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The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) could be the smartest route to get you Permanent Residence in Australia
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Once granted, it allows you to live, work, and study in Australia permanently — giving you and your family the long-term security you've worked hard for.
What makes the Subclass 190 stand out in Australia's skilled migration program is the 5 additional points you receive through state nomination. For many applicants who are close to — but not quite at — the competitive points thresholds in SkillSelect, this nomination can be the deciding factor between waiting indefinitely and actually receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Unlike the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), which requires no sponsorship but demands a higher points score, the Subclass 190 is a state-backed pathway that works in your favour when your occupation is in demand in a specific state or territory.
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With the Subclass 190, you can:
Important note: This visa requires you to commit to living and working in your nominating state for at least two years after the visa is granted. This is a genuine obligation, not merely a formality.
Is the Subclass 190 the Right Visa for You?
This visa suits skilled professionals who:
If you're already in Tasmania or New South Wales and looking for a permanent path forward, this visa is particularly worth exploring. Our OnePoint offices in Hobart and Sydney are well-positioned to help you assess your eligibility and identify the right state nomination strategy.
Many applicants ask us which is better — the Subclass 189 or the Subclass 190. The honest answer is: it depends on your circumstances. Here's a simple comparison to help:
| Feature | Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) |
|---|---|---|
| State nomination required? | No | Yes |
| Bonus points | None | +5 points |
| Typical points cut-off | Usually 80+ points | More accessible with 65+ points |
| Location requirement | Live anywhere in Australia | Must live in nominating state for 2 years |
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent |
| Who it suits | High-scorers in high-demand occupations | Skilled workers who benefit from state-matched demand |
If your points score is in the 65–80 range, the Subclass 190 is likely your most practical pathway to permanent residency. If your score is already above 80 and your occupation is in high demand nationally, the Subclass 189 might be worth exploring alongside it.
Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 190 Visa
To be eligible to apply for the Subclass 190 visa, you must meet all of the following requirements at the time of invitation:
Age
Nominated Occupation
Skills Assessment
Points Score
English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate competent English. Accepted tests and minimum scores include:
Two-Year Commitment to the Nominating State
You must genuinely intend to live and work in the state or territory that nominates you for at least two years following visa grant.
Health and Character
💡 OnePoint Tip: Always verify your occupation against the current version of your nominating state's list before lodging your Expression of Interest. These lists change frequently and using an outdated version is one of the most common — and easily avoidable — mistakes we see
The points test is how the Department of Home Affairs ranks Subclass 190 applicants. Points are awarded across several categories:
| Category | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32: highest bracket) | Up to 30 |
| English language ability | Up to 20 |
| Skilled employment (Australian) | Up to 20 |
| Skilled employment (overseas) | Up to 15 |
| Educational qualifications | Up to 20 |
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Specialist education qualification | 10 |
| Credentialled community language | 5 |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Partner skills or single status | Up to 10 |
| State or territory nomination (Subclass 190) | 5 |
The minimum threshold to be eligible is 65 points, but receiving an invitation typically requires a higher score depending on your occupation and the state's demand. Points cut-offs vary by invitation round, so checking recent SkillSelect invitation data is essential before lodging your EOI.
The Subclass 190 application process involves several stages. Here's a clear walkthrough:
Before anything else, apply to the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS, AHPRA, CPA Australia). Make sure your qualifications and employment history clearly meet their criteria. A valid, positive assessment is required before you can proceed.
If you haven't already, book and complete your English test (IELTS, PTE, OET, or equivalent). Your result must be valid when you lodge your EOI and application.
Create an EOI profile in the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system. Enter your occupation, English test scores, points calculation, and the states or territories you're open to being nominated by. Keep your EOI accurate and up to date — it's your profile in the system.
If your occupation is on a state's list and your profile meets their criteria, the state may invite you to apply for nomination. Each state has its own process, paperwork, and timelines. Once nominated, you receive your 5 bonus points.
Following nomination, the Department of Home Affairs will issue your Invitation to Apply. You then have 60 days to submit your complete visa application. This window is strict — if you miss it, you'll need to start the nomination process again.
Submit your application online through ImmiAccount. Upload all required documents, pay the visa application fee, and arrange your medical examination and police clearances.
Current average processing times are 9 to 14 months, though this varies depending on document quality, the complexity of your case, and program quotas. Check ImmiAccount regularly for updates or requests from the case officer.
💡 OnePoint Tip: The moment you receive your ITA, the clock starts ticking. Prepare all your documents before your invitation arrives so you're ready to submit a complete application straight away. Incomplete applications are a leading cause of delays.
Being organised with your documents makes a significant difference to how smoothly your application progresses. Here's what you'll typically need:
Identity Documents
Skills and Nomination
English Language
Work History
Education
Health and Character
Relationship and Family
⚠️ Document Quality Matters: Upload clear, legible, and where required, certified English translations. Poor-quality scans or partial documents are among the most common causes of delays and additional requests from the Department.
Costs and Fees for the Subclass 190 Visa
Understanding the full cost picture before you begin will help you plan properly.
| Applicant | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | AUD 4,910 |
| Additional applicant aged 18+ | Varies |
| Additional applicant under 18 | Varies |
*The second instalment applies to dependent applicants aged 18 or older who do not have functional English. It is only charged if requested before the visa is granted.
⚠️ Visa fees are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change. Always confirm the current fees on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent before lodging.
Find answers to the most common questions to help you better understand our services and processes.
No. The Subclass 190 is a points-tested visa, and you do not need a job offer from an Australian employer. However, you do need a skills assessment that validates your qualifications and work experience.
You are expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years. After that period, there are no formal restrictions on where you live in Australia.
The visa itself is a permanent visa. The travel component — allowing you to enter and re-enter Australia — is valid for five years from the grant date. After that, you'd need a Resident Return Visa (or Australian citizenship) to travel internationally and return.
Yes. Eligible family members — including your partner and dependent children — can be included in your application and will also receive permanent residency if the visa is granted.
A skills assessment is an evaluation of your qualifications and work experience conducted by an approved Australian assessing authority relevant to your occupation. For example, Engineers Australia assesses engineers, ACS assesses ICT professionals, and AHPRA assesses nurses and allied health professionals.
Most skills assessments have a validity period. If yours expires before or during your application, you may need to renew it. Check the specific requirements of your assessing authority.
Each state and territory publishes its own current skilled occupation list on its migration website. Your occupation must be listed, and the state must be currently open to nominations in your field. Our OnePoint team can check this for you as part of a free consultation.
Absolutely. Our registered migration advisors based in Hobart, Tasmania and Sydney, NSW provide personalised, end-to-end support — from initial eligibility assessment and EOI strategy, right through to visa lodgement and post-grant settlement guidance.
you'll make. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach — every client's profile, occupation, and life situation is different.
Here's how we support you:
Our offices in Hobart and Sydney serve clients across Tasmania and New South Wales, and we also support remote clients across Australia.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) can be your most direct route to making Australia home permanently. But the process requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and timely action at every stage.
Let OnePoint take the complexity out of it.
📞 Call us to speak with a migration adviser in Hobart or Sydney 📧 Email us to ask a question or request a callback 📅 Book a free consultation online — available in person and virtually
OnePoint Education & Migration Services — helping skilled professionals build their future in Australia, from Hobart and Sydney.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Migration law and visa requirements change regularly. For advice specific to your personal circumstances, please consult a registered migration agent at OnePoint Education & Migration Services. Current visa fees and processing times should always be verified on the official Department of Home Affairs website at homeaffairs.gov.au.
