The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is Australia’s state-sponsored permanent residence pathway. Like the 189, it’s a points-tested skilled visa that grants permanent residency — but with one key difference: you need a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. In return for that nomination, you receive an extra 5 points on your score, making it an excellent option for applicants who fall just short of the 189 threshold. The trade-off is a commitment to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years.
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Overview
Each Australian state and territory has its own skilled occupation list and nomination criteria. Some states actively recruit in specific sectors (like South Australia for healthcare workers or NSW for IT professionals), while others have more restrictive lists. The 190 is particularly valuable because it offers permanent residency from day one — unlike the 491, which is a provisional visa requiring a later step for PR.
Eligibility Requirements
- State or territory nomination: You must receive a nomination from a state/territory that has your occupation on its skilled occupation list.
- Occupation on a skilled list: Your occupation must appear on the combined MLTSSL or STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List). The 190 accepts a wider range of occupations than the 189.
- Skills assessment: Positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- Points score: Minimum 65 points (including the 5 bonus points from state nomination). In practice, competitive scores are 70-85+.
- Age: Under 45 at the time of invitation.
- English language: At least competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
- Health and character requirements.
State Nomination — How It Works
Each state has its own process:
- NSW: Proactively selects candidates from SkillSelect based on high points and in-demand occupations. You don’t apply directly — NSW invites you.
- Victoria: Requires a separate application through the Live in Melbourne website. Preference given to applicants with Victorian job offers or study.
- Queensland: Operates its own skilled migration program with occupation-specific requirements.
- South Australia: Has one of the most generous lists and actively recruits healthcare, engineering, and IT professionals.
- Western Australia: Maintains a Graduate Occupation List and a general list with specific work experience requirements.
- Tasmania, ACT, NT: Often have more accessible requirements, making them popular for applicants with lower points or niche occupations.
Nomination criteria often include: having a job offer in the state, living in the state, having studied in the state, or simply having high points and an in-demand occupation.
Application Process
- Complete your skills assessment with the relevant authority.
- Take an English language test and aim for the highest score possible.
- Submit an EOI through SkillSelect indicating your interest in 190 nomination and selecting which states you’d like to be considered by.
- Apply for state nomination (some states require a separate application; others select from SkillSelect directly).
- Receive state nomination — this adds 5 points to your score and triggers an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Lodge your visa application within 60 days of invitation.
- Complete health and police checks.
- Receive your visa grant.
Costs and Fees
- Skills assessment: AUD $300-$1,200
- English test: AUD $300-$400
- State nomination fee: AUD $0-$400 (varies by state — some are free)
- Visa application (main applicant): AUD $4,640
- Additional applicant (18+): AUD $2,320
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD $1,170
- Health and police checks: AUD $400-$700
Total for single applicant: approximately AUD $5,500-$7,500.
Timeline
- Skills assessment: 4-12 weeks
- State nomination processing: 4-16 weeks (varies widely by state)
- Visa processing: 6-12 months after lodgment
- Total end-to-end: 6-18 months
190 vs. 189 vs. 491
- 189: No state nomination needed, no geographic obligations. Highest points threshold. Live anywhere.
- 190: State nomination gives +5 points, permanent residency, but obligation to live in nominating state for 2 years.
- 491: State/family nomination gives +15 points, but it’s a provisional visa (5 years). Must live in regional Australia and apply for PR (191) after 3 years.
The 190 hits the sweet spot: you get permanent residency like the 189 but with a lower effective points threshold due to the +5 bonus.
Tips and Strategies
- Apply to multiple states. Different states have different occupation lists and processing speeds. Don’t limit yourself to one.
- Consider smaller states. Tasmania, ACT, and NT often have more accessible requirements and shorter processing times than NSW or Victoria.
- Get a job offer in your target state. Many states prioritize applicants who already have employment in their jurisdiction.
- Honour your 2-year commitment. While it’s not legally enforced with penalties, states can flag non-compliance, which may affect future applications or other family members’ nominations.
- Keep your EOI updated. If your circumstances change (new English test score, additional work experience), update your EOI immediately — higher points improve your chances.