Tasmania is the easiest state to get PR in Australia in 2026, followed by South Australia and Western Australia. These three states consistently invite applicants at lower point thresholds, maintain broader occupation lists, and carry less competition per available nomination place than high-demand states like Victoria and New South Wales. Which state is right for you depends on your occupation, current points score, and whether you are targeting permanent residence or the provisional regional pathway.
State nomination is the most powerful lever in Australia’s skilled migration points system. Securing a nomination for the Subclass 190 visa adds 5 points to your score and grants permanent residence directly. Nomination for the Subclass 491 regional visa adds 15 points, the highest single points boost available, and provides a 5-year provisional visa with a clear pathway to permanent residence via Subclass 191 after 3 years in a regional area. For applicants sitting between 65 and 80 points, those extra points are often the deciding factor between receiving a SkillSelect invitation this year or waiting indefinitely. Each state sets its own occupation list and invitation threshold; the same applicant can qualify in Tasmania and be completely ineligible in Victoria.
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The 3 Best States for Australian PR in 2026: Ranked by Accessibility
Tasmania is the easiest state to get PR in Australia in 2026 for most skilled migrants, followed by South Australia and Western Australia. These states consistently invite applicants at lower point thresholds, maintain broader occupation lists relative to their application volumes, and process nominations with shorter waiting periods than high-demand states like Victoria and New South Wales.
The three most accessible states for Australian PR in 2026 are:
- Tasmania: Lowest points threshold among all state nomination programs; accepts a wide range of occupations; smaller applicant pool compared to eastern mainland states; strong demand for skilled workers due to workforce gaps
- South Australia: Consistently one of the most flexible state nomination programs in Australia; broad occupation list; faster nomination processing; actively seeks skilled workers across multiple industry sectors
- Western Australia: High allocation numbers relative to population; strong demand in resources, healthcare, and construction; less competition per occupation than NSW or Victoria
Victoria and New South Wales have the largest absolute allocations but also the highest competition per invitation, making them strategically less accessible for most applicants despite their size. The best state for your Australian PR ultimately depends on whether your occupation is listed and how your points score compares to the current invitation thresholds in each state’s program.
What Is State Nomination and How Does It Affect Your Australian PR Points?
State nomination is the formal endorsement of your skilled migration application by an Australian state or territory government, confirming that your occupation is in demand in that region and that you have committed to living and working there.
State nomination under Australia’s skilled migration framework adds points directly to your score:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): State nomination adds 5 points to your points test score, granting permanent residence directly
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa): State nomination adds 15 points to your score, granting a 5-year provisional visa with a pathway to permanent residence via Subclass 191 after 3 years
The minimum threshold to receive an invitation from the SkillSelect pool is 65 points. In practice, invitation scores for the most competitive states and occupations are significantly higher, which is why state selection is a critical lever in your points strategy.
General requirements to be eligible for any Australian state nomination program:
- Minimum 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test
- Age under 45 years at the time of invitation
- Positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- At least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent)
- Occupation listed on the relevant state’s occupation list
- A genuine intention to live and work in the nominating state
Which is the Easiest State for a subclass 190 Visa in Australia?
Tasmania and South Australia are consistently the easiest states for the Subclass 190 visa in Australia, inviting applicants at lower points thresholds and across a broader range of occupations than Victoria or New South Wales, which set higher cut-off scores due to demand volume.
Key differences between states for the Subclass 190 nomination in 2026:
- Tasmania: Invitation scores among the lowest nationally; accepts many occupations that are delisted in other states; genuine residency intention assessed
- South Australia: Broad occupation list; faster processing; SA’s nomination portal actively accepts applications in most rounds
- Western Australia: Large allocation (2,000 Subclass 190 places); strong demand across healthcare, trades, and engineering
- NSW and Victoria: Higher competition; many occupation categories closed or restricted; invitation scores frequently above 80–90 points
Which is the Easiest State for a subclass 491 Visa in Australia in 2026?
South Australia and Western Australia offer the most accessible Subclass 491 visa pathways among the mainland states in 2026, with Tasmania also providing highly competitive 491 access for regional areas of the state.
The Subclass 491 adds 15 points to your score, significantly more than the 190, making it the preferred entry point for applicants who cannot yet reach competitive 190 invitation thresholds. After holding the 491 for 3 years and meeting the residence and income requirements, you can apply for the permanent Subclass 191 visa.
- Tasmania (491): 650 places allocated; accessible for a wide occupation range; genuine regional residency required in areas outside Hobart in some streams
- South Australia (491): 900 places; one of the broadest 491 occupation lists in Australia; faster nomination decisions
- Western Australia (491): 1,400 places second largest nationally; strong demand in regional WA trades, healthcare, and agriculture
- NSW (491): 1,500 places, but concentrated in regional NSW areas and specific occupations
Tasmania: PR Pathway and State Nomination Requirements for 2026
Tasmania is the easiest Australian state for PR for most skilled migrants, offering lower points thresholds, a genuine workforce shortage across multiple occupations, and a nomination program that actively invites applicants other states would reject.
Tasmania State Nomination Pathways
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): Permanent residence directly 1,200 places in 2025–26
- Subclass 491 (Regional Provisional): 5-year provisional visa with pathway to Subclass 191 permanent residence, 650 places in 2025–26
- Resident stream: For applicants already living and working in Tasmania with a job offer or established residency
- Interstate stream: For applicants currently living outside Tasmania who commit to relocating
Tasmania State Nomination Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test
- Occupation on the Tasmania Skilled Occupation List
- Age under 45 years
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band minimum)
- Positive skills assessment
- Genuine intention to live and work in Tasmania demonstrated through employment, accommodation, or family ties
Tasmania 2025–26 Migration Program Allocations
- Subclass 190: 1,200 nomination places
- Subclass 491: 650 nomination places
South Australia: PR Pathway and State Nomination Requirements for 2026
South Australia is one of the most flexible and accessible state nomination programs in Australia, with a broad occupation list, competitive allocation numbers, and a reputation for faster nomination processing compared to eastern states.
South Australia State Nomination Pathways
- Subclass 190: 1,350 permanent nomination places in 2025–26
- Subclass 491: 900 regional provisional places in 2025–26
- Graduate stream: For international students who graduated from a South Australian institution
- Business innovation stream: Available for entrepreneurs and business owners
South Australia State Nomination Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test
- Occupation listed on the South Australia Skilled Occupation List
- Age under 45
- Competent English proficiency
- Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- Genuine commitment to residing and working in South Australia
- For the graduate stream: qualification awarded by a South Australian institution
South Australia 2025–26 Migration Program Allocations
- Subclass 190: 1,350 nomination places
- Subclass 491: 900 nomination places
New South Wales: PR Pathway and State Nomination Requirements for 2026
New South Wales has the second-highest total allocation in Australia, but it is also one of the most competitive state nomination programs. Invitation scores in NSW consistently rank among the highest nationally, and many occupation categories are closed or invitation-only throughout most of the program year.
New South Wales State Nomination Pathways
- Subclass 190: 2,100 places in 2025–26 targeted primarily at high-demand occupations in healthcare, engineering, and ICT
- Subclass 491: 1,500 regional places in 2025–26 available for regional NSW areas outside Sydney
New South Wales State Nomination Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test (in practice, invitation scores are significantly higher)
- Occupations on the NSW Skilled Occupation List are restricted or closed in many categories
- Age under 45
- Competent English proficiency
- Positive skills assessment
- For the 491: genuine intention to live and work in a regional NSW area (outside the Sydney metro region)
New South Wales 2025–26 Migration Program Allocations
- Subclass 190: 2,100 nomination places
- Subclass 491: 1,500 nomination places
Victoria: PR Pathway and State Nomination Requirements for 2026
Victoria has the largest state nomination allocation in Australia at 2,700 Subclass 190 places, but it is also the most competitive program. Victoria’s invitation thresholds are among the highest nationally, and demand for nomination consistently exceeds available places across most occupation categories.
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- Subclass 190: 2,700 nomination places in 2025–26, the highest allocation nationally, but also the highest competition
- Subclass 491: 700 regional places in 2025–26 available for regional Victoria areas only
Victoria State Nomination Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 65 points (in practice, Victoria’s invitation scores are significantly higher for most occupations)
- Occupations on the Victoria Skilled Occupation List are frequently restricted to the highest-demand categories
- Age under 45
- Competent English proficiency
- Positive skills assessment
- Many streams require a job offer or recent Victorian work experience
Victoria 2025–26 Migration Program Allocations
- Subclass 190: 2,700 nomination places
- Subclass 491: 700 nomination places
Queensland: PR Pathway and State Nomination Requirements for 2026
Queensland offers a strong state nomination program with a particular focus on healthcare, education, engineering, and trades occupations sectors where the state’s workforce demand remains high. Queensland’s allocation-to-competition ratio makes it a competitive but accessible option for applicants in priority occupations.
Queensland State Nomination Pathways
- Subclass 190: 1,850 nomination places in 2025–26
- Subclass 491: 750 regional places in 2025–26 for regional Queensland areas
Queensland State Nomination Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test
- Occupation on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List, priority given to healthcare, education, and construction
- Age under 45
- Competent English proficiency
- Positive skills assessment
- Genuine intention to live and work in Queensland
Queensland 2025–26 Migration Program Allocations
- Subclass 190: 1,850 nomination places
- Subclass 491: 750 nomination places
Western Australia: PR Pathway and State Nomination Requirements for 2026
Western Australia is one of the best states for PR in Australia for immigrants in resources, healthcare, trades, and construction, with a high allocation, a broad occupation list, and lower competition per occupation than the eastern seaboard states.
Western Australia State Nomination Pathways
- Subclass 190: 2,000 nomination places in 2025–26
- Subclass 491: 1,400 regional places in 2025–26, the second-largest 491 allocation nationally
- WA Identified Talent stream: For high-scoring applicants directly invited by the WA government
Western Australia State Nomination Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test
- Occupation listed on the Western Australia Skilled Occupation List
- Age under 45
- Competent English proficiency
- Positive skills assessment
- Genuine commitment to residing and working in Western Australia
Western Australia 2025–26 Migration Program Allocations
- Subclass 190: 2,000 nomination places
- Subclass 491: 1,400 nomination places
Australia PR Requirements by State in 2026: Allocation Summary
The following table compares the 2025–26 state nomination allocations and relative accessibility across all six primary state nomination programs. Use this as your starting reference, and confirm the current occupation list status directly with each state’s migration program before lodging a nomination application.
| State | Subclass 190 Places | Subclass 491 Places | Relative Accessibility | Priority Sectors |
| Tasmania | 1,200 | 650 | Easiest | Healthcare, trades, hospitality, and agriculture |
| South Australia | 1,350 | 900 | Very accessible | Healthcare, engineering, ICT, education |
| Western Australia | 2,000 | 1,400 | Accessible | Resources, healthcare, trades, construction |
| Queensland | 1,850 | 750 | Moderate | Healthcare, education, engineering, and construction |
| New South Wales | 2,100 | 1,500 | Competitive | Healthcare, ICT, engineering (selective) |
| Victoria | 2,700 | 700 | Most competitive | Healthcare, ICT, education (high thresholds) |
What Are the Low Competition States for PR in Australia?
Low competition states for PR in Australia are those where the number of applicants per available nomination place is lower, resulting in more accessible invitation thresholds and a higher likelihood of nomination for eligible occupations.
The lowest competition state nomination programs in 2026 are:
- Tasmania: Smallest total applicant pool among all states; workforce shortages across many categories create genuine demand for overseas skills
- South Australia: Active recruitment of overseas skilled workers; nomination portal typically open across multiple occupation categories simultaneously
- Western Australia (Regional 491): The 1,400 regional places are distributed across a large geographic area competition per region is lower than the East Coast equivalents
Low competition does not mean low requirements; all states enforce the same minimum Department of Home Affairs eligibility standards. The competition advantage comes from the ratio of available places to qualified applicants, which varies significantly by occupation and program round.
How The Migration Helps You Get an Australian PR Through State Nomination
Because state nomination occupation lists, invitation thresholds, and program rounds change frequently and because the wrong state nomination choice can cost you months of waiting, having a MARA-registered migration agent assess your state nomination options before you apply is the most reliable way to identify which state currently represents the fastest pathway to Australian PR for your specific occupation and points profile.
The Migration’s skilled migration team in Harris Park (Sydney) and Melbourne CBD provides comprehensive PR visa Australia assistance, including:
- State Strategy Assessment: We analyse your occupation, points score, and work experience against current invitation thresholds across all six states to identify the fastest realistic PR pathway
- Points Maximisation: We identify specific gaps in your points score, English upgrade, Australian work experience, or additional qualifications that would lift your invitation ranking
- Occupation List Verification: We confirm your ANZSCO occupation code is correctly matched to the state occupation list and that the list status is current before you invest in a nomination application
- State Nomination Application Management: We prepare and submit your state nomination application, including supporting documentation and genuine intention statements that meet state-specific requirements
- SkillSelect EOI Management: We submit and manage your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and ensure your profile is optimised for invitation rounds
- End-to-End Visa Lodgement: From EOI to permanent visa grant, we manage the complete Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 application process
The Migration is registered under the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), registration number 1807450. Book a consultation with an Australian PR consultant at The Migration to confirm which state nomination program gives you the highest current probability of success.
Conclusion
There is no universally easiest state for Australian PR the right answer depends on your occupation, current points score, and whether you are targeting permanent residence directly through Subclass 190 or the provisional regional pathway via Subclass 491. Tasmania offers the most accessible entry point for most applicants, but South Australia and Western Australia are strong alternatives depending on your sector.
State nomination programs open and close throughout the year without notice. Before submitting a nomination application or Expression of Interest, confirm the current occupation list status and invitation round availability directly with the relevant state. For personalised guidance on which state gives you the best current chances, speak with a MARA-registered migration agent at The Migration.
