Australia Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
What is the Subclass 190?
The Subclass 190 complements 189 by letting states and territories select skilled migrants aligned with their economic needs. The nomination adds 5 points to your EOI score — often the difference between getting invited and waiting forever in the pool.
In exchange for the nomination, you commit to living and working in the nominating state for 2 years. Breach of this moral commitment is not legally enforceable but can affect future state nominations.
Who qualifies
✅ Eligibility checklist
- Occupation on MLTSSL or STSOL: Must appear on relevant state occupation list (each state has its own).
- Positive skills assessment: From relevant assessing authority (ACS, Engineers Australia, ANMAC, etc.).
- Age under 45: At time of invitation.
- English — Competent minimum: IELTS 6.0 each band. Proficient (7.0) or Superior (8.0) for more points.
- 65+ points including nomination: 5 points from nomination plus your base score.
- State nomination: Must be granted by a state/territory government.
- Health and character: Meet Australian standards.
Required documents
📄 Document checklist
- Valid passport
- Skills assessment result
- English test results
- Educational qualifications and transcripts
- Work experience evidence
- State-specific application documents (varies per state)
- CV
- Birth/marriage certificates
- Police checks
- Health examination
- Partner skills documentation if claiming partner points
Step-by-step application process
- Check occupation is on a state list. Each state publishes its own Skilled Occupation List annually.
- Obtain skills assessment. From relevant assessing authority. 8–16 weeks typical.
- Take English test. IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL iBT.
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. Select 190 and indicate nominating state.
- Apply for state nomination. Each state has its own application portal and criteria. Fees AUD 200–400.
- Receive state nomination. Adds 5 points to EOI. State commitment agreement signed.
- Receive invitation from Department of Home Affairs. Based on points ranking. 60 days to lodge visa application.
- Submit visa application via ImmiAccount. Pay application fee. Upload all documents.
- Complete health and police checks. Health via Bupa or approved panel physicians.
- Receive decision (12–18 months typical). Direct PR granted.
- Make first entry within 12 months. Commit to 2 years in nominating state.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State nomination application fee | AUD 200–400 | Varies by state |
| Skills assessment | AUD 500–1,500 | By occupation |
| English test | AUD 330–410 | IELTS/PTE |
| Subclass 190 visa fee (primary) | AUD 4,640 | Standard |
| Additional applicant 18+ | AUD 2,320 | Spouse |
| Additional applicant under 18 | AUD 1,160 | Child |
| Medical exam | AUD 300–500 | Per adult |
| Police certificates | AUD 20–200 | Per country |
| Migration agent (optional) | AUD 3,000–6,000 | If using MARA agent |
| Total (single applicant) | AUD 6,000–9,500 | Without agent |
Timeline from start to arrival
- Month 1–3: Skills assessment, English test, research state options
- Month 3–4: Submit EOI + state nomination application
- Month 4–8: State reviews (varies 2–6 months)
- Month 8: Nomination received; invitation soon after
- Month 9: Lodge visa application within 60 days
- Month 10–24: Home Affairs processing
- Month 24: Visa granted; first entry within 12 months
- Years 1–2 after entry: Commit to living and working in nominating state
Total: 18–30 months to PR. Generally faster than 189 because state nomination boosts points to invite-worthy levels.
Do I need a lawyer?
Similar to 189 — most applicants self-file or use registered migration agents. Consider for: skills assessment complications or refusals, multiple states applying simultaneously, prior Australian refusals, health or character concerns.
Only use MARA-registered migration agents or registered migration lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to live in the nominating state for 2 years?
Yes, morally. It’s not legally enforceable (PR is national), but breaking the commitment can affect future state nominations and appeal cases.
Can I switch states after getting PR?
Technically yes — PR is national. But ethically you should complete the 2-year commitment. Some states (Tasmania, NT) specifically monitor this.
Which states are easiest to get nominated by?
Typically Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland have more accessible nomination criteria than NSW or Victoria. Each state has specific occupations in high demand.
How is 190 different from 189?
189 = Skilled Independent (no state nomination needed but higher points required). 190 = Skilled Nominated (state nomination adds 5 points, 2-year state commitment). Both lead to direct PR.
Can I bring family?
Yes. Spouse, children, and some parents can be included. Partner skills add up to 10 points.
Do I need a job offer?
No. 190 is skilled-migration based on qualifications and state nomination — not employer-sponsored.
What are state occupation lists?
Each state publishes its own Skilled Occupation List annually. Occupations vary by state. Some states have “Priority” lists with faster processing.
Can I apply if I’m in Australia on another visa?
Yes. You can be anywhere when applying. Being onshore may help if the state has specific onshore streams.
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