Which states require a Registration of Interest (ROI) for subclass 190 and 491 nomination ?

States and Territories Requiring an ROI

These states and territories use a two-step selection process:

You first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

Then, you must lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI) or equivalent with the state or territory before they can invite you for nomination.

1. Victoria (VIC)

Victoria requires all applicants for both subclass 190 and 491 to first submit an ROI. Only candidates with an approved ROI are invited to apply for state nomination. Victoria's selection process is highly competitive and is based on the applicant's skills, experience, and the state's workforce needs.

2. Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania mandates an ROI for most of its skilled migration streams, both for the 190 and 491 visas. Once you submit your ROI, it is assessed based on eligibility, occupation demand, and the contribution you can make to the Tasmanian economy and community.

3. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

ACT uses a unique points-based system called the Canberra Matrix. To be considered for ACT nomination for either subclass 190 or 491, you must submit an ROI through the Canberra Matrix. Only the highest-scoring applicants receive invitations in periodic selection rounds.

4. Northern Territory (NT)

The Northern Territory requires a Registration of Interest for applicants seeking nomination under both the 190 and 491 subclasses. Applicants must provide details of their skills, work experience, and intention to live and work in the Northern Territory to be considered for selection.

5. Queensland (QLD)

Queensland also requires applicants to lodge a Registration of Interest form before being invited to apply for nomination. This applies to both the 190 and 491 programs. The ROI helps Migration Queensland determine which applicants best meet the current labour market priorities.

States and Territories Not Requiring an ROI

The following jurisdictions do not require a separate ROI - applicants are considered based on their Expression of Interest (EOI) lodged in SkillSelect, or the ROI is optional in specific cases.

1. New South Wales (NSW)

New South Wales does not have a separate ROI process. Applicants are selected directly from the SkillSelect pool based on their occupation, points score, and other eligibility criteria. Invitations are issued periodically according to the state's needs.

2. Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia also does not require a separate Registration of Interest. Applicants lodge an EOI through SkillSelect, and if they meet the criteria and are selected, they will receive an invitation to apply for state nomination directly from WA Migration Services.

3. South Australia (SA)

South Australia has a partial ROI requirement.
Onshore applicants generally need to submit an ROI as part of the nomination process for both 190 and 491 visas.
Offshore applicants are often considered directly from their EOIs without the need for a separate ROI.
This mixed approach allows SA to manage its onshore demand more efficiently while still attracting skilled workers from overseas.

Summary Table

State / Territory	ROI Required for 190/491 Nomination	Notes
Victoria (VIC)	Yes	Mandatory for both 190 and 491
Tasmania (TAS)	Yes	Required for most migration streams
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	Yes	Required via Canberra Matrix system
Northern Territory (NT)	Yes	Required for both 190 and 491
Queensland (QLD)	Yes	Required before invitation
New South Wales (NSW)	No	Selection from EOI pool only
Western Australia (WA)	No	Direct selection from EOI
South Australia (SA)	Partial	Required for onshore, not always for offshore

Additional Key Points

An ROI is not a visa application. It simply expresses your interest in being nominated by a particular state or territory after you've submitted an EOI in SkillSelect.
Submitting an ROI does not guarantee selection. Each state or territory assesses ROIs based on labour market needs, available quota, and other strategic factors.
EOI remains mandatory for all states. Even where an ROI is required, the federal Expression of Interest through SkillSelect must always be submitted first.

Criteria may change annually. Each state reviews and updates its nomination requirements every program year, often adjusting ROI procedures, occupation lists, and eligibility thresholds.

Conclusion

In summary, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT, Northern Territory, and Queensland all require a Registration of Interest (ROI) for both Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 nomination.

Meanwhile, New South Wales and Western Australia do not require it, and South Australia applies the ROI requirement conditionally, depending on whether the applicant is onshore or offshore.

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