Are you a skilled worker who wants to live in Australia ? The 190 Skilled Nominated Visa could be your key to success. This visa targets qualified migrants with skills that Australia’s states and territories need. It offers permanent residency, but you must get a state or territory nomination first.
At first, you might find the process daunting. Each state has its own rules, needed jobs, and application times. But don’t stress — this guide will explain everything step-by-step.
As Registered Migration Agents at Ezy Immigration, we assist countless professionals worldwide (Kiwis) to navigate this pathway each year.
What Is the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa?
The Subclass 190 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who receive nomination from an Australian state or territory. Unlike the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (which doesn’t need sponsorship), the 190 visa requires state nomination making it a two-step process: first getting nomination then applying for the visa.
With this visa, you can:
- Live and work anywhere in the state or territory that nominated you
- Sign up for Medicare
- Bring your family with you on the application
- Later apply for Australian citizenship (if you qualify)
How State Nomination Works (And Why It's Important)
Getting a state or territory government to back you plays a key role in the 190 visa process. It signals to the Department of Home Affairs that a specific area wants your skills and supports your visa request.
But each state manages its own list of in-demand jobs, sets different requirements, and opens and closes its nomination program at various times throughout the year.
Here’s an example:
- New South Wales might give priority to healthcare pros or IT workers.
- South Australia could zero in on skilled trades or jobs in rural areas.
- Victoria invites people in science, tech, engineering, math, and health fields.
Some states use a system where you show your interest, while others want you to have a job lined up or previous work experience in that state.
This is when expert advice becomes key. Knowing which places need your skills most, and the right time to apply, can make all the difference in getting nominated.
Steps to Apply for the 190 Visa
Here’s a breakdown of the main steps to apply for a 190 visa:
1. Check if Your Job Qualifies
Check out the official Skilled occupation list to see if your job qualifies for a 190 visa.
2. Get a Positive Skills Assessment
The relevant authority (such as ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA, etc.) must assess your qualifications and work experience. This confirms your skill set for immigration purposes.
3. Meet the Points Requirement
To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), you need to score at least 65 points under Australia’s points-tested visa system. You can earn points for:
- Age
- English skills
- Qualifications
- Work experience
- State nomination (adds 5 points)
Tip: Check your score with Ezy Immigration’s points calculator or talk to one of our consultants.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Send your EOI through SkillSelect. Show your interest in the 190 visa and list the states or territories you’d consider.
5. Ask for State Nomination
Each state has a unique nomination process. After you submit your EOI, you might get an invite to apply for nomination (or you might need to send a separate application depending on the state).
6. Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
After nomination, the Department of Home Affairs will send you an ITA to submit your complete visa application.
7. Submit Your Visa Application
You have 60 days to submit your application online after you get the invitation. Be sure to include all necessary documents (identity, skills assessment, English test, etc.).
Key Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 190
To qualify, you must:
- Receive an invitation to apply for the visa
- Get a nomination from an Australian state or territory
- Have a job on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Get a positive skills assessment
- Be younger than 45 years old
- Show competent English skills
- Pass the health and character checks
Each state might also add their own specific rules such as:
- Least required job experience in a chosen field
- Residing in the state when applying
- Employment offer or connections to the area
Why Applicants Get Mixed Up
One of the main stumbling blocks for 190 visa seekers is grasping the gap between state and federal procedures.
Many believe the state grants the visa — but , the state just puts you forward. The real visa comes from the Department of Home Affairs, based on your nomination and meeting national standards.
Another thing that causes confusion is the state criteria that keep changing. The rules often shift without much warning, and states might shut down or pause their programs in the middle of the year. That’s why it’s a big help to have a registered migration agent on your side.
Benefits of the 190 Visa Pathway
- You get Permanent Residency right away
- You earn 5 extra points for state nomination
- Your application gets processed faster than some other skilled visa types
- You can include family members
You have a path to citizenship after you’ve held PR
How Ezy Immigration Can Help
At Ezy Immigration, we simplify the process. If you work in healthcare, trades, engineering, or ICT, our migration experts can:
- Find the top states for your job
- Keep track of state nomination openings
- Build a compelling EOI and nomination request
- Check all papers for accuracy and completeness
- Support you to boost your score for quicker outcomes
Get in touch with us now to talk about your 190 visa plan or set up a custom meeting.
Is the 190 Visa the Right Choice for You?
If you’re good at your job and want a clear path to permanent residency, the Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa might be right for you. The process can be tricky because each state has different rules, but getting help from experts and planning ahead can boost your chances.
Not sure which visa fits your needs? Take a look at our Skilled Migration Visa Guide or set up a free chat with our team to check if you qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can tell them which states you like in your Expression of Interest, but the state decides whether to invite you based on your job and if you meet their requirements.
The 189 visa doesn’t need state nomination but has more competition. The 190 visa gives you 5 extra points through nomination but requires you to live in the state that nominates you.
It depends. Some states want a job offer for people applying from overseas, while others don’t. Each state or territory has its own rules.
The time can change, but after nomination and invitation to apply, the final visa process takes 4–9 months. This depends on your situation and paperwork.
You can add your immediate family members as secondary applicants when you apply for your visa.
You can do this legally, but you should live and work in the state that nominated you for at least 2 years. This shows you’re acting in good faith.
