Top 6 Easiest States to Get PR in Australia in 2026

Australia PR is still a big goal for many skilled migrants, but choosing the right state can make a real difference. The top 6 easiest states to get PR in Australia in 2026 depend on nomination trends, occupation demand, and state requirements. Some states are simply more open to certain profiles than others.

States like South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland attract applicants due to flexible criteria or regional opportunities. Each state has its own rules, priority jobs, and nomination process, so your chances can vary.

In this blog, find out the top states to get PR in Australia and what makes them more accessible.

Which State is Easy to Get PR in Australia: Top 6 Picks

Choosing the right state can improve your chances of getting PR in Australia. Some states have lower competition, while others offer better salaries or lifestyle benefits. Your profile, occupation, and long-term plans all matter when deciding. Below is a simple comparison to help you choose the right state for PR in Australia.

Also Read: 10 Best Regional Areas in Australia

1. Tasmania

Tasmania is a small island state located south of mainland Australia. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, unique wildlife, and high-quality produce. Tasmania is known for its favourable immigration policies and ample opportunities for skilled workers, making it one of the easiest places to immigrate to in Australia.

The Tasmanian Government offers the following visa pathways that lead to permanent residency in Australia

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa that allows you to reside and work in Tasmania. If nominated by Tasmania, you gain five extra points toward meeting the 65-point pass mark on the skilled visa points test set by the Department of Home Affairs.

However, it's crucial to note that if nominated by the Tasmanian Government, you're required to live in Tasmania for a duration of 2 years post-visa approval.

• Separate Processes for Nomination and Visa Application

The process of state nomination and visa application is distinct. The Tasmanian Government evaluates your state nomination application, while the Department of Home Affairs assesses your visa application.

Additionally, if you're nominated for a Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa, future nomination for a permanent Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa won't be applicable. Instead, the Subclass 491 visa acts as a route to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 (Skilled Regional) visa.

• Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) permits individuals to remain in Australia for a maximum of 4 years post-completion of studies. Eligibility requires holding a valid student visa and finishing a course at an Australian educational institution.

• Student Visa (Subclass 500)

The Student Visa (Subclass 500) enables studying in Australia for up to 5 years. To qualify, applicants must gain acceptance into an Australian educational institution and satisfy English language proficiency criteria.

Eligibility Requirements for State Nomination: Tasmania

Below are the permanent residency requirements for eligibility for state nomination in Australia set by the Department of Home Affairs.

• Be under 45 years old.
• Choose an occupation from the list of state-eligible skilled occupation list Australia
• Obtain a valid and positive skills assessment for your chosen occupation.
• Demonstrate at least 'Competent' English language proficiency.
• Accumulate at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test.

Note: Meeting the Tasmanian Government's nomination aus pr eligibility requirements is also essential for state nomination eligibility.

Tasmania's 2025-26 Migration Program Allocations: Latest Rules

The allocation of state and territory-nominated visa categories for the 2025-26 program year has been officially announced by the Australian Government. The allotments for Tasmania are as follows:

• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa: 1,200 places
• Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa: 650 places

Explore: Step By Step Australia PR Process from India

2. South Australia

South Australia is a state located in the southern central part of the country. It is known for its wine regions, stunning coastline, and vibrant city of Adelaide. The South Australian Government offers different types of visa pathways that lead to PR, including the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa and the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa.

South Australia offers various visas tailored to the different needs of immigrants. These include

1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by the South Australian Government.
2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Intended for skilled workers who are willing to reside and work in a regional area of Australia.
3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Available for skilled workers who meet the Department of Home Affairs Australia’s points test criteria.
4. Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 887): Granted to skilled workers who have held a subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years and met the Department of Home Affairs points test requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for State Nomination: South Australia

Below are the eligibility requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs in Australia.

• Skilled Migrants (Subclass 491 or 190 Visa)

• Check South Australia's Skilled Occupation List to ensure your occupation qualifies for state nomination and meets specific requirements.
• Gather necessary supporting documents as per the State Nomination Document Checklist.
• If applying for the Highly Skilled and Talented stream, submit a Registration of Interest application to Skilled & Business Migration.

• International Graduates of South Australia (Subclass 491 or 190 Visa)

• Ensure your occupation aligns with South Australia's Skilled Occupation List and fulfils occupation-specific criteria.
• Review specific criteria for South Australian Graduates, and check eligibility, waivers, and concessions.
• Collect essential supporting documents in line with the State Nomination Document Checklist.

South Australia’s 2025-26 Migration Program Allocations: Latest Rules

According to the recent announcement by the Department of Home Affairs, each state has received a new allocation of visa places

• South Australia (SA) has secured 1,350 positions for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa.
• Additionally, SA has been allocated 900 spots for the Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa.

Check Out: What is Australia Point System for Skilled Immigration?

3. New South Wales

New South Wales is a state located on the east coast of the country, known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. New South Wales is one of the best regional areas in Australia for PR.

NSW employs a selection-based invitation approach to ensure that its nominees match the state's economic skill requirements. You need to create an EOI in SkillSelect and wait for the ITA to apply for the NSW nomination.

The visa subclasses offered by NSW for potential skilled migrants are

1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by the New South Wales Government.
2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Intended for skilled workers who are willing to reside and work in a regional area of Australia.
3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Available for skilled workers who meet the Department of Home Affairs Australia’s points test criteria.
4. Skilled Regional (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 887): Granted to skilled workers who have held a subclass 491 visa for at least 3 years and met the Department of Home Affairs points test requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for State Nomination: New South Wales

To be eligible for NSW state nomination Australia, you should meet these basic criteria

• Fulfil all Home Affairs' visa requirements.
• Possesses expertise in an occupation:
• Listed under an ANZSCO unit group on the NSW skills list for this visa.
• Eligible for the visa.
• Reside in NSW or offshore for at least six consecutive months.
• Submit an EOI SkillSelect specifically for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and exclusively for NSW nomination.

NSW’s 2025-26 Migration Program Allocations: Latest Rules

New South Wales (NSW) has received the following allocations for immigration subclasses:

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa: 2,100 spots
• Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa: 1,500 spots

Quick Read: How To Immigrate To Australia From India Without a Job Offer

4. Victoria

In Victoria, the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) offers permanent residency to skilled migrants. Prior to applying for the visa, you need a nomination from Victoria. For those with qualifications in Victoria's fast-track nomination occupations and who meet the minimum visa requirements, a fast-track nomination option is accessible.

Eligibility Requirements for State Nomination: Victoria

To qualify for Victorian Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa nomination, you should:

• Demonstrate a commitment to residing in Victoria.
• Your Registration of Interest (ROI) should be chosen.
• Be below 45 years of age.
• Attain at least Competent English proficiency.
• Hold a valid Skills Assessment for an occupation listed on the eligible skilled occupation list for this visa.
• Score a minimum of 65 points on the Australian Government's points test based on your Expression of Interest (EOI) Australia in SkillSelect.

Victoria’s 2025-26 Migration Program Allocations: Latest Rules

Victoria has received the following allocation, which includes

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa: 2,700 positions
• Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa: 700 positions

Read Ahead: SkillSelect Australia

5. Queensland

Why Queensland? Referred to as the Sunshine State, Queensland stands as Australia's most diverse state, offering an array of major cities to choose from, some of which are among the world's most liveable.

You can get nominated for Queensland through the following pathways

• Business visa
• Skilled nominated permanent visa (subclass 190) - where you can live and work in Queensland as a permanent resident.
• Skilled work regional provisional visa (subclass 491) - where you can live and work in regional Queensland.

Eligibility Requirements for State Nomination: Queensland

To qualify for subclass 190 or 491 visa nomination, you should ensure the following PR eligibility Australia parameters:

• Be below 45 years of age.
• Attain at least Competent English proficiency.
• Score a minimum of 65 points on the Australian Government's points test based on your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
• You are eligible if you have no history of visa cancellation or rejection.
• Meet health and character requirements

Queensland 2024-25 Migration Program Allocations: Latest Rules

Queensland has received the following allocation, which includes

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa: 1,850 spots
• Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa: 750 spots

Also Read: Best Way to Get PR in Australia for Indians

6. Western Australia

Why Western Australia? Western Australia, the largest state in Australia, also provides numerous visa options that offer relatively accessible pathways to permanent residency (PR).

Compared to other states, the competition for PR in Western Australia is less intense, potentially increasing your chances of a successful PR application in this region.

The visa subclasses offered by Western Australia for potential skilled migrants are

1. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by the New South Wales Government.
2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): Intended for skilled workers who are willing to reside and work in a regional area of Australia.
3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Available for skilled workers who meet the Department of Home Affairs Australia’s points test criteria.

Eligibility Requirements for State Nomination: Western Australia

PR eligibility Australia requirements for Western Australia encompass the following

• Be below 45 years of age.
• Attain at least Competent English proficiency.
• Score a minimum of 65 points on the Australian Government's points test based on your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
• You are eligible if you have no history of visa cancellation or rejection.
• Meet health and character requirements
• For Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas
• Meet English proficiency standards
• At least one year of relevant work experience.

Western Australia 2024-25 Migration Program Allocations: Latest Rules

Western Australia has received the following allocation, which includes

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa: 2,000 spots
• Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visa: 1,400 spots

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Easiest States to Get PR in Australia

Picking the easiest state for PR in Australia is not just about low competition. You also need to think about your job profile, points score, and long-term plans. A state that suits someone else may not be the best fit for you.

• Occupation Demand: Check if your job is listed on the state’s occupation list. States give priority to roles that are in shortage locally.
• Points Score Requirement: Some states need higher points, while others may invite candidates with moderate scores. Your EOI score can change your chances.
• Work Experience Criteria: A few states ask for specific years of experience or employment in the same field. Make sure you match their conditions.
• Onshore vs Offshore Preference: Certain states prefer applicants already living or working in Australia. Others are more open to offshore candidates.
• Regional Commitment: Regional visas may require you to stay and work in that area for a few years. Be ready for that commitment before applying.
• Processing Time and Competition: States with fewer applicants may process faster. But popular states often have stricter selection rules.

Read More: 10 Best Benefits of Australia PR for Indians

Choose the Easiest State for PR in Australia with GetGIS!

Australia, renowned for its exceptional living standards and superior facilities, offers various pathways to PR. Once you've chosen your state or need help to weigh the pros and cons, seeking professional help is vital. Turn to GetGIS for expert guidance on visa queries and skill assessment procedures.

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