Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
Published 2026-02-14
Key Facts — Subclass 190 at a Glance
Visa type: Permanent residency. Application cost (2025–26): $4,640 (main applicant). Processing time: 6–12 months after lodgement. Minimum points required: 65 (including 5 points from state nomination). Occupation lists: MLTSSL and STSOL (varies by state). Age limit: Under 45 at time of invitation. English requirement: Competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It works similarly to the Subclass 189 but with one key difference: you need a state or territory to nominate you, and in return you receive 5 extra points on the points test. The trade-off is that you must commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory for at least two years after your visa is granted. After that, you are free to move anywhere in Australia. This visa is an excellent option for applicants who score 5–10 points below the competitive threshold for the 189. It also opens up more occupations — states can nominate from both the MLTSSL and the STSOL, giving you access to a broader range of occupations than the 189.
How State and Territory Nomination Works
Each Australian state and territory runs its own skilled migration program with its own criteria, priority occupations, and application processes. You apply directly to the state or territory you wish to be nominated by — this is a separate process from your SkillSelect EOI. States typically prioritise occupations that are in demand in their local labour market. Most states require you to demonstrate a genuine commitment to living in their jurisdiction. Some states have additional requirements such as minimum English scores above the visa requirement, job offers in the state, or financial capacity. Nomination is not guaranteed — states receive far more applications than they have places available, and they select candidates based on their own priorities. You can apply to multiple states, but if you receive and accept a nomination, you are expected to honour the commitment to live there.
State-by-State Overview of Nomination Programs
New South Wales (NSW): Focuses on ICT, engineering, health, and trades. Generally requires higher points scores and may require a job offer or NSW experience. Victoria (VIC): One of the most active nomination programs. Prioritises health, ICT, engineering, sciences, and trades. Often nominates candidates living and working in Victoria. South Australia (SA): Very active program with a broad occupation list. Offers pathways for international graduates from SA institutions. Particularly welcoming of regional applicants. Western Australia (WA): Focuses on occupations needed in WA's economy including mining, engineering, health, and construction. Has a separate Graduate stream for WA graduates. Queensland (QLD): Targets ICT, health, engineering, and trades. May require applicants to demonstrate a commitment to living in Queensland. Tasmania (TAS): One of the most accessible programs with a broad occupation list. Strong pathways for Tasmanian graduates and those already living in the state. Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Uses a matrix scoring system based on Canberra residency, employment, and study. Strongly favours applicants already living in the ACT. Northern Territory (NT): Active program with a broad occupation list. Strongly favours applicants already living and working in the NT.
How the 190 Differs from the 189
The 189 and 190 are both permanent skilled visas, but they differ in important ways. Sponsorship: The 189 is fully independent; the 190 requires state nomination. Points: The 190 gives you 5 bonus points from nomination, meaning you need only 60 points of your own (compared to 65 for the 189). Occupation lists: The 189 uses only the MLTSSL; the 190 can draw from both the MLTSSL and STSOL, offering more occupations. Location: The 190 requires you to live in the nominating state for at least 2 years; the 189 has no location requirement. Competitiveness: The 190 can be less competitive than the 189 for some occupations, particularly in smaller states. Both visas grant permanent residency and lead to Australian citizenship eligibility. Read our Subclass 189 guide at /guides/subclass-189-skilled-independent-visa for a detailed comparison.
The Application Process Step by Step
Step 1: Check that your occupation is on the relevant list for your target state. Step 2: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. Step 3: Take an English language test (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent). Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, selecting the 190 visa and your preferred state(s). Step 5: Apply for state nomination directly through your chosen state's migration program. Step 6: If the state nominates you, you will receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect. Step 7: Lodge your visa application within 60 days, including all supporting documents, medical exams, and police checks. Step 8: Wait for processing (6–12 months). The state nomination step typically takes 4–12 weeks depending on the state. Some states have regular intake rounds while others accept applications on an ongoing basis.
Costs and Financial Planning
The costs for a 190 visa are similar to the 189. Government visa application fee: $4,640 (main applicant). State nomination fee: $0–$400 depending on the state (most are $300–$400, some are free). Skills assessment: $300–$1,500. English language test: $395–$410. Medical examination: $300–$500 per person. Police clearances: $50–$200 per country. Migration agent fees: $3,000–$6,000. Total estimated cost: approximately $9,500–$14,000 for a single applicant. Use our cost estimator at /tools/cost-estimator to calculate your specific costs.
Tips for Getting State Nomination
Research each state's priorities thoroughly — what works in one state may not work in another. Having a job offer or existing employment in the state significantly strengthens your nomination application. Living in the state already is a major advantage for most programs. International graduates from institutions in the state often receive priority. Tailor your application to show genuine commitment to the state — mention specific reasons you want to live and work there. Apply early in the program year (starting 1 July) when more places are available. Consider smaller states and territories (Tasmania, South Australia, NT, ACT) which often have more accessible programs and broader occupation lists.
Find an Agent Who Specialises in State Nomination
State nomination adds complexity to the skilled migration process. Each state has different requirements, and the strategy for securing nomination varies significantly. A migration agent experienced in state nomination programs can advise you on which state offers the best prospects for your occupation and circumstances. Search our directory at /migration-agents to find MARA-registered agents who specialise in skilled nominated visas, and verify their registration with our MARA check tool at /tools/mara-check.
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