Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 190
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
It is suitable for individuals who:
-
Are under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
-
Have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant State or Territory Skilled Occupation List.
-
Can achieve at least 65 points, including nomination points.
-
Have at least Competent English (e.g. IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
-
Receive a nomination from a state or territory and an invitation to apply through SkillSelect after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
-
Commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory for a minimum period (usually 2 years).
Processing Times
190 visa processing times vary depending on the state or territory nomination timeline and the Department’s processing
Median timeframes (as of 2025)
-
50% of applications are processed within 7 months
-
90% within 10 months
Timing may be affected by the speed of state nomination, completeness of your application, and verification processes
Costs & Fees
-
Visa application – Main applicant
AUD 4,640
-
Additional applicant (18+ years)
AUD 2,320
-
Additional applicant (under 18)
AUD 1,160
-
Subsequent instalment (if applicable)
AUD 4,890
-
Other costs
Skills assessment, English tests, health checks, police certificates, etc.
States and territories may charge separate nomination fees or have their own application processes. These vary depending on the jurisdiction
Key Features
-
Permanent residency from the date of grant.
-
5 additional points are awarded upon nomination, helping applicants with competitive occupations.
-
Requires nomination by a state or territory government.
-
Applicants are expected to live and work in the nominating state/territory for a minimum commitment period (usually 2 years).
-
You can include eligible family members in your application.
-
Once granted, you can:
-
Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia (after fulfilling your state commitment)
-
Sponsor eligible family members
-
Access Medicare
-
Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible
Process
-
Contacting a Migration Agent (Applicants)
-
Conduct consultation, assess background, guide on required documents (Agents / Department)
-
Assist with preparing essential documents (Agents / Department)
-
Preparing essential documents (Applicants)
-
Lodging the EOI (Agents / Department)
-
Lodging the ROI (Agents / Department)
-
The ROI and EOI get invited (Agents / Department)
-
Preparing documents for state nomination (Applicants)
-
Submit State nomination (Agents / Department)
-
State nomination approved (Agents / Department)
-
Submit 190 visa application (Agents / Department)
-
Preparing police clearance certificates and undergoing medical examinations as required by the Department (Applicants)
-
189 Permanent Resident Visa Grant (Agents / Department)
Common Scenarios & Q&A
01. Do I need a job offer to apply?
A job offer may be required depending on the state or territory’s nomination criteria. Some states and territories require applicants to have a current job offer in their nominated occupation to be eligible, while others do not. It’s important to check the specific requirements of the state or territory you are applying to.
02. What is a skills assessment and why is it important?
A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required before lodging your EOI. It confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
03. How does state nomination work?
You must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Then:
-
Apply to a state or territory for nomination.
-
In some states, you may need to submit a separate Registration of Interest (ROI) application, depending on the state’s requirements.
-
If your nomination application is successful, the state or territory will nominate you in SkillSelect.
-
You will then receive an invitation from the Department to apply for the visa.
Each state and territory has its own nomination criteria, which may include occupation lists, residency rules, work experience, and evidence requirements.
04. I achieved 65 points, why haven’t I been invited?
For Subclass 190, 65 points is still the minimum. However, you must also:
-
Meet specific state nomination criteria.
-
Wait for the state to assess and approve your nomination.
-
Receive an invitation from the Department after nomination.
Some occupations are highly competitive, and certain states may prioritise applicants with higher points, onshore experience, or employment in critical sectors.
05. What if my situation changes after lodging the EOI?
If your English score improves, you gain more work experience, or your circumstances change, you can update your EOI. This may increase your points and make you more competitive for nomination and invitation.
06. What are the requirements for my partner and children?
The same family inclusion rules apply as for Subclass 189:
-
Partners must meet health and character requirements and may need to demonstrate functional English to avoid the second instalment charge.
-
Children must be dependent and meet health requirements. All included family members receive permanent residency if the visa is granted.
Skills Assessment
