Several states encounter shortages in certain occupations Victoria, South Australia, West Australia and Tasmania have their own occupation lists. Those lists reflect urgent shortages in certain professions, mainly in the medical and technological sectors.

To qualify for a STNI visa applicants need to meet the basic requirements for age, language and educational qualifications, but they do not need to meet the pass mark. However additional requirements often apply. This visa is a permanent visa and obliges the immigrant to stay at least two years in the state they qualify for.

Under the Skilled - State/Territory Nominated Independent visa, an applicant who doesn't meet the pass mark of 120 can seek sponsorship from a particular State or Territory for a permanent resident visa.

The applicant must still meet the basic requirements and pass a skills assessment before making an application to a participating State for sponsorship, however this visa only requires that you meet the "pool mark" of 70 points.

Please note that obtaining state sponsorship does not guarantee the approval of your permanent resident visa, as the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) will make the final decision.