Australian states for skilled migration
Compare all 8 Australian states and territories: visa 190 and 491 cutoffs, capitals, key sectors and cost of living. Feb 2026 data.
New South Wales
Sydney · ~8.4M
New South Wales is the most populous state in Australia and the economic engine of the country. Sydney concentrates finance, tech, healthcare and creative industries. NSW nominates skilled migrants under both visa 190 (permanent state nomination) and 491 (regional provisional). Cutoff scores tend to be the highest in the country due to demand, especially in IT, engineering and healthcare.
Victoria
Melbourne · ~6.7M
Victoria is the second-largest state by population and a global destination for professional services, education and creative industries. Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities. VIC nominates skilled migrants under visa 190 for occupations aligned with its key sectors: digital, healthcare, agribusiness, and advanced manufacturing. Cutoff scores are typically just below NSW.
Queensland
Brisbane · ~5.5M
Queensland combines a fast-growing economy with a tropical lifestyle. Brisbane is hosting the 2032 Olympics, accelerating infrastructure investment. QLD nominates under visa 190 and 491 with strong priorities in healthcare, construction, mining services and tourism. Regional Queensland (visa 491) covers most of the state outside Brisbane metro and offers significantly lower cutoffs.
Western Australia
Perth · ~2.9M
Western Australia is the resource-richest state, driven by mining, energy and increasingly green technology. Perth is the most isolated capital city in the world but offers some of the highest salaries in skilled trades and engineering roles. WA nominates aggressively for occupations linked to its mining and renewable energy sectors. Regional WA (visa 491) covers most of the state outside Perth metro.
South Australia
Adelaide · ~1.8M
South Australia is one of the most accessible states for skilled migration, with the lowest cutoffs in the country and a wide-ranging occupation list. Adelaide is positioning itself as a hub for defense, space, advanced manufacturing and wine industry. The whole state qualifies as regional under visa 491, making the path to PR via 191 more attainable than in larger states.
Tasmania
Hobart · ~570K
Tasmania is an island state with one of the most accessible skilled migration programs in Australia. The whole state qualifies as regional under visa 491. Hobart and Launceston have priority lists for healthcare, education, hospitality and trades. Tasmania attracts migrants seeking a quieter lifestyle, lower cost of living, and a clear path to PR via the 491→191 route.
Northern Territory
Darwin · ~250K
The Northern Territory is the smallest jurisdiction by population but one of the most accessible for skilled migration. The whole NT qualifies as regional under visa 491. Darwin and Alice Springs prioritize healthcare, indigenous services, mining services and tropical agribusiness. The NT's MINT program offers additional support and one of the broadest occupation lists in the country.
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra · ~470K
The Australian Capital Territory is centered on Canberra, the country's political and administrative capital. The ACT offers a unique nomination program emphasizing residency in Canberra and ties to the local community. Strong sectors include public administration, defense, education, ICT and research. Canberra has the highest median income of any Australian capital and excellent quality of life with shorter commutes than Sydney or Melbourne.