There is no single easiest state to get PR in Australia – it depends on your occupation. Each state and territory publishes its own nomination criteria and its own occupation list, and a trade that is oversubscribed in New South Wales may be actively sought in Tasmania or South Australia. The right question is which state wants what you do.
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!
Before comparing states, be clear which nomination you are chasing. They award different points, carry different obligations, and not every state nominates generously for both.
| Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | |
|---|---|---|
| Points added | 5 | 15 |
| Status | Permanent residence immediately | Provisional for five years, then a PR pathway |
| Where you must live | The nominating state | A designated regional area of the nominating state |
| Competition | Higher — everyone wants it | Lower, because of the regional condition |
| Best for | Applicants already near the points cut-off | Applicants who need the extra points to compete at all |
The 15 points from a 491 are often the difference between an invitation and years of waiting. Applicants who rule it out early on lifestyle grounds usually end up reconsidering it later.
| State or territory | Generally suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Tasmania | Broad occupation acceptance, low competition, strong 491 pathways | Smaller job market — have a plan for employment |
| South Australia | Large occupation list, active recruitment, comparatively fast nomination | Popular, so demand rises quickly each intake |
| Western Australia | Sizeable quotas, less competition than the east coast | Occupation list is tied closely to local skills shortages |
| Northern Territory | Very open to applicants willing to commit to the region | Strict expectations around genuinely settling there |
| ACT | Points-based matrix rewards existing ties to Canberra | Ranked selection — you compete against other candidates |
| Queensland | Strong for onshore applicants already working in-state | Often narrower criteria for offshore applicants |
| Victoria | Targets specific sectors, notably health and technology | Selective, and generally not the easy route |
| New South Wales | Largest job market by far | The most competitive nomination in the country |
Every one of these lists is reissued each program year with new occupations and new allocations. Treat the table as a guide to each state’s posture, not as a permanent ranking — check the current list for your occupation before committing.
This is the point most comparison articles skip. A state that is broadly “easy” is irrelevant if your occupation is not on its list, and a competitive state can be straightforward if your occupation is in genuine shortage there.
State nomination is not a formality you use to get points and then ignore. On a 190 you are expected to live and work in the nominating state, usually for the first two years. On a 491 it is a visa condition — you must live, work and study in a designated regional area, and failing to do so puts the visa itself at risk.
Also worth knowing: for 491 purposes, “regional” is defined broadly. Everywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane counts, which includes Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra — cities most people would not describe as regional at all.
Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory are generally the most accessible because of lower competition and broader occupation acceptance. But the honest answer depends on your occupation — a state is only “easy” if it nominates your ANZSCO code.
Yes. After meeting the residence and income requirements in a designated regional area, holders can apply for the permanent subclass 191.
On a 190 you are expected to honour the commitment to the nominating state, normally for the first two years. On a 491 the regional condition is enforceable and breaching it can affect your visa and your pathway to 191.
Not usually, though some states and some occupations require one — particularly for applicants applying from outside Australia.
You can lodge an EOI visible to multiple states, but each nomination application has its own criteria and, in some cases, its own fee. Target the states that actually list your occupation rather than applying everywhere.
Not sure which state actually lists your occupation? Our Australia team in Hyderabad will check your ANZSCO code against the current state lists before you commit to anything.
