Australia’s skilled migration system gives applicants more than one pathway to state nomination. Choosing the right state can therefore be just as important as your points score, occupation and skills assessment.
The best Australian states for skilled migration depend on your occupation, work experience, points, English level, location, and whether you are applying from Australia or overseas. States and territories set their own nomination criteria for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491).
In 2026, applicants should not simply choose the state with the highest number of nomination places. Instead, they should compare eligibility criteria, occupation priorities, residency requirements and current invitation activity.
What Are the Best Australian States for Skilled Migration?
There is no single state that is the best Australian state for skilled migration for every applicant. However, several states and territories stand out because of their skilled migration programs, workforce requirements, regional opportunities and nomination pathways.
1. Western Australia
Western Australia can be one of the best Australian states for skilled migration for applicants whose occupations align with the state’s workforce requirements.
WA has historically received a substantial share of state nomination places. In 2025–26, it had 2,000 places for subclass 190 and 1,400 places for subclass 491. Western Australia can be particularly relevant for professionals and tradespeople connected with industries such as:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Mining and resources
- Information technology
- Skilled trades
For candidates prepared to live and work in Perth or regional Western Australia, WA can therefore be among the best Australian states for skilled migration to investigate.
2. South Australia
South Australia is another strong option for skilled migrants, particularly where an applicant’s occupation matches the state’s workforce requirements.
South Australia operates nomination pathways for subclasses 190 and 491. Its invitation activity has included professionals in engineering, science, transport, education, health, ICT, construction and other sectors. For example, South Australia’s May 2026 invitation data showed significant invitations across health, engineering, education, ICT and construction-related groups.
This makes South Australia worth considering for applicants who may not be competitive in the larger eastern states.
3. Tasmania
Tasmania deserves particular attention in 2026 because its 2026–27 skilled migration program opened on 17 August 2026. Migration Tasmania has confirmed a total of 2,050 nomination allocations for the 2026–27 program:
- Subclass 190: 1,250 places
- Subclass 491: 800 places
Tasmania also commenced weekly invitations from 20 August 2026.
This makes Tasmania one of the best Australian states for skilled migration to monitor closely at the beginning of the new program year.
4. New South Wales
New South Wales is one of Australia’s largest economies and remains an important destination for skilled migrants.
NSW states that its 190 nomination process is selection-based and that applicants cannot directly apply for NSW nomination. The state uses its skills list and selects candidates according to its economic and workforce priorities.
For subclass 491, NSW has pathways involving regional employment and other specific criteria.
Therefore, NSW may be one of the best Australian states for skilled migration for highly competitive applicants with an occupation that aligns closely with NSW’s current skills requirements.
5. Victoria
Victoria remains a major destination for skilled migrants, particularly professionals interested in Melbourne and regional Victoria. However, as of August 2026, Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program had not yet opened.
Victoria’s previous program demonstrates the scale of its nomination program. In 2025–26, Victoria received 3,400 nomination places:
- 2,700 subclass 190
- 700 subclass 491
Victoria also prioritised sectors including health, social services, education, construction, new energy, advanced manufacturing and, for subclass 491, hospitality and tourism.
6. Queensland
Queensland can be an attractive option for applicants whose occupations match its workforce priorities. The state uses the Queensland Skilled Occupation List and other program criteria to determine which occupations can be nominated.
Queensland is also developing its 2026–27 Queensland Skilled Occupation List, with the list intended to identify occupations experiencing shortages across Queensland or outside Greater Brisbane.
This means applicants should assess whether their occupation is relevant to Queensland’s current priorities rather than choosing Queensland simply because they prefer Brisbane.
7. Northern Territory
The Northern Territory can be particularly relevant for applicants who are open to living and working in a smaller, regional labour market. The NT announced its 2026–27 General Skilled Migration program opened on 21 August 2026, with 1,850 nomination places:
- Subclass 190: 850
- Subclass 491: 1,000
This makes the NT an important option to examine during the new program year.
8. Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory is another option for skilled migrants, particularly applicants whose profiles align with Canberra’s workforce needs.
ACT nomination is different from some other jurisdictions because the territory uses its own selection framework and Canberra-specific requirements.
Applicants should therefore assess factors such as:
- Occupation
- ACT residence or overseas status
- Employment
- English
- Skills assessment
- Points
- Canberra Matrix requirements
ACT can be particularly relevant for applicants who already have a connection to Canberra or whose skills match the territory’s priority areas.
Which State Is Best for Skilled Migration?
The best Australian states for skilled migration should be assessed according to your individual profile rather than simply ranked by the number of nomination places.
| State/Territory | Particularly worth considering if you have |
| WA | Construction, engineering, resources, healthcare and skilled trades backgrounds |
| SA | Health, engineering, education, ICT and other in-demand occupations |
| Tasmania | A profile matching Tasmania’s current priority attributes |
| NSW | Strong points and an occupation aligned with NSW skills priorities |
| Victoria | Health, education, construction, new energy and other priority sectors |
| Queensland | An occupation aligned with Queensland’s skilled occupation priorities |
| NT | Skills suited to regional workforce needs and willingness to settle in NT |
| ACT | Canberra-based employment or a profile aligned with ACT priorities |
What Should You Check Before Choosing a State?
Before deciding between the best Australian states for skilled migration, assess these factors:
1. Your occupation
Check whether your occupation is eligible and whether the state currently prioritises it.
2. Your points score
A higher points score can improve competitiveness, but meeting the minimum points threshold does not automatically result in an invitation.
3. Your English score
Your English proficiency can affect your points and overall competitiveness.
4. Your skills assessment
You generally need an appropriate skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
5. Your location
Some states have different criteria for applicants living overseas, interstate or within the state.
6. Your work experience
Relevant skilled employment can be an important factor in certain state nomination programs.
7. Your willingness to live regionally
If you are considering subclass 491, you need to be prepared to meet regional residence and work requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best Australian states for skilled migration in 2026?
The best Australian states for skilled migration depend on your occupation, points, English, skills assessment, work experience and location. WA, SA, Tasmania, NSW, Victoria, Queensland, NT and ACT all have skilled nomination pathways, but their criteria differ.
Which Australian state has the easiest skilled migration pathway?
There is no state that can be described as universally easiest. State nomination is competitive and criteria can change during the program year. Your occupation and personal profile should determine which states you assess.
Is Tasmania good for skilled migration in 2026?
Tasmania is worth considering in 2026 because its 2026–27 program opened on 17 August 2026, with 1,250 subclass 190 and 800 subclass 491 nomination places.
Is NSW good for skilled migration?
NSW can be suitable for applicants whose occupations align with its current skills priorities. However, NSW states that its 190 nomination process is highly competitive and selection-based.
Is Victoria accepting skilled migration applications in 2026?
As of August 2026, Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program had not yet opened. Applicants should monitor the official Victorian migration website for the program opening and updated requirements.
Should I apply for subclass 190 or 491?
That depends on your circumstances. Subclass 190 is a permanent skilled visa, while subclass 491 is a provisional regional visa with a pathway to permanent residence subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
Final Thoughts
Choosing among the best Australian states for skilled migration requires more than comparing state names or nomination numbers.
The strongest strategy is to match your occupation, points, skills assessment, English, work experience, location and settlement preferences with the current requirements of each state.
In 2026, applicants should pay particular attention to newly released 2026–27 program settings, invitation activity and changes to occupation priorities. Tasmania’s new program and the upcoming program updates in other states demonstrate how quickly nomination settings can change.
If you are unsure which state fits your profile, a professional assessment can help you compare available pathways before you submit an EOI or ROI. eduaid provides skilled migration support and is a licensed migration agent in Australia and New Zealand, according to the organisation’s internal brand information.