Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who secure nomination from an Australian state or territory government — often a good option if your occupation isn't attracting enough points for the independent 189, or if a particular state is actively seeking your skills.

Once granted, you can live and work indefinitely in Australia (in some cases with a commitment to the nominating state for a period), study, sponsor eligible family members later, and work towards citizenship in time.

What You'll Generally Need

• an occupation on the nominating state or territory's own skilled occupation list — each jurisdiction sets its own list and priorities, so eligibility for one state doesn't guarantee eligibility for another;
• a skills assessment for that occupation obtained within three years of your invitation;
• competent English language ability;
• at least 65 points under the points test, noting the nomination itself typically adds points to your score;
• to be under 45 years of age at invitation; and
• to hold a substantive visa, or an eligible bridging visa, at the relevant time if applying from within Australia (you can also apply from outside Australia, though not while in immigration clearance).

How State Nomination Works

You lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, and — separately or in tandem — apply for nomination directly with the state or territory whose occupation list matches your skills. Nomination criteria vary widely between jurisdictions and can include things like a job offer, local work experience, or a commitment to live in that state after the visa is granted. Once nominated, you receive the invitation to apply for the visa itself.

How Long It Typically Takes

Processing has generally run somewhere in the order of four to ten months from lodgement, though this moves around with application volumes and shouldn't be treated as a fixed timeframe for your own case.

Application Steps

1. Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive assessment for your nominated occupation.

2. Expression of Interest

Register through SkillSelect.

3. State or Territory Nomination

Apply for nomination once your EOI is visible to the relevant state or territory.

4. Visa Application

Once nominated and invited, lodge the formal visa application with supporting evidence.

How I Can Help

• checking which states currently list your occupation and what they're asking for;
• points calculations including the nomination bonus;
• Expression of Interest and nomination application preparation;
• skills assessment and English requirement guidance; and
• preparing and lodging the visa application.

Weighing Up State Nomination?

Contact me to check which states might be a fit for your occupation.

Important Information

The information on this page is general only and doesn't constitute migration advice for your circumstances. State and territory nomination criteria, occupation lists and points thresholds are reviewed periodically and can change. Meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee nomination, an invitation, or a visa grant.