Australia Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): State Nomination Guide

The Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190, is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is a points tested visa, so you still need an eligible occupation, a positive skills assessment, the right English level and enough points. The difference from the independent route is that a state or territory chooses to support you, and that support adds points to your score. In exchange, you normally agree to live and work in the nominating state or territory for a period of time. This guide explains how the subclass 190 works, how state nomination fits into the process, what to check before you accept, and how to avoid common problems. It is general information, and the rules change, so always check the Department of Home Affairs and the state or territory website before you rely on any detail.

What the subclass 190 visa offers

A subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa. If granted, you may live, work and study in Australia, normally have access to Medicare, and apply for citizenship later if you meet the requirements. Family members who are included in the application usually receive the same permanent visa. You can also sponsor eligible relatives in future and travel in and out of Australia during the period of the visa’s travel facility.

Unlike the subclass 189 skilled independent visa, the 190 requires nomination from a state or territory government. Nomination shows that the government wants your skills in its economy. Many people turn to subclass 190 because the nomination points can lift a score that would not receive an independent invitation.

Who the subclass 190 suits

The 190 visa often suits people who meet these conditions.

• They have an occupation that a state or territory is willing to nominate.
• They can meet the points test with the extra points that nomination gives.
• They are happy to live and work in the nominating state or territory, at least for the period the state expects.
• They are ready to follow the state’s own application process in addition to the Commonwealth process.

It may not suit someone who wants complete freedom to move across Australia in the first two years, or someone whose occupation is not on any state list. In those cases the independent route, an employer sponsored visa or a regional visa such as the subclass 491 might be a better match.

How state nomination works

Each state and territory has its own skilled migration program, with its own list of occupations, minimum points, work experience requirements, English requirements and sometimes a requirement about whether you already live or work in the state. Some programs open and close at set times, some have quotas for the year and some give priority to certain sectors, such as health, engineering or trades.

A typical process looks like this.

1. You check the state’s program for your occupation and see whether you meet its minimum criteria.
2. You lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and indicate the state or territory you would like to be nominated by, or you apply directly through the state’s own online system, depending on the state.
3. The state reviews your profile. It may ask for more information or evidence.
4. If it decides to nominate you, it sends the nomination through SkillSelect.
5. The Department then invites you to apply for the visa, and you have a limited time to lodge the application.

A state may decline to nominate you even if you meet the minimum rules, so the criteria are best read as a minimum entry ticket and not as a promise.

The commitment that comes with nomination

When a state nominates you, you are normally expected to live and work in that state for a period, and you usually confirm that you intend to do so. This is not just a formality. The state may ask for proof of your residence and work, and breaking your commitment can affect your relationship with the state, including any later nomination request. The legal position is that the visa itself is permanent and is not tied to the state, but the nomination is connected to an intention that you should take seriously.

Think honestly about whether you really want to live in the state before you accept. Look at job markets, housing costs, schools and climate. If your partner works in a different field, check that the local job market suits them. If you have family elsewhere, consider how far away you would be.

Points for subclass 190

The 190 points test uses the same categories as other points tested visas, such as age, English, work experience, qualifications, Australian study, a professional year, partner skills and community language, plus extra points for the state or territory nomination. These nomination points can make the difference between a profile that is below the usual invitation level and one that is invited quickly. See our pages on the Australia PR points system and the points calculator to estimate your total before you start.

State programs may set a higher minimum than the Commonwealth pass mark, and they may weigh points differently from how SkillSelect does. For example, a state might look closely at your work experience in a field it needs, or give weight to people who already work in the state. Always read the state’s own guidance.

Eligibility summary

The details are on the official page, but in general you need to meet these requirements.

• You are nominated by a state or territory government.
• Your occupation is on the list that applies to the subclass 190 visa and the nominating state.
• You have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
• You are under the age limit when you are invited, which has been 45.
• You have competent English.
• You score enough points, including the nomination points, to pass the points test.
• You meet health and character requirements.
• You intend to live and work in the nominating state or territory.

Skills assessment and evidence

The skills assessment is a core step. The assessing authority checks that your qualifications and work experience match the occupation. For the subclass 190 you must also be able to show the state that you meet its own criteria, which can include evidence of recent work experience, a job offer in some programs, or ties to the state. Build your evidence folder early. Include certificates, transcripts, references on company letterhead, payslips, tax documents, contracts and any registration or licences. Make sure your employment history is consistent in every document, including your résumé, the skills assessment and the Expression of Interest.

Step by step: from idea to visa

1. Check the occupation and the state. Compare your occupation with the state programs. If it is not listed in the state you prefer, check other states, but only if you are willing to live there.
2. Complete the skills assessment. Allow time because it can take weeks or months.
3. Prepare English evidence. Book your test early, because states may require a minimum level, and a better score adds points.
4. Estimate your points. Count nomination points but treat them as uncertain until the state approves you.
5. Lodge the Expression of Interest or the state application. Follow the state’s process exactly, including any fee and document upload.
6. Wait for the nomination. The state may ask for more information. Respond quickly and accurately.
7. Receive the invitation and lodge the visa application. You normally have a short period to lodge.
8. Complete health and character checks. Arrange medicals and police certificates.
9. Wait for the decision and prepare to move. After the grant, plan your arrival in the state that nominated you.

Comparing subclass 190 with other routes

Subclass 190 is permanent and offers extra points through nomination. The subclass 491 visa is provisional, requires living and working in a designated regional area, and offers nomination or family sponsorship points. The subclass 189 offers freedom but gives no nomination points. The subclass 494 visa is employer sponsored. You can express interest in more than one of these at the same time, and your best route may change as invitation patterns change. Our guide to general skilled migration gives an overview, and our Australia migration hub lists every route.

Choosing a state sensibly

A state nomination is only useful if you can really live there. Use a practical checklist.

• Work. Look for the number of vacancies in your field, typical pay and the strength of employers.
• Housing. Check rent and purchase prices in the cities and towns where you would live.
• Schools and healthcare. If you have children, look at school zones and access to health services.
• Lifestyle. Think about the climate, distance from other cities and community support.
• Career growth. Consider whether your profession has long-term opportunities in the state.

If a state’s requirements, such as a minimum amount of recent work experience in the state, are not realistic for you, spend your time and money on a better route.

What can go wrong

Common problems with subclass 190 applications include:

• Applying to a state without reading the criteria and missing a basic requirement.
• Not telling the state about important changes, such as a new job or a move to another state, before the nomination is decided.
• Overstating experience or points, which can lead to nomination withdrawal or visa refusal.
• Letting English test results expire or assessing authority outcomes lapse.
• Missing the deadline to lodge the visa application after an invitation.
• Moving to another state straight after the grant without understanding the possible effect on future dealings with the nominating state.

Costs

You should expect to pay the Commonwealth visa application charge, assessment fees, English test fees, medical costs and police certificates. Some states also charge a nomination application fee, and some require you to pay it with the application whether or not you are nominated. These fees change, so check the official sources. In addition, plan for relocation and for living costs in the state until you are working.

Living in your nominating state

After the grant, you will want to settle quickly. Register with the local services, open a bank account, apply for your Tax File Number if you have not already, and find a place to live. Many states offer settlement services, job market information and community groups. Connect with professional associations in your field and update your résumé to the local format. If you need registration to work in your profession, start the process early, since it can take time.

How GIEC Global UK can help

We can explain how the subclass 190 compares with other routes, help you think through whether a state nomination is realistic for your occupation and talk through the documents you will need. We cannot guarantee a nomination or a visa, because those decisions belong to the state and the Australian Government. To talk to our team, contact GIEC Global UK for a free consultation.

Final checklist before you apply to a state

• You have read the state’s occupation list, minimum points and any extra criteria.
• You can honestly say you intend to live and work in the state.
• Your skills assessment, English test and points are current.
• Your documents support every claim.
• You know the state’s application fee and what happens if you are not selected.
• You have a plan for the period after you receive the nomination.
• You have checked the official Home Affairs page for subclass 190.

Examples of how nomination changes the decision

Consider a few simplified examples. An engineer with a score slightly below the usual independent invitation level may find that nomination points lift the total enough to be competitive, but the state may also require the engineer to hold or obtain a job offer, or to show recent experience. A nurse may find that a state with a shortage welcomes applications and may process them faster, though professional registration is still needed to practise. A cook or a trade worker may find that a regional state values their skills, but the state may want evidence of recent trade experience. In every case, check the specific criteria.

These examples show why one occupation can lead to very different outcomes in different states. If you are unsure, narrow down your options by looking at your occupation, your score, your English level, your savings and your willingness to live in each state. Then choose a state where you can honestly meet the commitment, rather than the one that looks easiest on paper.

Types of state and territory program settings

State programs differ, but you will often see the same building blocks. Understanding them helps you read a program page quickly and decide whether it is worth your time.

Occupation lists

Each state publishes a list of occupations it is willing to nominate. These lists may be broader or narrower than the Commonwealth list, and they can change during the program year. An occupation can be open in one state and closed in another. Some lists are split into streams, for example for applicants already living in the state and for applicants overseas.

Minimum points and extra criteria

A state may set a minimum score that is higher than the Commonwealth pass mark, or may weigh particular factors such as skilled experience in the last few years. Some states give priority to people who already work in the state, to graduates of the state’s own universities or to specific industries. Reading the criteria slowly will save you from paying for an application that cannot succeed.

Genuine intent and ties to the state

Some programs expect evidence that you have researched the state and plan to settle there. This can include a job search plan, contact with employers, family or community ties, or an existing job. You do not need to invent connections, and you should never fabricate evidence. Instead, explain honestly why you have chosen the state and what you have done to prepare.

Quotas and rounds

Programs can have an annual allocation of nominations. When it is used up, no more nominations are issued until a new allocation arrives. Programs can also open in rounds and close quickly when demand is high. Subscribe to the state’s updates if you want to be ready when a round opens.

A closer look at the evidence that states often ask for

Because each state works differently, the exact list varies, but these items appear often. Having them ready lets you respond quickly when a round opens.

• A current résumé that matches your skills assessment and Expression of Interest.
• Your skills assessment outcome letter.
• Your English test result report, with a valid date.
• Passport identity page and, where needed, other identity documents.
• Reference letters for each employer, with duties, dates, hours and salary.
• Evidence of current employment if the program favours current workers.
• A statement or form about your plan to live and work in the state, if the program asks for one.
• Evidence of registration or licences if the occupation is regulated.

Give every document a clear file name, keep scans readable and make sure the dates agree across documents. A tidy file helps a case officer understand your profile faster.

How to decide whether to wait or move to another route

If you are waiting for a state round and your profile is not improving, ask whether you can use the time better. You might lift your English score, collect a better reference, look at a different occupation that truly matches your experience, or consider a regional route. If you have a job offer, an employer based visa could be faster. If your partner has skills, their assessment might add points. Time spent waiting can turn into time spent improving, if you plan it.

At the same time, be careful with deadlines. If your age is close to a points band or the limit, or your English result will expire, the cost of waiting rises. Make a simple table of the dates that matter: age band changes, test expiry, assessment expiry, passport expiry and program opening dates. Update it every month.

Common questions about moving after the grant

Many people ask what they can do after the grant, especially regarding work and travel. Because the visa is permanent, you are not tied to one employer, and you can change jobs. Your nomination, however, was based on your commitment to live and work in the state. If you decide to move to another state shortly after arriving, think about the possible effect on any future dealings with the nominating state, and keep records of why you moved, such as a job offer. Rules and policies vary, so ask the state or a registered professional before you move.

If you travel after the grant, check the travel facility and the date by which you need to arrive in Australia. If you leave Australia for a long period, check how that affects your residence for citizenship purposes and your access to benefits. Keep your passport valid and check whether you need to update your visa details when you renew it.

A note on honesty with the state and the Department

States and the Department of Home Affairs may share information and may check your claims. Be consistent about your work history, your address history and your plans in every form. If something in your history is unusual, such as a gap in employment or a change of occupation, explain it clearly instead of hoping nobody notices. A calm, accurate explanation is far safer than an inconsistency that a case officer discovers later.

Processing and communication

After you lodge the visa application, you will usually deal with the Department of Home Affairs through the online account system. Check it regularly for requests for information. If the Department asks for more documents, respond within the time allowed. If you change your email address or phone number, update it. If your passport is renewed or your relationship status changes, tell the Department. It is also wise to keep your state contact details current, since the state may need to reach you about the nomination.

Keep a copy of your application, your receipts and your correspondence. If the visa is granted, save the grant notice in more than one place. You will need it in the future for travel, employment checks, citizenship and sponsorship applications.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Australia subclass 190 visa?

It is a permanent skilled visa for people who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is points tested, and the nomination adds points to your score.

Is subclass 190 a permanent visa?

Yes. If granted, it is a permanent visa that lets you live, work and study in Australia, with access to Medicare in most cases, subject to the conditions on your grant.

How is subclass 190 different from subclass 189?

Subclass 189 is independent and has no nomination, while subclass 190 requires state or territory nomination, which adds points but comes with an expectation that you will live and work in that state.

Do I have to live in the nominating state?

You are normally expected to live and work in the nominating state or territory for a period and you confirm that intention. The visa is permanent, but the commitment should be taken seriously.

How many points do I need for the 190 visa?

The Commonwealth pass mark has been 65 points, which includes the nomination points. States may set their own higher minimums, so check the program for your occupation.

How do I get state nomination?

You check the state's program, meet its criteria, lodge an Expression of Interest or a state application, and wait for the state to decide. Some states ask for extra evidence or a fee.

Can a state refuse to nominate me even if I meet the criteria?

Yes. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee nomination, because states choose candidates based on their needs and available places.

Do I need a skills assessment for subclass 190?

In most cases yes. You need a positive assessment from the authority for your occupation, and the state may have extra requirements as well.

Can I apply to more than one state?

Rules vary. You can often record interest in more than one state in SkillSelect, but states have their own application rules, so read each program carefully.

What is the age limit for subclass 190?

You need to be under 45 when you are invited to apply, and age points depend on the age band at the time of the invitation.

Does the 190 visa need a job offer?

Not by itself. Some state programs ask for a job offer or recent work experience in the state, depending on the occupation and the program, so check the state rules.

How long does it take to get a 190 visa?

There are several stages: skills assessment, state nomination, invitation and visa processing. Each varies, so check the state and Home Affairs guidance for current timeframes.

Can my family come with me on a 190 visa?

A partner and dependent children can usually be included in the application if they meet health and character requirements. Other relatives cannot be included.

What happens if I move to another state after getting the visa?

The visa is permanent, but your nomination was based on a commitment to the state. Moving early can have consequences for your dealings with that state, so understand the position before you move.

How much does a 190 visa cost?

There is a Commonwealth visa application charge, plus assessment, English test, medical and police certificate costs, and some states charge a nomination fee. Fees change, so check the official pages.

Can I improve my chances of nomination?

You can improve your profile by raising your English score, gaining relevant work experience, completing recognised study and making sure your documents are complete and consistent.

What English level do I need for 190?

You need at least competent English, and some states ask for a higher level. Higher English levels also add points for the points test.

Can I apply for 190 while I am in Australia?

Often yes, but your current visa conditions matter. Some visas stop you from applying for another visa in Australia, so check your conditions first.

Is the 190 visa better than the 491 visa?

It depends. The 190 is permanent from the start, while the 491 is provisional and has regional requirements. The better choice depends on your points, your occupation and where you are willing to live.

How can GIEC Global UK help with subclass 190?

We can explain how nomination works, review your occupation and points with you and talk through the documents. We cannot guarantee nomination or a visa, because those decisions belong to the state and the Department of Home Affairs.