South Australia nominated the highest number of candidates for skilled visas in the first six months of the current migration program year, immigration figures confirm. The state nominated a total of 3,105 candidates through five different subclass visas that allow them to remain in Australia as a permanent resident at the end. The state nominated 1859 candidates for skilled regional provisional visa subclass 489, now substituted by skilled work regional provisional visa subclass 491. The highest number for this subclass, any state nominated. For the same subclass, NSW nominated 765, Tasmania 909, Northern Territory 218, Queensland 114, Victoria 58, and Western Australia 23 candidates. Altogether 3,946 candidates were nominated for the regional provisional visa before it became history. [ads2]
South Australia nominated 769 candidates for subclass 190 and only 27 nominations of 491-visa through a family-sponsored stream. The state nominated 207 candidates for business innovation and investment subclass 188 and 243 nominated for business talent permanent visa subclass 132 during the first six months of the current migration program year. 
Nominations by State and Territory Governments – 2019-20 total activity
| Visa subclass | ACT | NSW | NT | Qld | SA | Tas. | Vic. | WA | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) | 699 | 1,188 | 174 | 771 | 769 | 550 | 1,039 | 475 | 5,665 |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored | 0 | 0 | 22 | 42 | 27 | 169 | 16 | 0 | 276 |
| Skilled Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489) | 0 | 765 | 218 | 114 | 1,859 | 909 | 58 | 23 | 3,946 |
| Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188) | 6 | 499 | 11 | 487 | 207 | 8 | 995 | 95 | 2,308 |
| Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132) | <5 | 18 | <5 | 150 | 243 | 7 | 9 | 36 | 467 |
| Total | 706 | 2,470 | 428 | 1,564 | 3,105 | 1,643 | 2,117 | 629 | 12,662 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs
From 1 July 2019 to the end of December 2019 Australian states nominated 5,665 candidates for subclass 190 visa together. 190 is a permanent residency visa with the condition to remain and work in nominating state at least two years. NSW nominated the highest number during the period, 1,188 candidates nominated. The third large group nominated for skilled visa subclass was business innovation and investment provisional subclass 188; eight states nominated 2,308 candidates combined.
Since 2017, the Australian migration program becoming tougher for international students and overseas skilled workers as the government changed its priorities. Now, many international students and skilled workers eying regional areas and states with higher nomination outcomes.
