SC190
Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers whose occupations are listed on the eligible skilled occupation list of an Australian state or territory. To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government and meet the relevant visa and nomination requirements.

Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa

Permanent Residency in Australia

  • Live and work in Australia permanently.
  • Study at any Australian educational institution.
  • Enjoy many of the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens across various aspects of life, subject to eligibility requirements

Access to Australia's Social Benefits

  • Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system.
  • Access healthcare services and community support programs available to eligible residents.
  • Attend free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), if eligible.

Greater Opportunities for Your Family's Future

  • Include eligible family members in your visa application or sponsor eligible relatives to migrate to Australia
  • Travel freely to and from Australia for up to 5 years from the date your visa is granted. 
  • Become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship once all requirements are met.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 190 Visa

To be eligible for a Subclass 190 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Migration Points Requirement

Achieve a minimum of 65 points under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test. The actual invitation points may be higher depending on occupation demand and invitation quotas.

Expression of Interest/ Register of Interest

Submit an EOI and/or ROI (if required) in accordance with the nomination requirements of the relevant state or territory to be considered for nomination.

State or Territory Nomination

Receive an invitation from a state or territory government to apply for nomination.

Age

Be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation to apply.

Occupation

Each state and territory maintains its own list of eligible occupations based on local labour market needs and workforce demand.

Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation.

English

Demonstrate at least Competent English. English test results must be valid at the time of invitation and visa application.

Employment

Some states or territories may require applicants to have relevant work experience gained within a specified period or a job offer related to their nominated occupation.

Health and Character Requirements

Complete the required health examinations using your HAP ID.
If you have lived in any country for 12 months or more within the last 10 years, you will be required to provide a police clearance certificate from that country.

Subclass 190 visa Application Process

START

Self-Check

Check your occupation, claimed points and state requirements.

Submit & Wait

Lodge your EOI and ROI (if required). Await a nomination invitation.

Gather

Prepare nomination documents as required by the state or territory.

Submit & Wait

Lodge your nomination application and await the visa invitation.

Gather

Gather your supporting documents.

Lodge & Wait

Lodge your visa within 60 days of ITA and respond to any further requests

SUBCLASS 189 VS SUBCLASS 190 VS SUBCLASS 491

CRITERIA
SUBCLASS 189
SUBCLASS 190
SUBCLASS 491
Visa Type
Permanent visa
Permanent visa
Provisional Visa
Sponsorship Requirement
No sponsorship required
State or territory nomination required
State/Territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship required
Additional Points
0 points
+5 points
+15 points
Residence Requirement
Live and work anywhere in Australia
Expected to reside in the nominating state or territory
Must live and work in designated regional areas

SUBCLASS 190 VISA FEES AND PROCESSING TIMES

From AUD 4,910

Visa application charge for the primary applicant. 

Approximately 14-17 Months

Estimated average processing time for a Subclass 190 visa application after lodgement. (updated as at 28 May 2026)

HOW CAN SKILL DIRECT HELP YOU?

We support you throughout your journey, from lodging your EOI to achieving your goal of Australian permanent residency.

Assess Your Eligibility and Migration Points

Carefully review your profile and calculate your migration points accurately to ensure all eligible claims are included and supported by evidence.

Follow invitation rounds and advise on suitable states

Follow occupation updates, quotas and invitation rounds while identifying the best state for your profile.

Await ITA and prepare your application.

Prepare your EOI, ROI (if required) and nomination application. Upon receiving an ITA, prepare and lodge your application within 60 days.

Handling Requests from state/DHA

Analyse the reasons, prepare additional documentsand respond to requests for further information, including explanations if required

ARE YOU READY TO START YOUR MIGRATION JOURNEY?

Book a consultation with Skill Direct to develop a visa strategy tailored to your profile.

Frequently asked questions

Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa.

1. Do I have to stay in my nominating state forever?

Under Australian migration law, holders of a Subclass 190 visa are permanent residents and may live and work anywhere in Australia. However, state and territory governments nominate applicants based on their commitment to contribute to the local economy and workforce. As part of the nomination process, applicants are generally required to sign a declaration confirming their intention to live and work in the nominating state or territory, usually for at least 2–3 years after visa grant. While there is no specific visa condition restricting where Subclass 190 visa holders can live after the visa is granted, moving to another state shortly after receiving permanent residency may be viewed as inconsistent with the commitment made during the nomination process. If your circumstances change due to genuine and compelling reasons, it is generally recommended that you notify the nominating state or territory and provide a formal explanation before relocating. In practice, we have not encountered cases where a state or territory has taken legal action against a visa holder solely for relocating. However, maintaining transparency and acting in good faith is always advisable.

2. Is there a cap on the number of Subclass 190 visas?

Yes. For every financial year, the Australian Government allocates a specific quota to each state and territory

3. Can I apply for a Subclass 190 visa without a state nomination?

No. A state or territory nomination is a mandatory requirement for the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa. If you do not receive an invitation, we encourage you to explore alternative visa pathways that may better suit your profile.

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