Are you considering moving to Australia? 🇦🇺 How does waking up in a city that appreciates your profession, sending your children to world-class schools, and spending your weekends on short getaways to beaches, national parks, and lively neighborhoods resonate with you? It sounds like a fantasy; however, for countless professionals, PR in Australia (Permanent Residency) is nothing short of a fantasy that has turned into a reality.
But here’s the catch: while many people focus on points, exams, and documents, they often ignore one critical factor: choosing the right state for their PR application.
Yes! The state you choose can make or break your chances of getting invited for PR. Each state has its own requirements, demand list, and nomination criteria. Some states value IT professionals, while others are in dire need of healthcare workers or construction experts.
Check your eligibility for Australia PR with our Points Calculator. Quick, accurate & hassle-free tool.
This guide will walk you through the Top 6 PR-friendly states in Australia for 2025, what jobs are in demand, and why choosing wisely could fast-track your Australian dream.
Why Does State Choice Matter in Australia's PR?
Australia offers skilled workers different pathways to PR through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program, such as:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – no sponsorship required.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – requires state/territory nomination.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – for applicants willing to live in regional areas.
But here’s the important bit: most of these visas rely heavily on state nomination.
Each state publishes its own list of occupations. A profession in high demand in Victoria may not even appear on Queensland’s list. So if you don’t choose carefully, you might end up waiting for an invitation that never comes.
Tip: Always align your skills with the states that are actively looking for your profession.
Top 6 PR-Friendly States in Australia (2025)
Let’s break down the states one by one and see which one might be your golden ticket
New South Wales (NSW) – Best for IT & Finance Professionals
Capital: Sydney
New South Wales remains the number one choice for migrants due to Sydney’s booming economy and lifestyle opportunities.
In-demand jobs in NSW:
- Software Engineers
- Accountants
- Financial Analysts
- ICT Business Analysts
The competition here is very high. To secure an invitation, you often need:
- A high points score (usually 85+)
- Strong English language skills
If you’re in IT, finance, or healthcare, NSW is a great fit, but remember, demand comes with competition.
Victoria – Perfect for Healthcare, Engineering & Education
Capital: Melbourne
Victoria is the heart of Australia’s healthcare and education sectors. Post-COVID, the state has increased opportunities for medical professionals and teachers.
In-demand jobs in Victoria:
- Registered Nurses
- Civil Engineers
- Secondary School Teachers
- Construction Project Managers
If you have experience in these fields, your chances of nomination are very high. Melbourne, being a hub of universities and hospitals, offers both career growth and a fantastic lifestyle.
Queensland – Great for Engineers, Trades & Agriculture
Capital: Brisbane
Queensland (QLD) combines a sunny climate with growing job opportunities. The state is known for being more lenient in nominations, especially under the Subclass 491 visa.
In-demand jobs in Queensland:
- Civil & Mechanical Engineers
- Fitters & Metal Machinists
- Agricultural Technicians
- Chefs & Cooks
If you don’t mind working in regional areas, Queensland can be your easy PR pathway.
South Australia (SA) – Best for Regional Graduates & Fresh Applicants
Capital: Adelaide
South Australia is often overlooked, but it’s one of the easiest states for PR, especially for international graduates.
In-demand jobs in South Australia:
- Social Workers
- Early Childhood Teachers
- Civil Engineering Drafters
- Aged & Disabled Carers
SA even offers PR incentives for working in regional towns. If you’re struggling to qualify in other states, SA could be your backup plan (or even your first choice!).
Western Australia (WA) – High Demand in Construction & Mining
Capital: Perth
Western Australia is experiencing a skills shortage due to large infrastructure projects and a booming mining industry.
In-demand jobs in WA:
- Electricians
- Construction Managers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Metal Fabricators
If your trade or technical skills match WA’s list, you could enjoy fast-tracked PR processing through Subclass 190 or 491 visas.
Tasmania – Friendly & Easy for Graduates and Freshers
Capital: Hobart
Tasmania might be small, but it is one of the most welcoming states for migrants. The nomination process here is relatively simple, making it perfect for students and new applicants.
In-demand jobs in Tasmania:
- Bakers
- Aged Care Workers
- Hospitality Workers
- Web Developers
Even if you don’t have years of experience, Tasmania gives you plenty of opportunities under the Subclass 491 visa.
Quick Comparison of PR-Friendly States in 2025
Here’s a table to help you compare at a glance:
| State | Best For | Popular In-Demand Jobs | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | IT & Finance Professionals | Software Engineers, Accountants | High (85+ points needed) |
| Victoria | Healthcare, Education, Engineering | Nurses, Civil Engineers, Teachers | Moderate |
| Queensland | Engineers, Trades, Agriculture | Chefs, Machinists, Technicians | Easy (esp. Subclass 491) |
| South Australia | Regional Graduates | Social Workers, Carers, Teachers | Easy |
| Western Australia | Construction & Mining | Electricians, Engineers, Fabricators | Moderate |
| Tasmania | Freshers & Graduates | Bakers, Hospitality, Web Developers | Very Easy |
Which State is Right for You?
Your choice depends on factors like:
- Your profession & skills
- Your points score
- Willingness to live in regional areas
- Your long-term career goals
Remember: one size doesn’t fit all. What works for an engineer in NSW may not work for a teacher in Tasmania. Always check the latest Skilled Occupation List before making a decision.
Final Thoughts – Your Australian Dream Starts with the Right State
Migrating to Australia isn’t just about securing a visa; it’s about building a life where opportunities meet lifestyle. Whether it’s NSW’s bustling tech sector, Victoria’s healthcare hub, or Tasmania’s friendly setup, each state has something unique to offer.
Your future in Australia depends on aligning your career with the right state’s demand. With the right strategy, your PR journey can be smoother, faster, and more rewarding.
Explore key Australia PR requirements, eligibility criteria, points system & process for Indian applicants.
How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help You
Applying for PR can feel overwhelming, including points, skills assessments, state nominations, and endless paperwork. That’s where Visa Solutions 4u steps in as your trusted partner.
Here’s how we make your PR dream possible:
- Use the Australia 65 Points Calculator to assess your eligibility.
- Guide you on the best state for your profile.
- Help prepare and submit your EOI (Expression of Interest).
- Support you in securing state nomination.
- Assist with skills assessment and end-to-end PR processing.
With our expert team, you don’t just get an application; you get a personalized PR roadmap tailored to your skills, background, and long-term goals.
Why take chances with guesswork when experts can guide you? Let Visa Solutions 4u turn your Australian dream into reality.
