State Occupation Lists for Subclass 190 and 491 Nomination

The State Occupation Lists play a crucial role in Australia's skilled migration program, particularly for applicants seeking nomination under the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). These lists outline which occupations are currently in demand across various Australian states and territories, helping the government address regional skill shortages and support local economic growth.

Here's a detailed explanation of how these lists work, their importance, and what applicants should know before applying.

1. Understanding the State Occupation Lists

Each Australian state and territory maintains its own occupation list that identifies the professions and trades in high demand within that region. These lists are updated periodically based on:

Local labour market conditions
Regional workforce shortages
Economic and infrastructure priorities

Occupations on these lists are derived from the federal Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which forms the foundation for all skilled migration visas, including the 189, 190, and 491 subclasses. However, each state or territory selects only those occupations relevant to its economic needs.

2. The Role of State Occupation Lists in Visa Nomination

For skilled visa applicants, being on a State Occupation List is often a prerequisite to receiving a state or territory nomination under subclass 190 or 491.

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa):

This is a permanent residency visa. To be nominated, your occupation must be listed on the State 190 Occupation List of the state or territory you wish to apply to.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa):
This is a five-year provisional visa that allows you to live and work in regional Australia. To be eligible, your occupation must appear on the State or Regional 491 Occupation List.

Both visa subclasses require you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and, in most cases, a Registration of Interest (ROI) directly with the state or territory.

3. State and Territory Occupation Lists Overview

Each Australian state and territory has its own occupation list and nomination criteria. Below is an overview of how they differ:

New South Wales (NSW)

Has separate occupation lists for 190 and 491 visas.
Occupations are divided across different regions, such as Sydney, Northern Inland, and Central West.
NSW often prioritizes applicants with work experience or job offers within the state.

Victoria (VIC)

Operates a targeted nomination system.
Occupations are selected based on critical skills sectors, such as health, digital technology, engineering, and education.
Requires submission of a Registration of Interest (ROI) before nomination consideration.

Queensland (QLD)

Managed by Migration Queensland.
Has different occupation lists for onshore and offshore applicants.
Focuses on regional areas for the 491 visa and metropolitan roles for the 190 visa.
Job offers or employment in Queensland often strengthen eligibility.

South Australia (SA)

Maintains one of the most comprehensive occupation lists.

Lists occupations across multiple streams:

Skilled Employment Stream
Graduate Stream
Highly Skilled and Talented Stream
Offers nomination pathways for international graduates, offshore applicants, and regional workers.

Western Australia (WA)

Divides occupations into two main categories:

General Occupation List (GOL)
Graduate Occupation List (GOL - Graduate Stream)
Applicants must show employment, work experience, or job offers in WA to be eligible for nomination.

Tasmania (TAS)

Has a Skilled Employment Pathway and Graduate Pathway, among others.
Focuses heavily on applicants who are living, working, or studying in Tasmania.
Offshore candidates are sometimes considered for high-demand occupations.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Uses a points-based Canberra Matrix system to rank candidates for nomination.
Occupation eligibility is based on the ACT Critical Skills List.
Priority is given to applicants who have lived or worked in Canberra for a period of time.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT Migration Occupation List highlights occupations in demand in the territoryâ€™s regional and remote areas.
Emphasizes commitment to living and working in the NT for at least three years.
Accepts both onshore and offshore applicants, though preference is given to those already residing in the territory.

4. How to Check and Use State Occupation Lists

Applicants should:

Identify the state or territory they are interested in living and working in.
Visit the official migration website of that state/territory.
Check whether their occupation and ANZSCO code appear on the current State Occupation List.
Review the eligibility criteria (work experience, English proficiency, job offer requirements, residency conditions, etc.).
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and Registration of Interest (ROI) if applicable.
Each list is subject to frequent updates, so applicants must ensure they refer to the latest published list before applying.

5. Differences Between 190 and 491 Occupation Lists

While both lists draw from the national skilled occupation framework, there are some differences:

The 190 visa list includes occupations needed in metropolitan and broader regions of a state.
The 491 visa list focuses on occupations that are in demand in regional and rural areas, promoting regional development.
Therefore, some occupations that are not available on a 190 list might still be eligible under a 491 regional list.

6. Importance of Being on the State Occupation List

Being on a State Occupation List means:

You are eligible to be nominated by that state or territory.
You can gain extra points (5 points for 190, 15 points for 491) in your SkillSelect profile.
You improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa.
You can strategically plan your migration and career pathway based on regional demand.

7. Updates and Changes

State Occupation Lists are dynamic and can change several times a year, reflecting evolving labour market needs.
For instance:

A profession like Registered Nurse or Civil Engineer may appear on multiple state lists due to high demand.
Other occupations, such as ICT professionals or chefs, may appear only in selected states with specific skill shortages.
Applicants should always monitor updates to ensure their occupation remains eligible at the time of nomination or invitation.

In Summary

The State Occupation Lists for subclass 190 and 491 visas are essential tools in the Australian skilled migration system. They help states and territories identify the talent they need and allow skilled workers to align their visa applications with regional labour demands.

If your occupation is listed, and you meet all eligibility criteria, you can receive state nomination, which significantly boosts your points score and your chances of securing Australian residency - either through the permanent 190 visa or the regional 491 visa leading to permanent residency later.

← Back to Frequently Asked Questions