Independent advisory firm — not a government agency. Visas are decided only by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Overview
Complete details about Australia's Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for permanent residency.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Processing time | State nomination and visa decision each take time; see state and Home Affairs pages (not guaranteed) |
| Visa duration | Permanent |
| Points required | At least 65 points, counting 5 for state nomination; states often require more |
About this visa
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. You first lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, then apply to a state or territory for nomination. If you are nominated, invited and granted the visa, you may live and work in Australia permanently.
State & Territory Nomination for the 190 Visa
Eight Australian states and territories can nominate skilled workers for the 190. Each sets its own occupation list, criteria, priorities and opening dates, and nomination is not guaranteed.
New South Wales
Main city: Sydney
Check current status and occupation list on the official site.
nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration ↗Content compiled October 2026. Opening dates and allocations change within weeks.
The 5 nomination points apply to nomination in general, not to each state. Opening and closing dates change within weeks, so we do not print 'open' or 'closed' without a date.
Points Breakdown (current test)
Values come from the current points test and may change with the announced reform. Checked October 2026.
Age points
Select the option that applies to you.
Age points selected: 0
Indicative total from your selections
0 points
Slice size shows the maximum listed points for each category. This is an illustration only: skilled employment depends on your years of experience, and the points test is due to be reformed. Checked October 2026.
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age | 25–32: 30 · 18–24 and 33–39: 25 · 40–44: 15 |
| English | Competent: 0 · Proficient (IELTS 7): 10 · Superior (IELTS 8): 20 |
| Skilled employment | Up to 15 for overseas and up to 20 for Australian experience, with a combined cap of 20 |
| Education | Doctorate: 20 · Bachelor's or master's degree: 15 |
| State nomination | 5 points for the 190 |
| Partner skills | Up to 10 points |
| Other extras | Study in a regional area: 5 · Professional Year: 5 · Credentialled community language: 5 |
Benefits of the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Discover the rights that come with a permanent Australian visa, subject to the visa granted and current rules.
State Nomination Points
A nomination adds 5 points to your score, which can lift a profile that would not be competitive for the 189.
Permanent Residency
Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, with a pathway to citizenship once residence requirements are met.
Family Inclusion
A partner and dependent children can usually be included in your application, subject to eligibility and additional charges.
Work Rights
No employer sponsorship: you can work for any employer, although the nominating state expects you to live and work there initially.
Healthcare Access
Eligibility for Medicare, subject to current rules and your residency status.
Travel Facility
A permanent visa includes a five-year travel facility; after that you need a Resident Return visa to re-enter as a resident.
Key Requirements for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Basic requirements
- At least 65 points, counting the 5 points for nomination, although states often set higher thresholds.
- Generally under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Competent English as a minimum (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent).
- A nominated occupation on the skilled list and a positive skills assessment.
- Health and character requirements.
State requirements
- An occupation on the nominating state's skilled occupation list.
- Meeting the state's own criteria, which may include points, experience, English level or ties to the state.
- A commitment to live and work in the nominating state, commonly for around two years.
- A completed skills assessment from the relevant authority.
- For some states, a job offer, residence in the state or evidence of an intention to settle.
Documentation
- Valid passport and travel documents.
- Educational qualifications and transcripts.
- Employment references and experience letters.
- Skills assessment outcome and English test results.
- Police clearance certificates and medical examination results.
- Evidence required by the nominating state.
How the 190 Application Process Works
A general overview. Your actual sequence depends on your occupation, state and profile, and timelines are not guaranteed.
- 1
Skills assessment
Get your skills assessed by the designated Australian authority for your occupation.
- Choose the assessing authority.
- Submit your qualifications and experience evidence.
- Receive the assessment outcome.
- Address any gaps.
- 2
Expression of Interest
Submit an EOI in SkillSelect and indicate your state or territory preferences.
- Create a SkillSelect account.
- Complete your EOI profile accurately.
- Select the states you wish to be considered by.
- Submit your EOI.
- 3
State nomination
Apply to the state or territory for nomination, following its own process.
- Check the state's occupation list and criteria.
- Register or apply on the state's portal.
- Provide the documents the state requests.
- Wait for the state's decision.
- 4
Invitation and visa application
If nominated, you receive an invitation and have a limited time (usually 60 days) to lodge the visa application.
- Prepare and upload your documents.
- Pay the visa application charge.
- Provide health examinations and police certificates.
- Attend a biometrics appointment if requested.
- 5
Decision and visa grant
Home Affairs assesses your application and decides.
- Health and character checks are completed.
- A decision is made.
- If granted, you receive your visa conditions.
- Meet the initial entry date requirement.
Typical Government Costs for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant visa charge | About AUD 6,140 | From 1 July 2026; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| Additional applicant (18 and over) | About AUD 3,070 | Reported figure; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | About AUD 1,535 | Reported figure; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| State nomination application fee | Varies | Some states charge a fee; one reported fee is AUD 573 offshore and AUD 630.30 onshore. |
| Skills assessment | Varies | Set by each assessing authority. |
| English test, health checks, police certificates | Varies | Paid to the providers. |
Charges are set by the Australian Government and change each July. Confirm current amounts on the Home Affairs website before applying.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)?
The 190 is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. You submit an Expression of Interest, apply for nomination from a state, and if nominated you are invited to apply for the visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether it is granted.
What is the difference between the 189 and the 190?
The 189 needs no sponsorship and no commitment to a state, while the 190 needs state or territory nomination, adds 5 points and usually involves living and working in that state for a period. Many applicants compare both.
How many points do I need for the 190?
You need at least 65 points, counting 5 for nomination, to be eligible. In practice, states often require more, and the needed score varies by state, occupation and round. Check each state's published criteria.
Does state nomination guarantee my visa?
No. Nomination is a requirement, not a guarantee. You must still be invited, lodge a complete application, and meet health and character requirements before Home Affairs decides.
Which states can nominate me?
Eight states and territories can nominate: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. Each has its own occupation list, criteria and opening dates.
Is the 190 open to applicants outside Australia?
It depends on the state. Several states prioritise people already living or working in the state, and some consider offshore applicants mainly for the 491 rather than the 190. Check each state's rules for your occupation.
Which states are open in 2026?
Opening dates and allocations change often. Reports in late 2026 indicated that some states and territories had opened for 2026–27 while others remained closed or awaiting allocations. Check each state's official site on the day you plan to apply.
Can I apply to more than one state?
Your Expression of Interest can show interest in more than one state, and some applicants apply to several. You can accept only one nomination, so read each state's terms carefully.
Do I have to live in the nominating state?
The visa has no location condition, but states expect applicants to live and work in the nominating state for an initial period, commonly about two years. Treat it as a serious commitment, because breaking it can affect future state dealings.
How long does state nomination take?
Timelines depend on the state, the stream and the number of applications. After nomination, the visa application has its own processing time. Neither is guaranteed, so avoid fixing a resignation or relocation date around an estimate.
How much does the 190 cost?
The main applicant visa charge is about AUD 6,140 from 1 July 2026, with additional applicants charged extra. Some states also charge a nomination fee. Skills assessments, English tests and medicals are additional.
Do I need a job offer for the 190?
Not for the visa itself. Some states prefer or require evidence of a job offer, residence or ties to the state, so check the stream you plan to use.
What English level do I need?
At least competent English, such as IELTS 6 in each band or an equivalent. Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20, and some states set higher English requirements.
What is a skills assessment?
It is an independent check by a designated assessing authority that your qualifications and experience meet the standard for your occupation. Each authority has its own documents, fees and timelines.
Can my family be included?
Generally yes. A partner and dependent children can usually be included, and each additional applicant pays a charge and must meet health and character requirements. A skilled partner may add points.
Can I apply if I am over 45?
Not for the 190. The age limit is generally under 45 at the time of invitation. Other pathways, such as employer-sponsored visas, have different rules, so ask us about alternatives.
Is the points test changing in 2026?
Yes. The May 2026 Budget announced reforms to favour younger, better-educated and higher-skilled migrants. Specific settings had not been announced when we compiled this page, so plan for change and check Home Affairs.
What is the difference between the 190 and the 491?
The 190 is a permanent visa, while the 491 is a provisional visa for living and working in a designated regional area that can lead to PR through subclass 191. The 491 adds 15 points rather than 5.
Do I need a registered migration agent?
No, you can apply yourself. But if you pay anyone for immigration assistance on an Australian visa, Australian law requires that person to be a registered migration agent or a lawyer. Check any agent on the OMARA public register.
Can Visatrix Global guarantee my 190 visa or state nomination?
No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only the nominating state decides nomination and only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether a visa is granted. No consultant can guarantee either, or processing times. We help you assess your options and prepare an accurate, well-organised application.
Related Advisory Services
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
Compare the 190 with the points-only route.
Explore Subclass 189 Advisory →Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
A regional pathway to PR (provisional visa).
Explore Subclass 491 Advisory →Australia Skills Assessment Guidance
Choose the right assessing authority.
Explore Skills Assessment Advisory →Start Your 190 Eligibility Assessment
Get a free assessment of your Skilled Nominated visa options from our Dubai-based advisors. We review your points, English, occupation and documents, and explain which states and pathways may fit your profile. No obligation.
Immigration regulations, eligibility criteria, occupation lists, points requirements, language requirements, fees and processing times are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change without notice. Applicants should always verify the latest requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before submitting any application.
Visatrix Global Services – FZCO is an independent advisory firm licensed in the UAE. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Australian Government or the Department of Home Affairs. We do not guarantee visa approval, invitations, points outcomes or processing times. Our services are limited to general information, eligibility assessment and document organisation; immigration assistance on Australian visa applications must come from a registered migration agent or a lawyer, which you can verify at the OMARA public register (omara.gov.au).
Content compiled October 2026; figures marked “about” or “reported” should be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website before you act.
Official sources to verify
- immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), points test, SkillSelect and the fee table.
- Each state and territory's official skilled migration website — occupation lists, criteria, fees and opening dates.
- The 2026–27 Federal Budget papers and Migration Program planning levels.
- omara.gov.au — to verify any migration agent named on the page.