Best State Nomination for Indonesian IT Professionals and Software Engineers Applying for Australia PR
For Indonesian IT professionals and software engineers, the best state nomination program depends primarily on two variables: your total points score before nomination, and whether you can live outside Sydney and Melbourne. No single state is definitively "best" for all Indonesian IT applicants. The state that offers the fastest path to an invitation at 75 points is different from the state that offers the best lifestyle at 90 points with a family.
This is the systematic comparison that WhatsApp groups and Kaskus threads cannot provide — because no individual post covers all states simultaneously. The analysis covers the Subclass 190 (permanent, state-nominated, +5 points) and Subclass 491 (provisional, regional, +15 points) pathways relevant to Indonesian IT professionals whose occupation appears on the MLTSSL or a state-specific skilled occupation list.
Why State Nomination Matters So Much in 2026
The Subclass 189 independent visa — no state commitment, permanent residency on grant — allocated only 16,900 places in 2024-2025, down 44% from the previous year. For Indonesian IT professionals in competitive ANZSCO codes like Software Engineer (261313), ICT Business Analyst (261111), and Systems Analyst (261112), recent invitation thresholds can be around 85–95 points. Many professionals in these roles cannot reach that range without nomination.
The practical effect: many Indonesian IT professionals in 2026 will consider either 190 state nomination (+5 points) or 491 regional nomination (+15 points) because state and regional pathways can be more accessible than 189. Invitation prospects remain occupation- and program-dependent.
The Five States That Matter for Indonesian IT Professionals
New South Wales (NSW) — 190 and 491
Occupations covered: NSW has one of the deepest ICT occupation lists among all states. Software Engineer (261313), ICT Business Analyst (261111), Systems Analyst (261112), Developer Programmer (261312), ICT Security Specialist (262112), and Database Administrator (262111) have historically appeared on the NSW list.
Selection mechanism: NSW uses a merit-based selection from registered expressions of interest. NSW does not always publicly disclose the exact criteria, but competitive points totals, offshore vs onshore status, and occupation demand are factors.
Processing time: NSW nomination processing has been slower than SA and WA in recent years. Visa grant after nomination also tends to run longer due to high application volumes.
Realistic invitation threshold: 85+ points for most ICT occupations in competitive rounds. NSW is the most desirable destination for Indonesian IT professionals (proximity to Sydney's Indonesian community, major tech employer concentration), which drives higher competition.
Indonesian applicant advantage: NSW has the largest Indonesian-born community in Australia (approximately 35,000, 41% of the national diaspora concentrated in Greater Sydney). For applicants with family or community ties in Sydney, NSW is the most meaningful nomination.
Best for: Indonesian IT professionals with 85+ points seeking to settle in Sydney and willing to wait longer for nomination in exchange for the destination preference.
South Australia (SA) — 190 and 491
Occupations covered: SA's occupation list includes IT and engineering roles with a strong focus on defence, cyber security, and renewable energy sectors. ICT Security Specialist, Software Engineer, and Systems Analyst have been consistently represented.
Selection mechanism: SA uses a Registration of Interest (ROI) system for offshore applicants. SA scores and invites from the ROI pool based on occupation demand, points, and occasionally English level.
Processing time: SA has demonstrated among the fastest visa grant times in Australia — 25-35 day grant periods for some occupations have been reported for healthcare, and SA regularly processes IT nominations efficiently.
Realistic invitation threshold: Lower than NSW for comparable occupations. SA invites at lower points in occupations where demand is acute and the ROI pool is less competitive. For Indonesian IT professionals scoring 75-80 points who cannot yet reach the NSW threshold, SA is often the first realistic option.
Indonesian applicant advantage: SA is less saturated with Indonesian applicants than NSW, which means less competition in the ROI pool for the same occupation. The trade-off is settlement in Adelaide rather than Sydney — a genuine lifestyle consideration but also a substantially lower cost of living.
Best for: Indonesian IT professionals scoring 75-85 points who need a nomination and can accept an Adelaide-based lifestyle. Also the first choice for IT security and defence-related occupations where SA has demonstrated strong demand.
Victoria (VIC) — 190 and 491
Occupations covered: Victoria has a broad ICT occupation list historically, with Software Engineer, ICT Business Analyst, and ICT Project Manager (135111) appearing regularly.
Selection mechanism: Victoria uses a competitive pool system and has implemented periodic closures when allocation is reached. Victoria's system has been less predictable than SA and WA in terms of open/close cycles.
Processing time: Victoria processing is slower than SA and comparable to NSW.
Realistic invitation threshold: Victoria generally invites at higher points than SA and comparable to NSW for contested occupations. The Melbourne lifestyle appeal increases competition from all nationalities.
Employment requirement: Victoria has required existing Australian work experience for some occupations in recent program years. Offshore applicants without prior Australian work experience may find Victoria's nomination criteria harder to meet than SA or WA.
Indonesian applicant advantage: Melbourne has the second-largest Indonesian-born community in Australia (approximately 19,000). Community networks and Indonesian cultural infrastructure in Melbourne are meaningful for families.
Best for: Indonesian IT professionals with 85+ points, some Australian work experience history, and preference for Melbourne settlement.
Western Australia (WA) — 190 and 491
Occupations covered: WA maintains its own skills occupation list (WASMOL) which includes occupations not on the federal MLTSSL. This is significant for Indonesian applicants in specialized technical roles that may not appear on the national list.
Selection mechanism: WA has an offshore stream for the 491 visa that does not require a prior employment contract in some priority occupations, making it one of the most accessible pathways for Indonesian applicants who do not yet have an Australian job offer.
Processing time: WA 491 processing for priority sectors has been relatively fast, and WA has shown higher nomination approval rates for offshore IT applicants in specific occupations.
Realistic invitation threshold: The 491 regional bonus (+15 points) makes WA's effective threshold lower than the 190 programs. An Indonesian applicant with 70 points base + 15 points regional = 85 points, which is competitive for WA 491 in many IT occupations.
Indonesian applicant advantage: Perth has approximately 13,000 Indonesian-born residents (15% of the national diaspora), strong trade ties with Indonesia via maritime and resources industries, and a significant Indonesian expat professional community. The Bali-Perth flight corridor means staying connected with family in Indonesia is logistically easy.
Best for: Indonesian IT professionals who want the 491 regional bonus, are open to Perth settlement (which is a major city, not a rural area — Perth itself qualifies for the WA regional stream), and whose occupation appears on the WASMOL.
Tasmania and Regional South Australia — 491 Only
Occupations covered: Both jurisdictions have shown willingness to nominate IT professionals at lower points thresholds in exchange for regional commitment.
Realistic invitation threshold: Some of the lower effective totals have appeared in 491 regional streams in Tasmania and regional SA, including totals equivalent to 75-80 points base in some rounds.
Commitment: 3 years living and working in the regional area. For Tasmania, this means Hobart or Launceston — not a hardship posting, but a genuine lifestyle shift from Jakarta or Bandung. Regional SA covers areas beyond Adelaide's metro area.
Indonesian applicant advantage: Lower competition in the nomination pool. The regional commitment period of 3 years before Subclass 191 permanent residency application is the trade-off.
Best for: Indonesian IT professionals who have activated all points levers (Superior English, NAATI, partner points) but still sit at 70-75 points and need the full 15-point regional bonus to reach an invitation threshold. The regional commitment is real but the pathway to permanent residency is clear.
Comparison Table for Indonesian IT Professionals
| State | Program | Points Bonus | Realistic Inv. Threshold (base) | IT Occupations | Indonesian Community | Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 190 | +5 | 85+ | Deep list | Very strong (Sydney) | Sydney |
| SA | 190/491 | +5/+15 | 75-80 (190), 65-70 (491) | Cyber/defence focus | Moderate (Adelaide) | Adelaide |
| VIC | 190 | +5 | 85+ | Broad list | Strong (Melbourne) | Melbourne |
| WA | 190/491 | +5/+15 | 75-80 (190), 65-70 (491) | WASMOL-specific | Moderate (Perth) | Perth |
| Tasmania | 491 | +15 | 60-70 | Select occupations | Small | Hobart/Launceston |
Base threshold = your points score before adding the nomination bonus. Effective invitation threshold = base + bonus.
Free Download
Get the Indonesia → Australia Skilled Migration Guide — Quick-Start Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
Decision Framework by Points Score
65-74 points base: The 491 regional pathway may be your primary option. SA 491, WA 491, and Tasmania 491 may be more accessible, subject to the occupation and current program criteria. Prioritize levers that increase your points (Superior English +10, NAATI +5, partner points +10) while pursuing a 491 nomination in parallel.
75-84 points base: Both 190 and 491 may be viable. SA 190 and WA 190 may become realistic, while SA 491 and WA 491 can be more accessible subject to the occupation and current program criteria. NSW and VIC 190 remain competitive but require higher scores. Decision: how much do you value immediate permanent residency (190) vs the 15-point advantage of 491 that may produce a faster invitation?
85+ points base: Many 190 programs may be viable, subject to the occupation and current state criteria. NSW and VIC may be realistic, while SA and WA 190 and 491 programs still require a program-specific check. At this level, destination preference — Sydney vs Melbourne vs Adelaide vs Perth — becomes a more important decision variable.
The "Regional Pivot" Strategy for Indonesian IT Professionals
Indonesian IT professionals who are stuck in the 75-80 point range often ask whether the regional commitment of the 491 is worth the 15-point boost. The regional bonus may be worthwhile, depending on the occupation, state program, and settlement plans.
The Subclass 491 grants a 5-year provisional visa. After 3 years of living and working in a regional area, the applicant may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residency visa while meeting its applicable regional residence, work, and income criteria. Confirm the current income threshold before relying on this pathway.
An Indonesian software engineer on a 491 in Perth begins working within months of landing. Three years later, they apply for the 191. From first EOI invitation to permanent residency: approximately 4-5 years. Compare this to waiting in the SkillSelect queue at 80 points for a 189 invitation that may never come at current thresholds — the regional pivot can be faster for Indonesian IT applicants in the 75-85 point range, depending on the occupation and state program.
The NAATI Bahasa Indonesia Advantage in State Nomination Context
The NAATI credentialed community language credential for Bahasa Indonesia-English translation is worth 5 points on the Australian points test. For Indonesian IT professionals, this is the only 5-point bonus that is uniquely accessible based on their nationality. Non-Indonesian applicants cannot earn it because they do not speak Bahasa Indonesia natively.
An Indonesian applicant at 80 points base who earns the NAATI credential reaches 85 points — a potentially competitive score for some NSW or VIC invitations, depending on the occupation and round. Alternatively, the same applicant at 75 points base + NAATI = 80 points, which combined with a 491 nomination (+15) = 95 points. At this level, the applicant may be competitive, subject to the relevant state or regional program.
The NAATI credential requires passing a community interpreter test in Bahasa Indonesia-English. For native speakers, this is substantially more achievable than the IELTS Superior English threshold. Yet it appears in almost no WhatsApp group discussions about points optimization for Indonesian applicants.
Tradeoffs
190 state nomination (permanent visa, +5 points):
- Permanent residency on grant — no provisional period
- General commitment or expectation to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years
- Higher points threshold to receive an invitation than 491
- Best for applicants who score 85+ base points
491 regional nomination (provisional visa, +15 points):
- Faster invitation at lower base points (65-80 range)
- Five-year provisional visa with a Subclass 191 pathway after three years of regional residence and work while meeting the applicable criteria
- 5-year pathway to permanent residency vs immediate permanent on 190 grant
- Best for applicants who cannot yet reach the 190 invitation threshold independently
Strategic recommendation: If your points total with all realistic boosts (Superior English, NAATI, partner points) reaches 90+, target a 190 nomination in the state that best matches your settlement preference. If your realistic ceiling is 75-85 points, target a 491 in SA, WA, or Tasmania where the 15-point regional bonus can improve invitation prospects without requiring a perfect points score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for state nomination in multiple states simultaneously?
Yes. You can express interest in multiple states' nomination programs simultaneously. There is no rule against registering an ROI with SA while also preparing a NSW EOI. If multiple states invite you, you accept one nomination.
Does NSW require me to have a job offer in NSW before nominating?
NSW's requirements vary by occupation and visa subclass. Some NSW 190 streams require proof of employment or a job offer in NSW. The SA and WA offshore streams for 491 have historically not required a pre-existing employment contract for many IT occupations, making them more accessible to applicants still based in Indonesia.
How long does state nomination take after I lodge an ROI with South Australia?
South Australia's processing time depends on the ROI pool volume and the invitation cycle. In periods of active invitation, SA processes offshore ROIs within 4-8 weeks for priority occupations. In slower periods, wait times extend to 3-4 months. SA does not guarantee a processing timeline.
Do I need to be onshore in Australia to receive state nomination?
No. Some states have offshore streams for the 190 and 491 visas that allow applicants based in Indonesia to apply for and receive state nomination without being in Australia. Being onshore is often advantageous for state nomination, and the availability and criteria of offshore streams vary by state and program.
What if my ANZSCO code is not on the NSW occupation list but is on the SA list?
If your occupation code is on SA's list but not NSW's, your state nomination options are limited to the states where your code appears. Check the SA Skilled Occupation List (SA SOL), the WASMOL for Western Australia, and other state lists directly. MLTSSL-listed occupations generally appear across multiple states; non-MLTSSL occupations may only appear on one or two states' lists.
Where can I get the state-by-state nomination comparison for Indonesian IT occupations?
The Indonesia to Australia Skilled Migration Guide includes the State Nomination Comparison Card as a standalone printable PDF — a side-by-side comparison of NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania: occupation lists, nomination criteria, processing times, and the commitment periods for 190 and 491 visas, mapped to the occupations most common among Indonesian IT professionals. Available at immigrationstartguide.com/from-indonesia/au-skilled/
Get Your Free Indonesia → Australia Skilled Migration Guide — Quick-Start Checklist
Download the Indonesia → Australia Skilled Migration Guide — Quick-Start Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.