Quick answer: For 2026–27, Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory are shaping up as the easiest states for PR in Australia, thanks to lower competition, wider occupation lists, and fewer points-test pressures than Victoria or NSW. Tasmania’s 190/491 program reopened on 17 August 2026 with 1,250 subclass 190 and 800 subclass 491 places, the Northern Territory reopened on 21 August 2026 with a full allocation, and South Australia is expected to reopen shortly once its 2026–27 allocation is confirmed. Victoria and NSW remain harder because they draw the largest applicant pools and prioritise onshore candidates already working in-state.
If you’re an offshore or onshore skilled worker trying to decide where to point your Expression of Interest (EOI), this guide breaks down exactly which state gives you the best odds — occupation by occupation, visa by visa — using the latest official state nomination updates.
Why “Easiest State” Isn’t the Same for Everyone
Before jumping into rankings, it’s worth understanding why this question doesn’t have one universal answer. The easiest state for PR Australia 2026-27 depends on three personal factors:
- Your occupation — a state’s occupation list decides whether you’re even eligible to apply.
- Your points score — smaller states often accept lower points than Victoria or NSW.
- Your location — onshore applicants already living and working in a state usually get priority over offshore applicants.
So when people ask which Australian state is easiest for PR in 2026?, the honest answer is: the one whose occupation list matches your job, whose points bar you can clear, and whose program is actually open right now.
State-by-State : 2026–27 Nomination Status
| State | 190 Status (Aug 2026) | 491 Status | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | Open — reopened 17 Aug 2026, 1,250 places | Open, 800 places (no offshore-only invitations this year) | Lower competition, smaller applicant pool |
| South Australia | 2025–26 round closed in May; 2026–27 pending confirmation | Same | Broad occupation list (395+ occupations) |
| Northern Territory | Reopened 21 Aug 2026, full allocation confirmed | Reopened 21 Aug 2026 | Entire NT counts as “regional” for 491 |
| Victoria | Not yet open for 2026–27 (as of late Aug 2026) | Not yet open | Largest applicant pool, 85–90% of invites go to onshore workers |
| Western Australia / Queensland / NSW | Program timing varies by state | Program timing varies | Typically higher points bar, more competition |
Tasmania State Nomination Visa 2026: The Frontrunner for Low Competition
Tasmania consistently ranks as one of the friendliest states for PR because of its smaller population and lower volume of applicants competing for the same nomination places. For the 2026–27 program:
- The Tasmanian Skilled Migration State Nomination Program reopened to new Registrations of Interest (ROI) on 17 August 2026, with weekly invitation rounds starting 20 August 2026.
- 1,250 subclass 190 places and 800 subclass 491 places are available this program year.
- The nomination fee has risen to $387 ($425.70 including GST).
- Tasmania will not issue invitations under the offshore Subclass 491 “Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles” pathway this year — meaning most 491 places will go to people already working in Tasmania.
- New priority attributes reward longer periods of Tasmanian employment, and the “TSE Gold” tier now requires at least 30 hours/week in a single position.
Why applicants like it: Tasmania is a small state with clear rules and a genuine focus on skilled workers who are prepared to commit. If you already have a job offer or are working in Tasmania, this is currently one of the easiest state nomination pathways in the country.
South Australia 190 Visa: Easy Nomination With a Broad Occupation List
South Australia has built a reputation for having one of the broadest occupation lists of any state — helpful if your job isn’t on the national priority lists used by bigger states.
- For the 2025–26 program, South Australia was allocated 1,350 subclass 190 places and 900 subclass 491 places — a combined 2,250, one of the largest allocations of any state.
- The South Australia Skilled Occupation List includes 395 occupations, of which 305 are eligible for both 190 and 491, and the remaining 97 for 491 only.
- Both visa streams require a minimum of 65 points.
- The 2025–26 round closed in late May 2026; the 2026–27 program settings had not yet been published as of the latest state update, so applicants should watch for the reopening announcement.
Why applicants like it: With hundreds of eligible occupations spanning health, IT, engineering, construction, and education, South Australia gives a much wider pool of applicants a realistic shot — making it a strong contender if you’re comparing the best state for state nomination Australia wide.
Northern Territory: The Easiest 491 Visa Pathway in the Country
If your main goal is qualifying for the subclass 491 visa, the Northern Territory deserves a close look.
- The NT received its full 2026–27 allocation from the federal government and reopened its nomination portal on 21 August 2026 for both onshore and select offshore streams.
- For 2025–26, the NT received 800 subclass 190 places and 800 subclass 491 places — a jump of 550 and 400 places respectively over the prior year, one of the biggest increases of any jurisdiction.
- Critically, the entire Northern Territory is classified as regional, including metropolitan Darwin — so there’s no capital-city exclusion that limits your options.
- Subclass 190 is generally reserved for applicants already living in the NT long-term; offshore applicants are mostly considered for subclass 491 only.
- The NT requires a longer settlement commitment — three years, compared to two years in most other states.
Why applicants like it: Because Darwin counts as regional, the NT offers one of the most accessible 491 visa pathways in Australia, especially for offshore applicants who don’t yet have a job offer elsewhere.
Victoria 190 Visa Occupation List 2026: Why It’s Tougher (But Not Impossible)
Victoria remains one of the most popular destinations for migrants — which is exactly why it’s harder to secure nomination there.
- Victoria’s 2026–27 skilled visa nomination program had not yet opened as of late August 2026. The prior 2025–26 program closed to new ROIs on 28 April 2026 after receiving 3,400 total places (2,700 for subclass 190, 700 for subclass 491).
- Victoria doesn’t publish its own separate occupation list — it accepts any occupation on the national Skilled Occupation List, but selection is highly competitive.
- A minimum of 65 points is required, though 80+ points is recommended for competitive fields like healthcare, teaching, and community services.
- Around 85–90% of invitations go to onshore applicants already working in Victoria, meaning offshore applicants face a much steeper climb.
Bottom line: Victoria isn’t the easiest option for state nomination in 2026–27, but it remains attractive if you’re already living and working there, since Victoria doesn’t require a job offer for the subclass 190 pathway.
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How to Choose a State for Visa Nomination in Australia
Choosing the right state doesn’t have to be guesswork. Use this quick process:
- Check your occupation against each state’s current occupation list (Tasmania, South Australia, NT, and Victoria all publish theirs).
- Compare points requirements — smaller states like Tasmania and the NT tend to be more forgiving than Victoria or NSW.
- Check your location status — onshore applicants almost always have an advantage, especially in Victoria and Tasmania.
- Watch program opening dates — nomination portals open and close throughout the year, and missing a window can cost you months.
- Match your occupation to the state’s economy — health, engineering, ICT, and trades are consistently in demand across Tasmania, SA, and the NT.
This is also where the state nomination occupation list Australia 2026 comparison matters most: an occupation excluded in one state may be wide open in another.
Which State Sponsors Visa Easily Australia? A Realistic Ranking
Based on current 2026–27 program status, competition levels, and occupation list breadth:
- Tasmania — open now, smaller applicant pool, clear rules.
- Northern Territory — open now, full regional 491 eligibility, generous allocation growth.
- South Australia — broadest occupation list, strong historical allocation, program reopening imminent.
- Victoria — most popular but most competitive; best if already onshore.
- NSW, Queensland, WA — allocations and timing vary; generally more competitive than the smaller states above.
If your priority is speed and lower competition, Tasmania and the NT currently offer the easiest state nomination pathway. If your priority is occupation flexibility, South Australia is hard to beat.
Best Regional State for 491 Visa 2026–27
For applicants specifically targeting the 491 visa, the Northern Territory stands out because its entire territory — including Darwin — qualifies as regional, removing the usual “regional postcode” restrictions that apply elsewhere. Tasmania is a close second, offering 800 subclass 491 places, though this year’s places are focused on applicants already working in Tasmania rather than fully offshore candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which state is easiest to get PR in Australia in 2026? Tasmania and the Northern Territory currently offer the lowest competition and highest chance of nomination for most occupations.
2. Which state has the easiest occupation list for PR? South Australia has one of the broadest lists, with 395+ eligible occupations across both the 190 and 491 pathways.
3. Is the 190 visa easier than the 491 visa? The 491 is generally easier to get nominated for since it has more places and lower points requirements, but it’s provisional, not permanent.
4. Do I need a job offer to get state nomination in Victoria? No — Victoria’s subclass 190 pathway doesn’t require a job offer, though earnings from skilled employment in Victoria improve your ranking.
5. Is the Northern Territory good for the 491 visa? Yes — the entire NT is classified as regional, so there’s no capital-city exclusion for Darwin-based applicants.
6. How many points do I need for South Australia’s 190 visa? A minimum of 65 points is required for both the subclass 190 and 491 nomination streams.
7. When does Tasmania’s 2026–27 nomination program open? It reopened on 17 August 2026, with weekly invitation rounds starting 20 August 2026.
8. Which state has the fastest-growing nomination allocation? The Northern Territory saw one of the largest year-on-year increases, gaining 550 additional subclass 190 places and 400 additional subclass 491 places.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “easiest” state for everyone — but for 2026–27, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and South Australia are the three states offering the most realistic pathways for skilled migrants, whether you’re chasing a 190 or a 491 visa. The right choice comes down to matching your occupation, points score, and location to a state’s current program settings — and acting quickly once a nomination round opens, since places are limited and competitive.
Navigating state nomination requirements, occupation lists, and shifting program dates can get complicated fast. Australian Immigration Consultants connects skilled workers with experienced, registered migration agents who assess your eligibility across every state, help you choose the pathway with the strongest odds, and prepare a complete, compliant nomination application — so you’re not left guessing which state to back in 2026–27.
