Hey friends, dreaming of Australian PR? If you're a skilled worker like so many in our Punjabi community, state nomination for the Subclass 190 (permanent residency) or 491 (5-year regional visa leading to PR) is your golden ticket.

Just last week on Radio Haanji 1674 AM, host Balkirat Singh chatted with migration expert Arun Bansal from Bansal Immigration about these exact rules. They broke it down simply – no fluff, just what you need to hit the ground running. As someone who's helped dozens navigate this (shoutout to my clients now sipping chai in Sydney!), I'll do the same here.

Why this matters: States have limited spots for 2025-26 – Victoria's program just opened, NSW has tiny allocations. Match your situation to the right state, and you're PR-bound faster. Let's dive in!

What Are the 190 Visa Requirements in ACT (Canberra)?

Canberra's a breeze for residents – live and work there 6 months, boom, nomination!

 


 



Visa
Residence
Employment
English/Other




190
26 weeks in Canberra (or 30-min NSW commute)
26/30 weeks, 30+ hrs/wk
Proficient (exempt Chef/skill 3-5)


491
3 months
13/15 weeks, 15+ hrs/wk
Same

Overseas? 3 years full-time exp in last 5 years + proficient English.

Pro Tip from Radio Haanji: Arun said border NSW living counts – perfect for families!

How to Get 491 Visa Nomination in NSW Regional Areas?

NSW loves regional workers – no 190 pathway, but 491 is solid.

Pathway 1 (Employed): 6 months full-time with same regional employer (TSMIT salary).

Pathway 2 (Invited): 3 months living/working in NSW OR offshore 3 months.

Pathway 3 (Grad): Regional uni degree (last 2 years) + 3 months NSW/offshore.

Victoria 190/491: Who Gets Priority?

Live anywhere (VIC or offshore) for 190. Regional work for 491 (skill level 1-3).

190 Boosts: High income, skilled partner, superior English, high exp.

Western Australia State Nomination: Work Exp Breakdown

Health pros: 1 year post-qual (20+ hrs/wk, last 10 years) – Aussie OR overseas.

190: 6 months full-time contract in WA.

491: No contract needed, just be in WA.

Graduates: 2 years full-time WA study (PhD/Masters/Bach/VET III+).

Key Takeaway: No mixing exp – pick one!

 


 



Stream
190
491




General
6 mo contract
In WA


Grad
2 yr study

2 yr study

Queensland 190 Onshore: 9 Months or Bust?

Flexible AF! Multiple jobs, casual, WFH OK (employer in QLD).

 


 



190/491
Onshore
Offshore




Res/Work
9 mo (190)/6 mo (491), 20+ hrs
1 yr employed


Build/Const
3 mo only!
Same



Tasmania Skilled Worker: Priority List Magic

190 Option 1: 9 mo work (6 mo health/teach), 20+ hrs – TSE Priority Occ only.

491 High Salary (>$57k): 9 mo, 12 mo contract.

Low Salary: 12 mo + employer hardship proof.

Grads: 92 wk (190)/40 wk (491) TAS study, AQF5+.

NT Graduates to PR: No Job Needed?

190 Grads: 2 yr study + 6 mo post-grad residence (job hunt proof).

491 Grads: 2 yr study, job hunt during/after.

Residents 190: 2 yr res + 2 yr work (12 mo more).

491: 12 mo res + 6 mo work.

South Australia Graduates: 6 Months Fast-Track

Grads: 6 mo res + 6 mo full-time (30 hrs).

Skilled Emp: 12 mo res/work.

Outer Regional: 9 mo.

Offshore: 3 yr exp (1 yr construction).

Key Takeaways: Your 2025 PR Roadmap

1. Shortest res? ACT 491 (3 mo).


2. Grads win: WA/TAS/NT/SA.


3. Regional flex: NSW/QLD.


4. Overseas? All open, but exp needed.


5. Act now – spots filling fast!

Ready? Comment your state below – I'll reply! Share with fam, and DM for free EOI check like Bansal Immigration offers.

FAQ: State Nomination Answered

Q1: Can I combine jobs for QLD residence? A: Yes! Casual/WFH counts – hit 20+ hrs easy.

Q2: ACT border NSW living OK for 190? A: Yup, 30-min commute – Radio Haanji confirmed!

Q3: WA grads need work exp? A: No – just 2 years study.

Q4: NSW 190 closed – 491 only? A: Correct, regional focus.

Q5: TAS priority occupation list where? A: Migration.tas.gov.au – check now!

Q6: English exempt for chefs? A: Yes, all states!

Q7: 2025 allocations out? A: Yes – apply before rounds close!