Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated Visa Guide
Permanent residency with state or territory nomination. Five bonus points included.
Why choose the 190 over the 189? If your base score is between 65 and 74, the 5 bonus points from nomination can make your application competitive in occupation categories where the 189 pool requires higher scores. Many applicants submit EOIs for both 189 and 190 simultaneously.
At a glance
| Visa type | Permanent residency |
| Minimum points | 65 (includes the +5 nomination bonus) |
| Nomination | State or territory required |
| Processing time | 6 to 18 months |
1. What is the Subclass 190 visa?
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent residency pathway that requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government. In exchange for that nomination, your points score is boosted by 5 points, which can be the difference between sitting in the pool indefinitely and receiving a timely invitation to apply.
Once granted, the 190 is a permanent visa that gives you and your family the right to live and work anywhere in Australia. Unlike the 491, there is no obligation to live in a specific state or regional area after grant, although you are expected to live in the nominating state for at least two years as a general condition of the nomination agreement.
2. State and territory nomination
Each state and territory runs its own skilled migration program and sets its own criteria. The criteria change frequently and are published on each state's skilled migration website.
| New South Wales (NSW) | High demand for tech, healthcare, engineering, and finance. Generally requires a higher points score (65 plus) and often a connection to NSW. Check migration.nsw.gov.au |
| Victoria (VIC) | Broad occupation list. Competitive for IT, engineering, and health. Points requirements vary by stream. Check migration.vic.gov.au |
| Queensland (QLD) | Strong demand in healthcare, agriculture, and trade occupations. More accessible for applicants with regional connections. Check migration.qld.gov.au |
| South Australia (SA) | Generally more accessible nomination thresholds. Good option for applicants with a score of 65 to 75. Check migration.sa.gov.au |
| Western Australia (WA) | Strong demand in mining, engineering, and healthcare. Check migration.wa.gov.au |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Small allocation but accessible. Strong healthcare and regional demand. Check migration.tas.gov.au |
| ACT (Canberra) | Requires demonstrated connection to ACT. Primarily healthcare and IT. Check act.gov.au/migration |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Most accessible nomination in Australia. Lower points thresholds. Regional occupations in health, education, and trades. Check nt.gov.au/migration |
Important: State nomination is competitive and not guaranteed. The number of nomination places is capped each year. Apply for nomination in multiple states if your occupation is listed across several state programs.
3. Points system
The 190 uses the same base points test as the 189, with one critical addition: state or territory nomination adds 5 bonus points to your base score.
| Age 18 to 24 | 25 points |
| Age 25 to 32 (peak) | 30 points |
| Age 33 to 39 | 25 points |
| Age 40 to 44 | 15 points |
| Competent English (IELTS 6.0) | 0 points (minimum) |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7.0) | 10 points |
| Superior English (IELTS 8.0) | 20 points |
| Overseas work 3 to 4 years | 5 points |
| Overseas work 5 to 7 years | 10 points |
| Overseas work 8 or more years | 15 points |
| PhD (recognised institution) | 20 points |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 15 points |
| Diploma or trade qualification | 10 points |
| Bonus: State nomination | +5 points |
| Bonus: Partner proficient English + assessment | 10 points |
| Bonus: Professional Year | 5 points |
| Bonus: NAATI community language | 5 points |
Occupation list note: Unlike the 189, the 190 accepts occupations from both the MLTSSL and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). If your occupation is on the STSOL only, the 190 may be your only skilled visa option, along with the 491.
4. Step-by-step application process
- Check your occupation against state lists. Each state publishes its own occupation list. The same occupation may be listed by some states and not others.
- Obtain a skills assessment. You need a positive assessment from the relevant authority before you can submit an EOI or a state nomination application.
- Submit your EOI in SkillSelect. Create your EOI through ImmiAccount and indicate interest in state or territory nomination (190) as well as the 189 if you qualify.
- Apply for state nomination directly. Most states have a separate online portal. You apply directly to the state's skilled migration unit. They assess and, if successful, issue a nomination invitation.
- Receive nomination and invitation. Once a state nominates you, your EOI is updated and the Department issues an invitation to apply for the 190 visa. You have 60 days to lodge.
- Lodge the visa application. Submit through ImmiAccount within 60 days. Include documents, health examinations, police clearances, and pay the application charge.
- Await visa decision. Processing typically takes 6 to 18 months from lodgement. Complex cases may take longer.
5. Visa conditions
| State obligation | You are expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years after grant. This is not legally enforced but is a condition of your nomination agreement. Moving interstate before 2 years is considered a breach of the nomination commitment. |
| Work rights | Unlimited. No employer restrictions. Any role for any employer. |
| Travel | 5-year travel facility from grant. Resident Return Visa required after that. |
| Medicare | Immediately eligible upon grant. |
| Family inclusion | Partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants on the same visa. |
| Pathway to citizenship | 4 years of permanent residency required, including at least 1 year as a permanent resident. |
6. Costs
| Visa application charge (primary) | AUD 4,640 |
| Additional applicant aged 18+ | AUD 2,320 per person |
| Additional applicant under 18 | AUD 1,160 per child |
| State nomination fee | Most states charge AUD 0 to AUD 330. Check each state's website. |
| Skills assessment | AUD 500 to AUD 1,200 depending on body |
| English test | Approximately USD 200 to 250 |
| Health examination | Approximately AUD 300 to 500 per adult |
7. Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to multiple states simultaneously?
Yes. You can apply for nomination from multiple states at the same time, provided you meet each state's criteria. Each state may have different requirements and application portals.
What if I get nominated but want to live in a different state later?
You are expected to honour the 2-year commitment to the nominating state. After 2 years, you are free to move anywhere in Australia with no restrictions.
My occupation is only on the STSOL. Can I still get a 190?
Yes, if the state whose list includes your occupation nominates you. The 190 accepts both MLTSSL and STSOL occupations, whereas the 189 accepts MLTSSL only.
Is there a points cut-off for the 190 pool separate from the 189 pool?
Yes. The 190 has its own invitation pool and cut-off. Because the 5 bonus points are built into your effective score, the 190 pool tends to invite at slightly lower base scores than the 189 pool for many occupations.
Does being nominated guarantee a visa?
No. Nomination means you receive the 5 points and will be prioritised for invitation, but the Department of Home Affairs still assesses your application and can refuse it.
Important disclaimer. This guide is produced by BetterLifeVisa for general informational purposes only. BetterLifeVisa is not a registered migration agent. This document does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au and consult a MARA registered migration agent before making any immigration decisions.