Australia is shaking up its State and Territory Nomination pathways in 2025, and if you plan on calling this place home, here are the key points you have to get right. The updates are mainly landing on the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa,) so drivers, engineers, teachers, nurses, and IT people stand to gain the most—and the conditions are changing pretty fast.
Why Changes Matter for Migrants
Australia’s new migration rules show the country is serious about filling skills shortages in key regional areas. Every state has rolled out fresh lists of in-demand jobs and tightened nomination rules designed to steer newcomers away from just the big cities and into the broader regions. People already here or only just planning to touch down need to pay close attention to the details—those who move to the regions stand out and boost their chances of landing state sponsorship.
What Jobs Will Get a Boost?
Healthcare, engineering, teaching, and tech experts will see more chances under the refreshed system. NSW is looking for strong candidates in IT and engineering, while Victoria leans toward educators and medical researchers. Up in Queensland, construction and nursing pros lead the list, while South Australia is calling out for workers in hospitality and aged care. The Northern Territory, faced with sprawling distances, is still pressing for trades and health workers who’ll relocate to remote areas.
What Will Kick in Next?
The big shift coming on board in 2025 is the sharper focus on regional work experience. If you can show you’ve already lived and contributed in a regional setting, you’ll have a noticeably edge when a state is making up its mind.
Also, candidates already in Australia—often called “onshore applicants”—are being prioritized by several states, especially if they have strong work histories in the job they’re nominating.
English requirements have tightened, and applicants with higher test scores are seeing better chances of getting state nomination.
Steps to Take If You’re Thinking About Applying
If state nomination in 2025 is on your radar, explore each state’s requirements in detail before you lodge your Expression of Interest. You should look at:
- Which states count your job as a priority
- If your points add up to the state’s minimum
- If you’ve got regional work experience or are ready to move to a regional area
- Your English test scores
- Any family, friends, or connections in a state you’re thinking about
People who can move anywhere and are ready to support regional growth will find the widest range of options. Australia is still keen on skilled workers, but the rules are adjusting so that new arrivals are a close fit with the country’s changing economic plans.