Are you looking for a pathway to permanent residence in Australia but don’t have enough points for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Skilled Nominated Visa (190 visa) may be the ideal option.
The 190 visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government because their skills are needed in that jurisdiction. It provides an opportunity to live and work permanently in Australia while enjoying many of the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens.
This guide explains the eligibility requirements, application process, costs, and benefits of the Subclass 190 visa.
Key Takeaways
- The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- You must have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and satisfy the nomination criteria of the state or territory.
- State or territory nomination gives you an additional 5 points towards the skilled migration points test.
- You must generally be under 45 years of age and achieve at least 65 points.
- You can include eligible family members in your application.
- The visa provides permanent residence, work rights, access to Medicare, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
What is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
The visa allows successful applicants and their eligible family members to:
- Live permanently anywhere in Australia
- Work and study in Australia
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
Although you are not legally required to remain in the nominating or territory permanently, applicants are generally expected to genuinely intend to live and work in the nominating jurisdiction and support its economic needs.
Purpose of the Visa
The Subclass 190 visa allows Australian states and territories to address local skill shortages by nominating highly skilled migrants whose occupations are in demand.
Each state and territory operates its own nomination program and sets its own:
- Eligibility requirements;
- Invitation processes; and
These requirements can change throughout the program year depending on workforce needs and available nomination places.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Subclass 190 visa, you must generally:
- Be under 45 years of age when invited to apply;
- Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List;
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment;
- Demonstrate at least Competent English;
- Receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government;
- Receive an invitation to apply; and
- Meet health and character requirements.
State and Territory Nomination Programs
Every Australian state and territory operates its own migration program and independently decides whom it wishes to nominate.
These jurisdictions include:
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
State nomination provides an additional 5 points towards your skilled migration points score. However, nominations are highly competitive and not guaranteed.
For the 2025–26 migration program year, Australia allocated approximately 12,850 nomination places for the Subclass 190 visa across all states and territories.
Occupation Requirements
Your nominated occupation must generally:
- Appear on the relevant skilled occupation list;
- Be eligible for nomination by your chosen state or territory; and
- Be supported by a suitable skills assessment.
State occupation priorities may include professionals in:
- Energy and Infrastructure
Occupation lists and priorities may change throughout the program year.
Requirements for the Subclass 190 Visa
Age Requirement
You must generally be under 45 years of age when invited to apply.
Points are awarded according to age:
Skills Assessment
A suitable skills assessment is mandatory.
The assessment confirms that your qualifications and employment experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
Examples of assessing authorities include:
- Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
A positive skills assessment does not guarantee state nomination or visa approval.
English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate at least Competent English unless exempt.
Examples include:
IELTS
Minimum score of 6.0 in each component.
PTE Academic
Minimum score of 50 in each component.
Higher English scores can significantly improve your points score:
Health Requirements
You and your accompanying family members must satisfy Australia’s health requirements.
This may involve:
- Additional specialist assessments where necessary.
Character Requirements
Applicants aged 16 years and over are generally required to provide police clearances and satisfy Australia’s character requirements.
Application Process for the Subclass 190 Visa
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
Assess whether you:
- Meet the age requirement;
- Have an eligible occupation;
- Can achieve a competitive points score; and
- Meet English language requirements.
Step 2 – Obtain a Skills Assessment
Arrange a skills assessment with the relevant assessing authority.
Step 3 – Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
An EOI is not a visa application.
It allows states and territories to assess your profile and decide whether to nominate you.
Your EOI should always remain accurate and up to date. Changes to your circumstances, including improved English results, additional work experience, or new qualifications, should be updated promptly.
Step 4 – Apply for State or Territory Nomination
Depending on the jurisdiction, you may need to:
- Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI);
- Lodge a nomination application directly with the state or territory;
- Meet residency or employment requirements; or
- Demonstrate a commitment to living and working in that jurisdiction.
Each state and territory has different criteria and application processes.
Step 5 – Receive an Invitation to Apply
If nominated, you may receive an invitation to lodge your Subclass 190 visa application.
You generally have 60 days to lodge your visa application.
Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa
Successful applicants can:
- Live permanently in Australia
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Include eligible family members
- Travel internationally for five years from the visa grant date
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
Visa Application Charges
Current government Visa Application Charges are:
Additional costs may include:
- Document translations and certifications
Government charges are subject to periodic indexation and should always be confirmed before lodging your application.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on:
- Completeness of documentation;
- Health and character checks; and
- Government processing priorities.
The Department of Home Affairs recommends using its Visa Processing Time Guide for recently decided applications, as processing times can change throughout the year.
How Can CJMigration Assist?
Australia’s state nomination programs are highly competitive and frequently change throughout the program year. Selecting the right state, understanding the nomination requirements, and preparing a decision-ready application can significantly improve your prospects of success.
CJMigration can assist by:
- Assessing your eligibility and migration options
- Identifying the most suitable state or territory nomination pathways
- Calculating and maximising your points score
- Advising on occupation eligibility and nomination requirements
- Assisting with skills assessments
- Preparing and lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Assisting with Registration of Interest (ROI) applications where required
- Preparing and lodging your visa application
- Reviewing supporting documents and evidence
- Providing strategic advice throughout your migration journey
Every migration journey is unique. Our team works closely with clients to develop tailored strategies designed to maximise their opportunities for permanent residence in Australia.
Need Professional Advice?
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) can be an excellent pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers who may not have sufficient points for the Subclass 189 visa.
However, navigating Australia’s state nomination programs can be complex due to changing occupation priorities, invitation rounds, and varying state requirements.
Obtaining professional migration advice early can help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and improve your chances of successfully achieving your Australian migration goals.
| Age | Points |
| 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
| English Level | Points |
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
| Applicant | Government Fee (AUD) |
| Primary Applicant | From AUD $4,910 |
| Additional Applicant (18 years and over) | Additional charges apply |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18 years) | Additional charges apply |
| Additional Charges for Applicants with Less than Functional English | May apply |