3 Underrated States for a Faster PR Pathway in 2026

If you’re searching for the most underrated states for PR in Australia, three stand out in 2026: Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Most migrants default to Sydney or Melbourne, which is also where competition is thickest.

New South Wales and Victoria recorded the highest Net Overseas Migration of any states in 2024-25, according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Tasmania and the Northern Territory recorded the lowest. Less competition isn’t the only reason to look at these states. Here’s what each one actually offers.

Tasmania

Tasmania is unusual because the entire state counts as regional for migration purposes, including Hobart, the capital.

Under the Tasmanian Skilled Employment pathway, you may only need 6 to 9 months of related work in Tasmania before you can apply for state nomination. Most occupations need 9 months. Teaching, health, and allied health roles can qualify at 6 months.

That’s a realistic, clearly mapped pathway for many people already on a graduate or provisional visa.

South Australia

South Australia is one of the few states where the capital city still counts as regional. If you live and work in Adelaide, you can still access the regional visa pathway and its extra points, without moving to a small town.

South Australia also runs monthly nomination rounds. In March 2026, it issued 406 invitations in a single round, the largest of any state that financial year. It’s also one of the few states that lets offshore applicants apply directly from their SkillSelect Expression of Interest, without moving there first.

Northern Territory

The whole Northern Territory, including Darwin, is classified as regional. Darwin is a full-sized city with everything you need, and it still qualifies for the regional visa pathway.

The NT also runs something no other state has: the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), a separate employer-sponsored pathway. The current agreement, NT DAMA III, covers 325 occupations, including many that aren’t on the standard national skills list, with concessions on English and salary requirements. It allows up to 1,500 approved nominations a year.

If you’re already living and working in the NT, nominations are processed in 4 to 10 weeks, the fastest turnaround of any state in the country.

Why These Underrated States for PR in Australia Are Worth Considering

NSW and Victoria will always have the biggest job markets. But if your occupation is in demand and you’re open to where you live, these three underrated states for PR in Australia offer clearer pathways, less competition for nomination spots, and in some cases, faster processing.

It’s part of a wider pattern. Perth and Adelaide are already outperforming Sydney on several job market measures, and regional pathways are a big part of why. The same logic extends further: smaller job markets with clearer nomination criteria are quietly becoming the more strategic choice for many skilled migrants.

If you’re weighing a state nomination against an employer-sponsored route, it helps to understand how the Skills in Demand (SID) visa now compares on timeline and flexibility. DreamShift’s career support team can help you weigh up which pathway fits your occupation and timeline best.

FAQ on Underrated States for PR in Australia

Do I have to live in these states permanently?
For most regional pathways, you need to live and work there for a set period before you can apply to convert to permanent residency. Requirements vary by state and visa subclass, so check the current rules before you commit.

Is a 491 visa the same as a 190?
No. The 190 is a state-nominated permanent visa. The 491 is a 5-year provisional regional visa that can convert to permanent residency (subclass 191) after you meet time and income requirements. The 491 comes with more points, but the 190 gets you permanent residency immediately.

Sources: Australian Labour Market for Migrants, April 2026, Jobs and Skills Australia, Tasmanian Skilled Employment Pathways, Migration Tasmania, Northern Territory Designated Area Migration Agreement