Looking to build a long-term future in Australia—with a job that matches your skills and a clear pathway to permanent residency? The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) offers just that.
Unlike independent visas, the 190 lets you tap into the opportunities offered by individual Australian states and territories that are actively looking for skilled professionals. If your occupation aligns with their economic needs, you could secure nomination and step confidently into a permanent resident role.
But success with this visa isn’t just about meeting the minimum requirements. It’s about strategy—understanding state nomination rules, knowing how to strengthen your Expression of Interest (EOI), and getting your documents right the first time.
In this guide, we break down the entire process—from eligibility and points calculation to choosing the right state and submitting a strong application. Whether you’re applying from overseas or already in Australia, this is your practical roadmap to securing the Subclass 190 visa and taking the next big step in your professional journey.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It allows successful applicants to live and work anywhere in the nominating state or territory as permanent residents.
Unlike the Subclass 189 (Independent Skilled Visa), which does not require nomination, the 190 visa involves a state or territory nomination—meaning you must meet the specific requirements of that region.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa
- Permanent Residency: Grants the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Work Flexibility: Freedom to work in your nominated occupation or related fields.
- Access to Public Services: Eligibility for Medicare, Australia’s public health care scheme.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residence criteria.
- Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your application.
- Education Benefits: Access to free or subsidized schooling for children.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Subclass 190 visa, applicants must meet a series of requirements set by both the Australian Government and the nominating state or territory.
General Requirements
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the Subclass 190 visa.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory.
- Points Test: You must score at least 65 points based on factors like age, education, experience, and English language skills.
- Nomination: You must receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- English Proficiency: At least a Competent level of English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band).
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements (police checks, medical exams).
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the Subclass 190 Visa
The Subclass 190 visa process involves multiple steps, each requiring careful documentation and attention to detail.
Step 1: Check Occupation List
Visit the SkillSelect occupation list to ensure your occupation is eligible for the Subclass 190 visa. Each state or territory may have its own list, so check both the national and regional occupation lists.
Step 2: Get a Skills Assessment
Apply to the relevant skills assessing authority for your occupation. This step is critical, as a positive assessment confirms your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
Step 3: Take an English Language Test
Provide proof of your English proficiency through one of the approved tests:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
A score of Competent English is the minimum, but higher scores can earn additional points.
Step 4: Calculate Your Points
Use the Department of Home Affairs’ points calculator to estimate your points based on:
- Age
- English proficiency
- Skilled employment experience (in Australia or overseas)
- Educational qualifications
- Specialist education qualification
- Australian study requirement
- Partner skills
- Nomination (adds 5 points)
You need at least 65 points, but higher scores improve your chances of nomination.
Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create a profile in SkillSelect and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Include details of your qualifications, work experience, and skills assessment.
Step 6: Apply for State Nomination
Choose the Australian state or territory where you wish to live and apply for nomination. Each jurisdiction has its own criteria, such as:
- Occupation demand
- Work experience
- Ties to the state (e.g., previous study or residence)
- Job offer or employment
Once nominated, the state will notify the Department of Home Affairs, and you will receive an invitation to apply (ITA).
Step 7: Receive Invitation and Apply for Visa
Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your application for the Subclass 190 visa through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs online portal.
Documents required may include:
- Identity documents
- Skills assessment report
- English language test results
- Employment references
- Educational transcripts
Police clearance - Health checks
Step 8: Wait for Visa Grant
After lodging your application, the Department will process and assess all information. If successful, you’ll receive a grant notification for the Subclass 190 visa.
Australian States and Their Nomination Criteria
Each state or territory sets its own requirements for nomination. Here’s a quick summary of the common ones:
New South Wales (NSW)
- Prioritizes applicants with high-demand occupations.
- Recent work experience or education in NSW preferred.
- Competitive due to high interest.
Victoria
- Targets applicants in sectors like healthcare, engineering, ICT, and education.
- Focus on STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine) skills.
- Strong emphasis on employability in Victoria.
Queensland
- Requires job offers for some streams.
- Includes graduate pathways for students completing studies in Queensland.
- Skilled migration program opens periodically.
South Australia
- Offers options for offshore, onshore, and graduates.
- Flexible requirements and wider occupation list.
- Prior ties to South Australia preferred.
Western Australia
- Favors applicants with a job offer in WA or recent graduates.
- Separate streams for graduates and general skilled migration.
Tasmania
- Welcomes applicants with Tasmanian study or work experience.
- Easier nomination for those with a long-term commitment to the state.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Points-based matrix system for nomination.
- Employment or business ties to the ACT are beneficial.
Northern Territory
- Encourages applicants already living and working in the NT.
- Preference for occupations in regional demand.
Tips for a Successful Subclass 190 Visa Application
- Stay updated on state nomination criteria: Requirements can change regularly, so monitor the respective migration websites.
- Tailor your EOI to the chosen state: Highlight skills, ties, and employability relevant to that region.
- Aim for a higher point score: A score above 65 increases competitiveness.
Double-check documents: Incomplete or incorrect submissions cause delays or rejections. - Consider professional advice: A registered migration agent can help optimize your application.
After Visa Grant – What Next?
Once granted the Subclass 190 visa:
- You must live in the nominating state for at least 2 years (while not legally enforceable, states expect this commitment).
- Apply for a Medicare card and tax file number.
- Begin job search and housing arrangements.
- Children can enroll in public schools.
- You’re eligible to sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas.
Conclusion
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) offers a structured, rewarding pathway to permanent residency for qualified professionals who meet Australia’s skill needs. While the process involves multiple steps—from skills assessment and points calculation to state nomination and visa application—it is manageable with proper planning, research, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re a software engineer, nurse, teacher, or tradesperson, the Subclass 190 visa can open doors to a new life in one of the world’s most desirable destinations.
Start early, stay organized, and stay informed—and you’ll be one step closer to making Australia your new home.
