Business & Investment Visas
Small businesses account for 95% of all businesses in the State and employ around a third of its labour force. The majority of business people will first enter Western Australia on a four year Provisional Business Visa. After successfully managing a business or investment here, you may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Business Visa. New applicants seeking State nomination must demonstrate that they have submitted a realistic and feasible business proposal based on research and the current Western Australian economy. In addition, they will need to show how their Western Australian business or investment activity will contribute to the State’s economy through the:
- value of net business and personal assets in Western Australia.
- creation of new employment and retention of existing employees.
- expansion of trade in Western Australian goods and/or services
- development of export markets for Western Australian products and/or services or the replacement of imports.
- introduction of new skills, expertise, technologies, or innovations.
- business investment in a regional area of Western Australia.
Most small businesses in Western Australia are in the following industries:
- construction;
- agriculture, forestry and fishing;
- finance and insurance services;
- transport, postal and warehousing; and
- retail trade
Greater consideration will be given to applications that:
- commit a significant amount of new capital investment
- generate skilled employment or a large number of new jobs
- develop export markets or replace imports
- introduce new skills, expertise, technologies or innovations
- locate the business activity in a regional area
- have a significant flow-on effect to other sectors of the economy
The following provisional and permanent business visas require nomination from the Government of Western Australia. Western Australia Policy guidelines for each of these visas must be met
Visa 188 Business Innovation and Investment – Business Innovation Stream*
There are no minimum or maximum State nomination criteria requirements for State nomination of a visa subclass 188 business innovation stream.
Applicants must:
- submit a business proposal with their visa subclass 188 application which includes a detailed budget with costings to substantiate the net assets in business, new employment and total net assets in Western Australia for inclusion in their State nomination agreement for their visa subclass 888 application
- the business proposal must clearly demonstrate how the business will contribute positively to the Western Australian economy and create jobs
- applicants and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia are required to live, work and/or study in Western Australia.
Visa 188 Business Innovation and Investment – Investor Stream*
Applicants must:
- propose net assets of at least $2.5 million invested in complying investments as specified by the DHA
- agree to re-invest the $2.5 million complying investments into any Western Australian assets, upon maturity of the complying investment
- applicants and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia are required to live, work and/or study in Western Australia.
Visa 188 Business Innovation and Investment – Significant Investor Stream*
Applicants must:
- propose net assets of at least $5 million invested in complying investments as specified by the DHA
- agree to re-invest the $5 million complying investments into any Western Australian assets, upon maturity of the complying investment
- applicants and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia are required to live, work and/or study in Western Australia.
Business & Skilled Migration State Nomination Program is officially opened!
Tasmania’s Business Migration State Nomination Program recognises the significant contributions business migrants make to Tasmania’s economic growth and cultural diversity. The program seeks successful business owners, innovators, and entrepreneurs with the ability to operate businesses and develop business concepts that will genuinely benefit Tasmania’s economy.
Skilled Visas
2021-22 Skilled Migration Program
Tasmania’s nomination quota for the 2021–22 program year is:
Subclass 491 – 2200 places
Subclass 190 – 1100 places. Around 500 of these places are expected to be used for applications carried over from the 2020-21 program year.
Subclass 491 – 2200 places
Subclass 190 – 1100 places. Around 500 of these places are expected to be used for applications carried over from the 2020-21 program year.
Applicants currently living and working in Tasmania in their skilled occupation may be eligible to be nominated under the following visa subclasses: To be eligible to apply for state nomination for either the subclass 491 or subclass 190 visas, you must meet the following requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs. You must have:
- not yet turned 45 years of age
- nominated an occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations
- a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- at least ‘Competent’ English language proficiency
- at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test.
Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190)
This visa is for skilled workers and postgraduate alumni who wish to live and work in Tasmania permanently. State nomination from Tasmania for this visa provides you with five additional points to help meet the Department of Home Affairs points test pass mark of 65 points. If you are nominated by the Tasmanian Government for this visa, you must live in Tasmania for two years after the visa has been granted. This visa has 2 state nomination streams under which you can apply for.
1. Tasmania Graduate Stream
2. Working in Tasmania Stream
Applicants must meet the relevant streams criteria for Tasmania State Nomination SC190 requirements
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a provisional visa for skilled workers which allows you to live and work in Tasmania for up to five years.
State nomination from Tasmania for this visa provides you with 15 additional points to help you meet the Department of Home Affairs’ points test pass mark of 65 points. More information on this is available under “Eligibility”. You may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after you have lived in Tasmania for at least three years and earned a minimum taxable income that meets the minimum threshold determined by the Department of Home Affairs for at least 3 years (currently set at AU$53,900).
Business & Investment Visas
The Business Migration Program aims to attract and leverage investments from high calibre foreign investors to help drive Tasmania’s economic growth.
Subclass 188 A Innovation Stream
Migration Tasmania is seeking high calibre business investors who can make a significant contribution to Tasmania’s economy relating to business proposals highlighting following key attributes:
- Investment in a regional area (which generally excludes Hobart CBD and suburbs)
- Generation and/or retention of local jobs for Tasmanians.
- Investment in key sector/s that will benefit Tasmania’s economy which may include Aquaculture | Agriculture and Agribusiness | Circular economy | Minerals and Mining | Forestry, Timber and wood products | Antarctic and Marine Science | Health and Medical Science | Science and Technology | Space | Information and Communication Technology | Creative Industries | Tourism and Hospitality | Heritage management and restoration | renewable energy | Community Infrastructures that enhance a region’s liveability | Bio Renewal/Waste Recycling | Food production | Hydrogen (engineering and construction) | Extractive industries
- Generation of significant flow-on opportunities for other sectors and/or economic growth
- Partnership with at least one Tasmanian business partner who is a permanent resident or an Australian citizen.
- Transfer of new capital investment
- Expansion of trade in Tasmanian goods and/or services
- Development of export markets for Tasmanian products or replacement of imports
- Introduction of new skills, expertise, technologies, or innovations that are currently unavailable in Tasmania.
- Environmentally sustainable initiatives that build on Tasmania’s established environmental principles.
The following business activities will generally be excluded under the Business Innovation stream:
Passive investment | General importing | Real estate property investment and development | Export of commodities and scrap metal | Mining service operations (administration services for the mining sector) | Setting up an existing franchise
Subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream
Under the Entrepreneur stream, Migration Tasmania is seeking interest from entrepreneurs to develop an endorsed innovative business concept and undertake entrepreneurial and/or start-up activities in Tasmania.
Your business concept must promote innovation and new technology, or enhance industry capability and:
- be an untested or unknown business model or
- include the ability to scale up and down without significant human resources
When considering proposals, Migration Tasmania will also give high regard to the following:
Activity related to one or more of the following sectors- renewable energy (including hydrogen and bio energy).
- bio renewal/waste recycling (including circular economy)
- defence and space
- aquatech, agtech and marinetech
- robotics, advanced and additive manufacturing
- digital technology, including cyber security, big data, blockchain and lot internet of things)
- health and medical technology, particularly those that support current research projects (i.e. dementia, population health studies, survival in extreme environments)
- creative industries.
Entrepreneurs with higher academic degrees such as master’s degrees and/or PhDs must be relevant to the proposed entrepreneurial activity.
The business concept has strong potential to create local employment, new skills and/or export revenue for Tasmania.
Exclusions – Proposals related to the following business areas will generally be excluded under the Entrepreneur stream:
- cafés and restaurants
- consulting firms/companies
- employment agencies
- export/import businesses/companies
- franchises
- foot reflexology
- massage parlours
- acupuncture
- traditional chinese medicine
- herbal dispensing
- geomancy/fengshui
- retail
- residential real estate or labour hire
- purchase of an existing business or franchise.
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