Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
If you have been building a career in a skilled trade or profession and dreaming of a fresh start across the Tasman, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) could be the visa that gets you there. It is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government, and it remains one of the most reliable routes into Australia for New Zealanders and other applicants whose points score needs a boost.
Unlike a standard points-only visa, the Subclass 190 rewards you with an extra five points simply for accepting a state’s invitation to live and work there. That small addition can be the difference between waiting indefinitely and receiving your invitation within a single round. At Ezy Immigration, we help skilled applicants understand exactly where they stand, which state suits their occupation, and how to put together an application that gives them the best possible chance of success.
What Is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
The Subclass 190 sits within Australia’s General Skilled Migration programme. It is built for tradespeople, healthcare workers, engineers, IT professionals, and many other skilled occupations that a state or territory government has identified as being in demand. Once you are nominated and your visa is granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia from day one. There is no temporary stage to work through first.
That permanency brings real, tangible benefits. You gain access to Medicare, the right to live and work anywhere in Australia without a time limit, the ability to bring your partner and children with you, and a clear pathway towards Australian citizenship further down the track. In exchange, most states expect you to live and work in their region for at least the first two years, which is a fair trade for the certainty a permanent visa provides.
Because each state manages its own nomination programme, the requirements, occupation lists, and opening dates change throughout the year. This is where it becomes genuinely useful to have someone in your corner who tracks these movements daily, rather than trying to piece it together yourself from eight different government websites.
The Real Challenge: Navigating a Moving Target
Most applicants do not struggle because they lack skills. They struggle because the system itself is complicated and constantly shifting. Occupation lists open and close without much warning. Points thresholds rise and fall depending on how competitive a given round is. One state might be actively seeking your occupation this month and pause its programme the next.
We regularly meet clients who submitted an Expression of Interest months ago and are still waiting, unsure whether their profile is even competitive. Others have the right skills but are applying to the wrong state, missing out on nomination simply because they did not know a better-matched programme existed elsewhere. This uncertainty is stressful, and it can cost valuable time.
Ezy Immigration removes that guesswork. Our team reviews your occupation, qualifications, and work history against current state nomination criteria, then builds a tailored strategy around your strongest options. Rather than applying and hoping, you apply with a clear understanding of your chances and a plan that reflects the current landscape, not last year’s rules.
Key Benefits of the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa
Choosing the Subclass 190 pathway brings several genuine advantages over other skilled migration options. It is a permanent visa, so there is no renewal stress or temporary status to manage once it is granted. It offers full family inclusion, meaning your partner and dependent children can be included on the same application. It grants immediate access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, along with the ability to study, work, and travel freely within Australia.
Perhaps most importantly for many of our clients, the additional five nomination points can convert an otherwise borderline points score into an invitation. For skilled workers whose score sits just below the threshold for other visa subclasses, state nomination is often the most practical and realistic way forward.
“We assumed our points score wasn’t strong enough for Australia. Ezy Immigration showed us a state programme we hadn’t even considered, and within a few months we had our nomination.” — a sentiment we hear often from clients who felt stuck before reaching out.
Eligibility and What You Will Need
Broadly, applicants need an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a positive skills assessment from the correct assessing authority, and a minimum points score, which is commonly around 65 points once nomination points are included. English language ability is also assessed, typically at a Competent level or higher, and there is generally an age limit of under 45 at the time of invitation.
Each state layers its own additional criteria on top of these federal requirements. Some states ask for recent work experience in your nominated field, others prioritise applicants already living or working locally, and a few run dedicated pathways for specific industries such as healthcare or construction. Because these details shift, we recommend starting with a proper assessment rather than assuming you already know where you stand.
Skilled Nominated Visa (190) at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
|
Visa type |
Permanent residency |
|
Nomination required |
Yes, by an Australian state or territory |
|
Typical points requirement |
65 points or more (including 5 nomination points) |
|
Family inclusion |
Partner and dependent children can be included |
|
Work and study rights |
Unlimited, throughout Australia |
|
State residence expectation |
Generally two years in the nominating state |
|
Healthcare access |
Full Medicare access from grant |
How the Subclass 190 Compares to Similar Visas
It helps to see the 190 alongside the two visas people most often confuse it with: the Subclass 189 and the Subclass 491.
| Comparison Point | Subclass 190 (Nominated) | Subclass 189 (Independent) | Subclass 491 (Regional) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nomination needed |
Yes, state or territory |
No |
Yes, state, territory, or family |
|
Residency status |
Permanent from grant |
Permanent from grant |
Provisional (5-year), leads to PR |
|
Extra points |
+5 for nomination |
None needed |
+15 for nomination |
|
Location commitment |
Nominating state, ~2 years |
None |
Must live in regional Australia |
|
Best suited to |
Applicants needing extra points and open to state living |
Applicants with high points on their own merit |
Applicants targeting regional areas or lower points thresholds |
If your score already clears the 189 threshold without help, that route avoids any location commitment. If your score falls short even with nomination points, the 491 opens the door with a lower bar in exchange for regional living. For many applicants, though, the 190 sits in a comfortable middle ground: full permanency, a manageable location commitment, and a realistic points requirement.
How We Help You Apply
Applying for the Subclass 190 involves several distinct stages, and getting the order and timing right matters. We generally guide clients through the following journey together.
This structured approach means fewer surprises, tighter timelines where possible, and a much stronger, better-evidenced application overall.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Every skilled migration journey looks a little different, and the Subclass 190 will not suit everyone equally. The best starting point is a conversation, not a guess. Our team at Ezy Immigration has guided many New Zealand-based applicants through this exact process, and we would genuinely welcome the chance to look at your situation.
Start with our free visa assessment to find out where you stand, or read what other clients have said about working with us on our testimonials page. If you would like to know more about who we are and how we work, our about us page is a good place to start.
Is the Subclass 190 Right for You?
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) remains one of the most practical permanent residency options for skilled workers who want certainty, family inclusion, and full access to life in Australia. It rewards applicants willing to commit to a state for a couple of years with a meaningful points boost and permanent status from the outset.
The rules shift often enough that professional guidance genuinely pays off, and that is exactly the gap Ezy Immigration exists to fill.
If you are weighing up the 190 against other skilled visa pathways, our Skilled Visas Australia hub covers related options side by side, so you can see the full picture before deciding where to focus your energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the current eligibility requirements for a state-nominated skilled visa?
You generally need an occupation on the relevant skilled list, a positive skills assessment, a minimum points score around 65 (including nomination points), and Competent English. States also apply their own extra criteria, such as recent work experience, so it is worth checking your target state’s rules closely.
- Which migration agencies offer consultation for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
Registered migration agencies, including Ezy Immigration, offer consultations covering eligibility checks, occupation matching, and full application support. Look for agents registered with the relevant migration authority, and ask about their experience with your specific occupation and target state.
- How do I find a qualified immigration professional for Australian visas from New Zealand?
Search for agencies registered with Australia’s migration regulatory body, check reviews and testimonials, and confirm they have handled applications for New Zealand-based clients before. Ezy Immigration works specifically with applicants based in New Zealand throughout the entire process.
- How can I find a registered migration agent to assist with a Subclass 190 application?
Check that any agent you consider is properly registered, ask for their registration number, and read genuine client testimonials. A good agent will offer a clear, honest eligibility assessment before asking you to commit to anything further.
- What is the step-by-step process to apply for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
The typical path runs: skills assessment, Expression of Interest via SkillSelect, state nomination application, invitation to apply, then lodging the full visa application with supporting documents, health checks, and character checks, followed by a decision.
- What are the typical processing times for a Subclass 190 visa application?
Processing times vary by state, occupation, and how complete your application is when lodged. They can range from several months to over a year. Working with an experienced agent and submitting a well-prepared application usually helps avoid unnecessary delays.
- What are the top job boards listing occupations eligible for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
Rather than general job boards, start with your target state’s official skilled occupation list, which confirms whether your role qualifies. From there, mainstream job-search platforms can help you understand demand and salary expectations within Australia.
- Where can I locate approved medical examination centres for Australian visas in New Zealand?
Approved panel physicians for Australian visa medical checks are listed through Australia’s official immigration health examination system. Your migration agent can point you towards an approved clinic near you once your visa application is underway.
- Which companies specialise in Subclass 190 visa sponsorship and nomination?
State nominations come directly from Australian state and territory governments, not private companies. However, migration agencies like Ezy Immigration specialise in preparing and lodging strong nomination applications on your behalf, improving your chances of a positive outcome.
- How does the points test system work for the Skilled Nominated Visa?
Points are awarded for factors such as age, English ability, skilled work experience, and qualifications, with state nomination adding a further five points. Most applicants need to reach a minimum threshold, commonly around 65 points, before they can be considered for an invitation.
How would you like to proceed with your New Zealand residency plans?
Find on this page
New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser and Australia Registered Migration Agent
IAA # 201300919
MARA # 2117455
Looking to live and work permanently in your chosen Australian state or territory? Navigating state occupation lists, Registration of Interest (ROI) invitations, and points thresholds doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Schedule a private strategy session with our registered migration specialists to identify your best state nomination pathways and build an audit-ready Subclass 190 application.
Success Stories
Hear from skilled professionals we have helped successfully migrate to New Zealand.
- What You Get From Your Free 190 Points & Nomination Assessment
Ready to turn your skills into Australian permanent residency with the backing of a state or territory government? Take our quick 2-minute evaluation to see which Australian states are actively seeking your profession and where your points stand. It’s 100% free, transparent, and hassle-free. You’ll get clear, actionable guidance on state nomination criteria, invitation trends, and full family inclusion from day one.
- We audit your points breakdown across age, English proficiency, experience, and qualifications
- We evaluate which Australian states/territories have open nomination pathways for your role
- We structure a step-by-step roadmap from Skills Assessment to final PR grant
- Your employment history, CV, and personal data remain 100% secure and protected