Australia PR 2026-27: Which State Should You Target for Nomination?
Planning Australia PR in 2026-27? The right state to target depends on your occupation, current location, employment background and willingness to settle there. A popular destination is not automatically an available nomination option, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
Whether you are applying from India, already working in Australia or considering regional settlement, your circumstances should shape your choice. Here is what matters when assessing your state nomination options for 2026-27. Program information was checked on 14 October 2026.
Choose the pathway before choosing the city
Subclass 190 is a permanent skilled visa involving state or territory nomination. Subclass 491 is a provisional regional skilled visa, with regional conditions and a separate pathway towards permanent residence if the relevant requirements are met. Treating both as immediate PR can lead to unrealistic plans.
Your preferred location must fit both the visa and the nominating government's expectations. Consider your occupation, your partner's work prospects, family priorities and whether you can make a genuine settlement commitment. A location selected only because someone else received an invitation may be unsuitable for your circumstances.
Explore In-Demand Occupations by State and Territory
Explore our state and territory occupation guides to learn more about the roles covered by different nomination pathways.
| State or territory | Explore our occupation guide |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | NSW skilled occupation guide |
| Queensland | Queensland skilled occupation guide |
| South Australia | South Australia skilled occupation guide |
| Western Australia | Western Australia skilled occupation guide |
| Tasmania | Tasmania skilled occupation guide |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT skilled occupation guide |
| Northern Territory | Northern Territory skilled occupation guide |
Considering Victoria? Read our Victoria nomination fees and program update.
These guides provide background information and may refer to earlier program settings. Current occupation eligibility and intake availability need to be confirmed for your chosen pathway before making a decision.
An occupation appearing on a list does not guarantee nomination or mean that applications are open. Your visa pathway, location, work experience and current state requirements also matter. As checked on 14 October 2026, South Australia's page says skilled ROIs and GSM applications are unavailable pending the 2026-27 opening. The Northern Territory is not accepting new offshore or subclass 190 nomination applications; limited onshore subclass 491 exceptions apply.
Which States May Suit Your Occupation?
Two people with the same job title can have different nomination options. Someone applying from India may need a different shortlist from a person already working in Australia. Regional settlement preferences and any relevant job offer can also affect which pathways deserve closer assessment.
Share your occupation, experience and current location with Peerless to discuss a shortlist suited to your circumstances, rather than choosing a state solely because another applicant received an invitation.
Discuss your Australia nomination options
A useful shortlist should connect your professional background with realistic nomination opportunities and a location where you intend to build your life. PEERLESS IMMIGRATION SERVICES can discuss your occupation, experience, current location and settlement preferences to help you understand which options merit closer assessment. Nomination and visa decisions remain with the relevant government authorities.
Contact +91-8595010514 or info@peerlessimmigration.com.
Discuss Which States May Suit Your Occupation
Frequently asked questions
There is no single easiest state for every applicant. Occupation eligibility, location, employment, selection priorities and available places can produce different outcomes. A state shortlist should reflect your own profile and current program settings.
No. Subclass 190 is a permanent visa. Subclass 491 is provisional and regional, with conditions and a separate permanent residence pathway subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
Some may, depending on the pathway. Tasmania plans no 2026-27 invitations in its subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles pathway. Its separate subclass 190 overseas pathway remains relevant to eligible health and teaching professionals with a qualifying Tasmanian job offer.
No. Eligibility and selection are different. States and territories apply their own criteria and selection priorities. ACT specifically warns that meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation.
No. A past round shows what happened to selected candidates at that time. It does not establish future availability or your individual prospects. Current criteria and a genuine settlement plan should guide your decision.
