Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Live and Work in Australia with State or Territory Nomination
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. If you have skills in demand and receive a nomination, this visa offers you the chance to live, work, and study permanently in Australia, with a pathway to citizenship.
What You Can Do with a Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated)
The Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated) allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory to live and work in Australia permanently. With this visa, you can settle in your nominating region, access Medicare, sponsor family, and eventually apply for citizenship if eligible.
Stay in Australia permanently as a resident
The Subclass 190 Visa grants you permanent residency, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely. You can settle, buy property, and enjoy the rights and benefits of a permanent resident.
Work and study anywhere in the nominating state or territory
This visa allows you to live, work, and study in the state or territory that nominated you. You’re expected to live in that region for at least two years, contributing to its local economy and workforce.
Access Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance scheme
You’ll have access to Medicare, the national healthcare system that covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and essential treatments.
Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
As a permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, children, or other eligible relatives to apply for permanent residency and join you in Australia.
Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years from the visa grant date
The visa includes a five-year travel facility, allowing you to leave and return to Australia as often as needed. After five years, you can renew the travel facility or apply for citizenship.
Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Once you meet the residency and character requirements (usually after four years, with at least one year as a permanent resident), you can apply to become an Australian citizen with full rights.
Who Is Eligible for a Subclass 190 Visa?
To be eligible, you must meet federal immigration requirements and also receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory. Here’s what you need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Your job must appear on the relevant Skilled Occupation List for the 190 visa and you must have a positive skills assessment. |
| Nomination | You must be invited by an Australian state or territory, which have their own requirements such as residing in their region or working in a high-demand field. |
| English Language | Demonstrate competent English – typically IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent. |
| Age | You must be between 18 and 45 years old when you receive an invitation to apply. |
| Points Test | You must score at least 65 points on the points test (nomination gives you an automatic 5-point boost). |
| Health & Character | Meet health and character requirements, including medical exams and police checks. |
Important: Each state or territory has its own list of in-demand occupations and nomination criteria. You’ll need to meet both federal and state/territory requirements.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the Subclass 190 Visa
Follow these essential steps to begin your journey toward studying in Australia, from initial preparations to receiving an invitation to apply for your student visa:
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that your occupation is on the skilled occupation list of your chosen state or territory, and ensure you meet the minimum points requirement (usually 65+ points).
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect, outlining your skills, qualifications, and preferred states or territories for nomination.
Apply for State or Territory Nomination
Submit a nomination application to the state or territory that aligns with your skills and preferences. Each state may have its own criteria and process.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
Once your nomination is approved, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa.
Lodge Your Visa Application
Submit your complete visa application, including all required documents such as identity, skills assessment, English proficiency, and nomination approval.
Need help with the process? Reach out to our Registered Migration Agents at info@openpathways.com or fill in the online enquiry form for a free eligibility check.
Visa Application Fees (Including GST)
| Applicant | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $4,640 |
| Additional applicant (18 or older) | $2,320 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | $1,160 |
Note: Some states or territories charge additional nomination processing fees.
Adding Family Members to Your Visa Application
Yes, you can include your family in your 190 visa application. This includes your partner and dependent children, whether biological, adopted, or stepchildren.
Eligible Family Members:
Your spouse or de facto partner (must be over 18 and in a genuine, ongoing relationship).
Children who are:
- Under 18, or
- Aged 18–23 and financially dependent, or
- Over 23 with a disability that makes them dependent.
All family members must meet health and character standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the 190 and 189 visas?
The 190 visa requires state or territory nomination, while the 189 is fully independent. The 190 visa adds 5 extra points to your total score.
How long does the 190 visa take to process?
Processing times vary depending on the state nomination body and the Department of Home Affairs, but it generally ranges from 6 to 12 months.
Do I need to live in the state that nominates me?
Yes. While not legally enforced, it’s expected that you live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years after the visa is granted.
Can I move states after getting the visa?
You’re encouraged to remain in your nominating state. Frequent moves could affect your relationship with the state government and future visa pathways.
Do all states have the same nomination rules?
No. Each state or territory sets its own occupational lists and nomination guidelines, including work experience, residency, and employer requirements.
Let Us Help You Secure Your Nomination
With shifting requirements and varying opportunities across each state, navigating the Subclass 190 process can be complex. That’s where we come in. At Open Pathways, we guide you through the nomination process and visa application from start to finish.
