On this page
At a glance
- Pathway type
- Nominated and regional skilled migration options
- Central requirement
- Nomination by a state or territory, or a qualifying regional connection
- Common considerations
- Occupation lists by jurisdiction, residence or work commitments, program timing
- Application model
- Generally expression of interest, nomination, invitation, then application
- Can family members be included?
- Potentially, subject to applicable requirements
- Does this page confirm eligibility?
- No
A pathway can appear relevant without all requirements being met. Eligibility depends on current rules and your individual circumstances.
Who this pathway may be relevant to
- Skilled workers open to living and working in a specific state, territory or region
- People whose occupation appears on a jurisdiction's list but not on others
- Applicants seeking additional points or options through nomination
- People already living, studying or working in a regional area
Main factors that may affect this pathway
Jurisdiction differences
State nomination criteria differ by jurisdiction and may change during a program year. An occupation in demand in one state may not be in another, and requirements about residence, work or job offers vary.
Commitments to the nominating jurisdiction
Nomination generally comes with expectations about living and working in the nominating jurisdiction or region. These commitments are part of the decision and worth taking seriously.
Program timing
Programs open, pause and adjust during the year based on allocations and demand. Timing affects when applications are possible, which makes monitoring official channels important.
Regional definitions
Which areas count as regional is defined by program settings and can change. Where you live, study or work relative to those definitions can affect options.
How the pathway may work
Explore relevance
Compare jurisdictions whose priorities may fit your occupation and circumstances.
Prepare assessments
Obtain the skills assessment and English results the pathway refers to.
Express interest
Lodge an expression of interest and any jurisdiction-specific registration.
Nomination application
Apply for nomination where the jurisdiction's process requires it.
Invitation
If nominated and invited, review the current requirements.
Submit the application
Lodge the visa application with supporting documents.
Decision
The application is decided by the Department of Home Affairs.
The order can differ depending on the pathway, state or territory, occupation, employer, application location, and your existing visa status.
Documents and evidence that may matter
Standard skilled documents
- Skills assessment outcome
- English test results
- Employment and qualification evidence
Jurisdiction-specific evidence
- Evidence of residence, work or study in the jurisdiction where required
- Job offer or employment evidence where required
- Commitment statements where requested
Costs to consider
- Government visa application charges
- Some jurisdictions charge nomination application fees
- Skills assessment and English test fees
- Professional fees if you engage a migration professional
Government and third-party charges can change. Confirm current amounts before making financial decisions.
Situations that may need closer review
- Occupation appearing on some lists but not others
- Recent moves between jurisdictions
- Program pauses or changed criteria mid-year
- Balancing family needs against regional commitments
Professional review may be useful because circumstances like these can include additional complexity.
Other pathways that may be worth exploring
Tools and resources for this pathway
Pathway Finder
Answer a short series of questions to identify pathways and topics that may be worth exploring. The tool provides general guidance only — it cannot confirm eligibility, assess your evidence, or predict an outcome.
Guide
Understanding skills assessments for Australian migration
Content reference date: 18 July 2026 · 8-minute read
When professional review may help
General information can take you a long way, but individual circumstances — visa history, occupation questions, evidence gaps, timing pressure — may require professional assessment. A consultation is a structured discussion of your situation, with clear scope and pricing published before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources and review information
Content reference date: 28 July 2026. Confirm current requirements with a registered migration agent.
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