The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Nomination gives you 5 extra points and often lower invitation cutoffs than the 189 visa.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The 190 visa is a permanent, points-tested visa that requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government. In exchange for the nomination (worth 5 points), you must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least 2 years after the visa is granted.
🏠Permanent Residency
Permanent visa — live in Australia indefinitely
⭐+5 Bonus Points
State nomination adds 5 points to your score
🗺️State Commitment
Live & work in nominating state for 2 years
👨👩👧Include Family
Bring spouse and dependent children
Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ Under 45 years of age at time of invitation
- ✅ Occupation on the relevant state’s skilled occupation list
- ✅ Minimum 65 points on the points test (including 5 for nomination)
- ✅ Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- ✅ Competent English (IELTS 6.0+ per band or equivalent)
- ✅ Meet the nominating state’s specific requirements (may include work experience, living in the state, or job offers)
- ✅ Good health and character
Step-by-Step Application Process
01
Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation.
02
English Language Test
Complete IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET. Higher scores earn more points.
03
Submit EOI via SkillSelect
Lodge your Expression of Interest and tick the state/territory nomination option for the states whose occupation lists include your job.
04
State Nomination Application
Apply to your chosen state or territory government for nomination. Each state has different requirements, quotas, and processing timelines.
05
Receive ITA from Home Affairs
Once nominated, the Department of Home Affairs invites you to apply. You have 60 days to lodge your visa application.
06
Lodge Visa Application
Submit your visa application via ImmiAccount with all required documents within 60 days.
07
Health & Police Checks
Complete medical examination and provide police clearances from all countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months.
08
Visa Granted
Upon approval, you receive your permanent residency with an obligation to live and work in the nominating state for 2 years.
Required Documents
- 📄 Valid passport
- 📄 Skills assessment letter
- 📄 English test results
- 📄 State nomination approval letter
- 📄 Academic certificates and transcripts
- 📄 Employment reference letters
- 📄 Police clearance certificates
- 📄 Medical examination results
- 📄 Birth and marriage certificates
Processing Time & Cost
Visa Processing Time
75%: 9–16 months
90%: 16–24 months
Visa Fee (2024–25)
Primary: AUD $4,640
Additional adult: AUD $2,320
Child: AUD $1,160
Typical Cutoff Score
Usually 65–75 points
(lower than 189 for many states)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states offer 190 nominations?
All Australian states and territories offer 190 nominations, including NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, ACT, and the Northern Territory. Each has its own occupation list, requirements, and quota.
Do I have to stay in the nominating state forever?
No. The obligation is to live and work in the nominating state for 2 years after visa grant. After that, you can move anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident. Note that breaking this obligation may affect future citizenship applications.
What is the difference between a 189 and 190 visa?
The 189 requires no sponsorship and you can live anywhere in Australia from day one. The 190 requires state nomination (giving +5 points) but commits you to a specific state for 2 years. The 190 is often easier to receive an invitation for because of the bonus points and lower competition.
How long does state nomination take?
State nomination processing times vary from 4 weeks (South Australia, NT) to 6–12 months (NSW, Victoria) depending on the state, occupation, and current quota availability.
Can I apply for 190 if my occupation is not on the MLTSSL?
Yes. The 190 visa uses the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) in addition to MLTSSL, meaning more occupations are eligible compared to the 189 visa.
What happens if I don’t fulfil the 2-year state commitment?
The 190 visa itself remains valid, but you may face issues when applying for Australian citizenship or a Resident Return Visa. The Department of Home Affairs may consider whether you genuinely complied with the undertaking.
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