Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It works much like the Skilled Independent 189 visa, but the crucial difference is that a state or territory nomination adds 5 points to your score, which is often exactly what lifts a candidate over the competitive invitation cut-off. In return, you commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory, usually for the first two years.

To be eligible you need an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list used by the nominating state, a suitable skills assessment, competent English, to be under 45 when invited, and to meet both the 65-point minimum and the specific nomination requirements set by that state. Each state and territory publishes its own occupation lists and criteria, which change based on local labour market needs, so the same applicant may be eligible in one state but not another.

Unlike the 189 visa, the 190 requires you to be selected by a state or territory before you can be invited. Most states require you to submit an EOI in SkillSelect and, separately, register interest or apply directly through the state's own migration portal. States prioritise occupations in genuine shortage and often favour candidates who already live or work locally, have a job offer, or have studied in the state. Because criteria differ widely, researching which state best matches your occupation and profile is essential.

The 5 nomination points can be decisive: a candidate sitting at 70 points for the 189 may struggle, but the same person at 75 points with state nomination becomes far more competitive for a 190 invitation. In exchange, you sign a commitment to live in the nominating state, and while this is not strictly legally enforced as a visa condition in the same way as regional visas, you are expected to make a genuine effort to settle there.

First, confirm your occupation appears on a state or territory's nomination list and obtain a positive skills assessment. Submit an EOI in SkillSelect indicating you want state nomination, and complete any separate state application or registration of interest. If a state nominates you, SkillSelect automatically issues an invitation to apply, after which you have 60 days to lodge a complete application.

Your application requires identity documents, the skills assessment, English results, and evidence for every points claim including the state nomination. Health examinations and police certificates are also needed. As with the 189, the most important factor is providing consistent, verifiable evidence that matches your EOI and nomination claims. Many applicants treat the 190 as a strong plan A or plan B alongside the 189, because the extra points meaningfully improve the odds of an invitation.

The visa application charge is similar to the 189, around AUD 4,765 for the primary applicant plus charges for family members, on top of skills assessment, English testing, health and police check costs. Some states also charge a nomination application fee. Processing times depend on demand and how complete your application is, with many decision-ready cases finalised within months of invitation.

Like the 189, the subclass 190 is a permanent visa, so you and your family can live, work and study in Australia, access Medicare, and travel for the visa's five-year travel facility. After meeting residence requirements you can apply for citizenship. The only practical difference is your commitment to the nominating state, which makes the 190 ideal for skilled migrants who are flexible about where they settle and want the extra points that a state nomination provides.

Planning around the real numbers makes the Skilled Nominated visa far less stressful. On cost, From AUD 4,910 for the main applicant. On timing, Around 6 to 12 months after an invitation. Budget a little extra for document translation, certified or notarised copies, any required medical examination, photos to specification, and travel to a consulate or biometrics appointment. These smaller costs add up and are easy to overlook. Start gathering your documents early. Nomination by an Australian state or territory government (which adds 5 points), an occupation on the relevant list, a skills assessment, a points-test pass, and competent English. Beyond those specifics, almost every applicant needs a passport valid well beyond the intended stay, recent photographs, and proof of funds or income. Where papers are issued in another language, official translations and sometimes an apostille or legalisation are expected, so confirm the exact format before booking your appointment.

Permanent routes reward preparation. Double-check that your points claim is fully backed by evidence, qualifications assessed, language tests valid, and work experience documented with reference letters and payslips. Get police certificates from every country where you have lived long-term and complete the medical with an approved panel physician early, since these often gate the final decision. Keep proof of settlement funds ready, and make sure no current status lapses while you wait. Small inconsistencies between your profile and your documents are the most common reason for delays, so review everything for accuracy before you submit.