Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

A State-Nominated Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for skilled professionals who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa is designed to address specific skill shortages within individual states and territories while offering applicants a long-term settlement pathway in Australia.

About the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Subclass 190 operates under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Unlike independent skilled visas, this visa requires nomination from a state or territory, which reflects local labour market needs.

Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and then receive a nomination from a state or territory before being invited to apply for the visa.

Who Can Apply for This Visa?

The Skilled Nominated Visa may be suitable for applicants who:

• Have skills in an occupation listed on a state or territory skilled occupation list
• Receive nomination from an Australian state or territory
• Meet the minimum points requirement
• Have a positive skills assessment
• Meet English language standards
• Are under the age limit at the time of invitation
• Meet health and character requirements

Each state and territory sets its own nomination criteria based on workforce needs.

Key Features of the Subclass 190 Visa

• Grants permanent residency in Australia
• Allows you to live, work, and study in Australia
• Requires commitment to live and work in the nominating state or territory
• Access to Medicare and public healthcare
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members
• Freedom to travel in and out of Australia
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship once requirements are met

All benefits are subject to Australian immigration laws and policy settings.

State Nomination Requirement

A key feature of the Subclass 190 visa is state or territory nomination. Each state:

• Publishes its own occupation list
• Sets specific eligibility criteria
• Assesses applications based on local labour shortages
• May require evidence of work experience, job offers, or local ties

Applicants are expected to make a genuine effort to live and work in the nominating state after visa grant.

Points Test Overview

Applicants are assessed under Australia’s points system, which considers:

• Age
• English language proficiency
• Skilled employment (Australian and overseas)
• Educational qualifications
• Australian study
• Partner skills (if applicable)
• State nomination (adds extra points)

Meeting the minimum points does not guarantee selection, as invitations are competitive.

Application Process Overview

The general process includes:

1. Skills assessment for the nominated occupation
2. Submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI)
3. Application for state or territory nomination
4. Receipt of invitation to apply
5. Lodgement of visa application
6. Completion of health and character checks

Each stage must meet current Department of Home Affairs and state government requirements.

Important Considerations

• Nomination criteria differ between states and territories
• Applicants are expected to reside in the nominating state
• Occupation lists and policies may change
• Processing times vary depending on application volume and state priorities

Careful planning and understanding of state requirements are essential.

Understanding Your Skilled Migration Options

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) provides a structured pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals willing to settle in a specific Australian state or territory. Understanding nomination rules, points assessment, and state obligations is key to selecting this visa pathway.

Victory Group provides guidance to help applicants understand Subclass 190 requirements and the skilled migration process under current Australian immigration regulations.