Skilled Nominated Visa (190)

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. In exchange for that nomination, you receive 5 bonus points on your points test, which can be the difference between being invited and staying in the pool indefinitely. Unlike the 189, the 190 asks for something in return, most states expect you to live and work there for a minimum period after your visa is granted, so it suits applicants who are open to committing to a particular location.

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What is the 190 visa

The 190 sits in the state and territory nominated stream of the skilled migration program. Each state and territory runs its own nomination process, with its own occupation list, criteria and sometimes its own points thresholds, separate from the national MLTSSL used for the 189.

To be eligible, you generally need to:
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  • Have an occupation on your chosen state or territory's nominated occupation list
  • Hold a positive skills assessment for that occupation
  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
  • Meet that state's specific criteria, which can include work experience, a job offer, or a commitment to live there
  • Score at least 65 points, including the 5-point nomination bonus
  • Meet health and character requirements

How state nomination works

Getting nominated is a two-step process. First, you submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and select the states you're interested in. States can then invite you to apply for their nomination directly, or you can apply to a state yourself if your occupation and profile match what they're seeking.
Each state publishes its own nomination requirements and updates them regularly based on labour market needs, so an occupation open in one state one round might close the next, and requirements differ again in another state. Most states also expect a genuine commitment to live and work there for a minimum period, though the exact length varies and should be confirmed against current state guidelines before you apply.

Why work with a registered migration agent

State nomination criteria change often and differ across every state, which makes the 190 more complex to navigate than the 189. A registered migration agent, accountable to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), tracks current state requirements, helps you choose the state most likely to nominate your occupation, and prepares both your EOI and your state nomination application correctly. Getting the state application wrong, or applying to the wrong state, can cost you months of processing time.

Who the 190 suits

The 190 is generally the right fit if you:

1. Are a few points short of a competitive 189 score and can use the 5-point nomination bonus to close the gap
2. Have an occupation that's on a state list but not the national MLTSSL
3. Are comfortable committing to live and work in a specific state for a period
4. Have ties, a job offer, or family already in a particular state

If you'd rather not commit to a location at all, the 189 may suit you better, and if your points are lower still, the 491 regional pathway is worth comparing.

Application process

The 190 has an extra step compared with the 189, since you need to secure a state nomination before you can be invited to apply for the visa itself.

    1. Get a skills assessment for your occupation
    2. Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, selecting your preferred state or states
    3. Apply for nomination with your chosen state, or wait to be invited
    4. Receive your state nomination
    5. Receive an invitation to apply for the visa
    6. Lodge your visa application within 60 days of invitation
    7. Complete health and character checks
    8. Receive a decision on your application