Landing permanent residency (PR) in Australia is a dream for many. But did you know your chances can greatly depend on which state you choose? Here’s a breakdown of the states and territories most welcoming to PR hopefuls in 2025.
Why it’s easy:
No occupation ceiling—Tasmania often accepts a broader range of occupations than other states.
Lower competition and fewer applicants.
Generous extra 15 points for Subclass 491 regional visa applicants.
Strong drawcards:
Affordable cost of living, tight-knit communities, and fewer job seekers make this state ideal for those aiming for regional pathways like 190 and 491 visas.
Large occupation list & generous quotas make nomination more attainable.
Faster processing times—often under 6 months for state nominations.
Admission-friendly attitude: actively recruits migrants to boost population and economy .
Reddit feedback echoes this:
“SA is indeed the more PR‑friendly state, housing ought to be cheaper as well.”
Strong quotas: WA offers many slots for Subclass 190/491 visas—about 8,500 and 6,400 respectively in 2023–24 .
Good demand in sectors like mining, healthcare, and construction.
Regional pathways available—great for those targeting 491 visas.
Offers 900 spots for Subclass 190 and 650 for 491 visas in 2023–24.
Bonus points and faster processing for regional occupations.
High demand in engineering, healthcare, and trades.
Northern Territory: Known for low competition and bonus for regional stays, especially if you studied or worked there.
Australian Capital Territory (Canberra): Offers broad occupation nominations; operates its own “Canberra Matrix” points.
High demand, stricter selection: Eligibility is broad, but invitations are selective and unpredictable .
Extensive occupation lists but heavy applicant pools—pending state strategies and quotas.
| State / Territory | PR Ease | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | ★★★★★ | No occupation ceiling, extra points, low competition |
| South Australia | ★★★★☆ | Broad occupation list, fast nomination, high invites |
| Western Australia | ★★★★☆ | Large visa quotas, strong regional pathways |
| Queensland | ★★★★☆ | Regional bonuses, growing job demand |
| Northern Territory | ★★★☆☆ | Small applicant pool, regional incentives |
| ACT (Canberra) | ★★☆☆☆ | Broad coverage, variable matrix points |
| VIC, NSW | ★★☆☆☆ | Competitive markets, selective invitations |
If PR is your top goal, think Tasmania or South Australia—they present the clearest and most accessible pathways.
Western Australia and Queensland offer solid regional opportunities with good quotas.
Northern Territory and ACT can be promising if you opt for regional stays or tailored matrix systems.
Victoria and NSW are best if you’re targeting premium jobs or lifestyle—just know PR is harder through these states.
Leverage state nomination: A 65‑point federal score plus nomination vastly improves chances.
Choose regional pathways like 491 to gain extra points and smoother processing.
Align with demand: Healthcare, engineering, trades, IT, and agriculture offer strong PR chances.
Stay current: PR rules and quotas change—check migration portals and state updates regularly.
For most skilled migrants and students, Tasmania and South Australia represent the most promising routes to Australian PR in 2025—offering broad occupation lists, lower competition, regional incentives, and faster processing. Western Australia and Queensland are strong alternatives with generous quotas and regional advantages, while Northern Territory and ACT offer niche but viable options. Victoria and NSW remain aspirational, though tougher to navigate due to competition and unpredictability.
Choose your state based on your occupation, willingness to live regionally, and adaptability. With the right strategy, you can unlock your pathway to permanent residency in Australia!
