The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is a points-tested visa that requires applicants to meet a minimum of 65 points (including the 5 points awarded for state nomination), have an occupation on a relevant skilled list, and commit to living and working in the nominating state/territory for at least two years. It serves as a vital pathway for those who do not qualify for the independent 189 visa but are willing to commit to a specific region to secure permanent residency.

What is the Subclass 190 Visa and Why is it Essential?

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is an essential pathway to Australian permanent residency (PR) for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa is a points-tested option designed to address specific skilled labor shortages across different jurisdictions, ensuring that highly-qualified migrants settle and work where their skills are needed most. The unique requirement of state/territory nomination is the key differentiator for this popular visa stream.

190 vs. 189 Visa: Understanding the Key Difference

The main difference between the Subclass 190 and the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa) lies in the nomination requirement. The 189 visa offers complete locational flexibility as it is independent of any state, while the 190 visa requires a formal nomination from a specific state or territory. This nomination is not just a formality; it secures an additional 5 points for the applicant but comes with a commitment.

The table below clearly outlines the crucial differences between these two primary General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas:

The Permanent Residency Advantage (and the 2-Year Obligation)

A successful application for the Subclass 190 visa grants the holder and their included family members immediate Permanent Residency from the date of the visa grant. This PR status allows indefinite stay in Australia, the ability to work and study full-time, and access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare scheme), as well as pathways to citizenship.

The primary obligation is the two-year residency commitment. By accepting the state or territory nomination, the visa holder makes a strong moral commitment to reside and seek employment in that jurisdiction for at least the first two years after the visa is granted. While the visa itself is a permanent visa and the Department of Home Affairs does not legally restrict movement, failure to honour this commitment may negatively impact any future dealings with the nominating state.

Am I Eligible for the Subclass 190 Visa? Core Requirements

Eligibility for the Subclass 190 visa is determined by a strict set of criteria established by the Department of Home Affairs, combined with the additional requirements of the nominating state or territory. Meeting these core federal requirements is the foundational step for any potential skilled migrant.

The Mandatory Nomination (Getting Your 5 Extra Points)

The requirement for a mandatory state or territory nomination is what defines the Subclass 190 visa. Unlike the 189 visa, you cannot be invited to apply unless an Australian jurisdiction formally nominates you. The significant benefit of a successful nomination is the automatic award of 5 additional points to your total score in the SkillSelect points test, often being the critical factor that pushes an applicant past the minimum required threshold.

This step necessitates applying directly to a state/territory government (e.g., NSW, Victoria, WA) after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). Each government manages its own occupation list and specific criteria based on its economic needs.

Age, English, and Skills Assessment Checklist

The Department of Home Affairs has three fundamental requirements for the Subclass 190 visa that every applicant must satisfy at the time of the invitation to apply (ITA):

• Age Limit: The applicant must be under 45 years of age. Once an invitation is received, turning 45 does not disqualify the applicant, but the invitation must be received before this birthday.
• English Language: The applicant must demonstrate at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in all four components, or equivalent). Higher scores can secure additional points in the points test.
• Skills Assessment: A positive Skills Assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for the nominated occupation is mandatory. This assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience are comparable to Australian standards for your nominated skilled role.

The 65-Point Test Breakdown (Including Nomination Points)

The Subclass 190 is a points-tested visa requiring a minimum score of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test. This score is a pass mark, not a guarantee of an invitation, as invitation scores are typically much higher and determined by competitive selection rounds.

The 65-point total must include the automatic 5 points granted from the state/territory nomination. Points are allocated across various factors, including age, English language ability, skilled employment experience (both Australian and overseas), educational qualifications, and other relational factors (e.g., partner skills).

Note: To calculate your competitive score and understand the full weighting of each factor, please refer to our detailed Skilled Migration Points Test article. The combination of your innate points and the mandatory 5 nomination points will determine your standing in the highly competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) pool.

The Subclass 190 Application Process: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

The application process for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a multi-stage procedure that involves both the Australian federal government (Department of Home Affairs) and a state or territory government. Following these steps systematically is crucial for a successful outcome.

Step 1: Skills Assessment & English Test

Before initiating the visa process, you must lay the foundational groundwork:

• Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive and valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing body (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS). This can be the most time-consuming step and is essential for claiming points for both qualifications and experience.
• English Test: Complete an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS, PTE Academic). Aim for the highest score possible, as a higher proficiency level (e.g., Proficient or Superior) yields more points and increases your competitiveness for state nomination.

Step 2: Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

With your assessment and English score ready, the next step is to enter the national applicant pool:

• Create an EOI: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Department of Home Affairs’ online platform, SkillSelect.
• Claim Points: In your EOI, detail all your credentials to claim the maximum possible points (excluding the 5 nomination points, which are automatically added for the 190 visa type).
• Select States: Indicate your interest in the Subclass 190 visa and select the state(s) or territory(s) where you are prepared to live and work for two years. This makes your profile visible to their migration teams.

Step 3: Applying for State/Territory Nomination (The Crucial Difference)

This step distinguishes the 190 visa from all other skilled migration pathways:

• Research: Actively monitor and research the specific state/territory requirements for the jurisdictions you selected.
• Lodge Nomination Application: After lodging an EOI via SkillSelect, state or territory nomination procedures vary. In some jurisdictions (for example South Australia, the ACT) you must lodge a further step such as a Registration of Interest (ROI) or a formal state nomination application. In others (for example New South Wales) the state monitors the EOI pool and issues invitation to apply for nomination based on its criteria
• Receive Nomination: Upon successful assessment, the state/territory will nominate you. This approval adds the crucial 5 points to your SkillSelect EOI score and triggers the final invitation process.

Step 4: Invitation and Visa Application

The final stage involves the formal application to the federal government:

• Invitation to Apply (ITA): Once nominated, SkillSelect will automatically issue you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the Subclass 190 visa. You have 60 days to lodge your final visa application.
• Lodge Visa: Use your ImmiAccount to submit the formal visa application, pay the visa application charge, and attach all supporting documentation (Skills Assessment, English test results, identity documents, police checks, medicals, etc.).
• Visa Grant: After a thorough assessment by a Department of Home Affairs case officer, your Subclass 190 visa will be granted, allowing you to move to Australia as a permanent resident.

Deep Dive: State and Territory Nomination Requirements

While the federal government sets the baseline eligibility, State and Territory Nomination Requirements are the primary selection filters for the Subclass 190 visa. These requirements are dynamic, often changing seasonally or in response to local economic shifts, and are crucial for determining your success.

Current State-Specific Nomination Policies (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, etc.)

Each state and territory (such as New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia) operates its own skilled migration program with unique priorities. These policies generally funnel applicants through a few common streams:

• Onshore Resident Stream: Targets applicants already living and working in the state. Requirements often include a minimum period of residence (e.g., 6–12 months), and evidence of current skilled employment in a designated area or sector.
• Offshore Applicant Stream: Targets candidates residing overseas with skills in critically high demand. Selection is highly competitive and usually prioritises very high points scores, superior English, or specific in-demand occupations not filled by onshore applicants.
• Graduate Stream: Designed to retain international students who have completed a qualification in the state. This stream often has concessions on work experience but may require a commitment to work in a regional area for a certain period.

Unique Factors: States frequently impose unique requirements that surpass the federal minimum. These may include a minimum salary threshold for a current job offer (e.g., for certain streams in Victoria), a defined length of residence in a regional area (e.g., Western Australia’s regional requirements), or a focus on specific industry sectors (e.g., health, technology, or advanced manufacturing).

Key Action: The most crucial step is to check the current and officially published State/Territory Occupation Lists and nomination guidelines. These are updated frequently and are the only definitive source of eligibility criteria.

Common Mistakes When Applying for State Nomination

The complexity of state-specific rules is a common source of error for Subclass 190 applicants. Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly increase your chance of nomination:

• Not Meeting Minimum Residence/Work Requirements: A state’s criteria might require a minimum of six months of continuous residence or three months of skilled employment. Failing to meet this exact timeframe with verifiable evidence is a common reason for rejection.
  
  Example: Claiming to have resided in Victoria for six months but only being able to provide utility bills that cover a four-month period.
• Applying for the Wrong Occupation List: A state’s migration program may have a main occupation list, but a specific stream (like the graduate stream) might have its own separate, smaller list. Applying with an occupation not on the correct list for your chosen stream results in an immediate refusal.
  
  Example: An applicant’s occupation is on the federal list but is not on Queensland’s current specific nomination list.
• Inconsistent Data in EOI and Nomination Application: Any discrepancy between the claims made in your SkillSelect EOI (Step 2) and the supporting documents provided to the state government (Step 3) will lead to your application being declined for non-compliance.

Next Steps: Securing Your Future with Blue Orbit Services

Understanding the layers of the Subclass 190 visa—from the federal points system to the highly specific state nomination criteria—is complex. Securing an invitation requires strategic planning, a competitive EOI score, and impeccable document submission tailored to your chosen state.

Our expert team at Blue Orbit Services specialises in General Skilled Migration, focusing on maximising your points score and strategically positioning your EOI to align with current state and territory needs. We simplify the complexities of state nomination and ensure your application is competitive and compliant.

FAQ: What are the processing times and costs of Subclass 190 Visa

Here is a brief overview of the expected timelines and fees for the Subclass 190 application:

About the Author:

Kunal is an Australian Solicitor with over 10 years of legal experience in both Australia and abroad. Admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria, he uses his unique background to help businesses, professionals, and individuals with their legal, commercial, and migration needs.