Secure permanent residency in Australia through state or territory nomination. The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) offers immediate permanent residency and the freedom to live and work anywhere in your nominating state.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Build your future in Australia

Pathway to permanent residency through state nomination.

Permanent skilled migration in Australia, supported by state and territory governments.

What is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. This points-based visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government, which provides 5 extra points on the points test.

Unlike the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the 190 visa requires state nomination, but offers the advantage of immediate permanent residency upon grant. You must commit to living in your nominating state or territory for at least the first two years after visa grant.

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Key Features of the Subclass 190 Visa

  • Type: Permanent visa, points-tested

  • Status: Permanent residency immediately upon grant

  • Where you can live/work/study: Anywhere in Australia (with commitment to nominating state for first 2 years)

  • Nomination Requirement: State or Territory Government nomination (mandatory)

  • Points Bonus: Earn 5 extra points for state nomination

  • Family: Can include partner and dependent children

190 Visa Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), you must meet the following requirements:

General Eligibility Criteria

  • Age
    Must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation

  • Skills Assessment
    Must have a suitable, valid skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation

  • Occupation
    Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL or STSOL)

  • Points Test
    Must score a minimum of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test (though higher scores are typically required for invitation)

  • English Language
    Must have at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in all bands or equivalent)

  • State Nomination
    Must be nominated by a state or territory government

  • Health and Character
    Must meet Australian health and character requirements

State Commitment

While the 190 visa allows you to live anywhere in Australia, you must commit to living in your nominating state or territory for at least the first two years after visa grant. This is a moral commitment, not a legal requirement, but failing to honour it may affect future visa applications.

190 Visa Points Requirements

While the minimum points requirement is 65, the actual points needed to receive an invitation vary depending on:

  • The number of applicants in the SkillSelect pool
  • Your nominated occupation’s demand
  • State or territory nomination requirements (which often have higher minimum points)

The 190 visa offers 5 extra points for state nomination. Points are awarded for:

  • Age (maximum 30 points)
  • English language proficiency (maximum 20 points)
  • Skilled employment experience (maximum 20 points)
  • Educational qualifications (maximum 20 points)
  • Australian study requirement (5 points)
  • Regional study (5 points)
  • Partner skills (10 points)
  • Professional year in Australia (5 points)
  • Credentialed community language (5 points)
  • State or territory nomination (5 points for 190 visa)

190 Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a 190 visa application varies depending on several factors:

  • Completeness of your application
  • Complexity of your case
  • Current processing volumes at the Department of Home Affairs
  • Whether you’re applying onshore or offshore
  • State nomination processing time (varies by state)

Generally, 190 visa processing times can range from:

  • 75% of applications: Processed within 7–8 months
  • 90% of applications: Processed within 9–10 months

Note: State nomination processing times are additional and vary by state (typically 1-3 months).

How to Apply for the 190 Visa

  • 1

    Skills Assessment: Obtain a formal skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., VETASSESS, ACS, Engineers Australia).

  • 2

    English Language Test: Complete an approved English language test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge) and achieve at least Competent English level.

  • 3

    Submit Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge your EOI via SkillSelect, selecting the subclass 190 visa and providing all supporting details including your points score.

  • 4

    Apply for State Nomination: Apply for nomination from a state or territory government. Each state has its own application process and requirements.

  • 5

    Receive State Nomination: If successful, you will receive state nomination, which adds 5 points to your EOI.

  • 6

    Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected by the Department of Home Affairs, you will receive an official ITA to lodge your visa application.

  • 7

    Lodge Visa Application: Within 60 days of receiving the ITA, submit your complete visa application to the Department of Home Affairs with all supporting evidence.

  • 8

    Visa Grant: Once approved, you will receive your 190 visa, granting you permanent residency in Australia.

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Let Us Help You Secure Your 190 Visa

At Hays Migration, we understand that applying for a skilled nominated visa can be complex and overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our experienced team of MARA-registered agents and migration lawyers are here to guide you through every step, from assessing your eligibility and improving your EOI score to managing your skills assessment, state nomination application, and visa lodgement with care and precision.

Let us help you turn your skills into opportunity and build your future in Australia.