Please note that the information provided for skilled visas may be subject to change due to the Federal Budget announcements.
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa is a points-based visa, which allows skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 190 visa?
Features of this visa include:
- It is a permanent residency visa
- It is a skilled visa
- You must first submit an Expression of Interest
- Visa applicants must be invited to apply for this visa
- Visa applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency
- There are age limitations that apply to this visa
The main requirements of this visa are:
- The visa applicant’s occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations
- The visa applicant must have a relevant skills assessment
- The visa applicant must be aged under 45 when they are invited to apply for the visa
- The visa applicant must be able to score 65 points or more
- The visa applicants must have at least competent English at the time they are invited to apply for the visa (IELTS – at least band 6 for each of the four components; PTE – at least 50 for each of the four components)
- The visa applicant must meet the health requirements
- The visa applicant must meet the character requirements
State and territory requirements
In addition to the visa criteria, in order to be nominated by a State or Territory Government, you may need to meet other criteria. This criteria can change each year. An example of the main criteria for each State and Territory is below:
New South Wales (NSW)
- Occupation must be on the NSW Skilled Occupation List
- Residency:
- Onshore: Working in NSW in your nominated occupation; or
- Onshore: Must have lived in NSW for at least 6 months; or
- Offshore: Must have lived overseas for at least 6 months.
- No job offer required, but employment in NSW strengthens application.
- Invitation-only process; highly competitive
Victoria (VIC)
- Residency
- Open to onshore and offshore applicants.
- Onshore: Must be living in Victoria.
- Be committed to living and working in Victoria.
- Must submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) and be selected.
Queensland (QLD)
- Occupation must be on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL)
- Onshore: Must have lived and worked in QLD for 9 months before ROI
- Offshore: Limited pathways; priority for critical skills
- Commitment to live and work in QLD for 2 years after visa grant
South Australia (SA)
- Occupation must be on the SA Skilled Occupation List
- Multiple nomination streams:
- SA Graduates
- Working in SA
- Offshore applicants (priority for critical skills)
- Work experience requirements vary by stream (often 3 years in last 5 years)
Western Australia (WA)
- Occupation must be on WASMOL Schedule 1 or 2 or Graduate Occupation List.
- Two main streams:
- General Stream
- Graduate Stream (for WA graduates)
- No application fee; equal ranking for interstate and offshore candidates.
- Priority for construction and critical industry roles.
Tasmania (TAS)
- Must meet Migration Tasmania pathways (e.g., skilled employment, long-term residence, or job offer).
- Commitment to live in TAS for 2 years after nomination.
- Priority attributes (e.g., skilled employment, critical roles) influence selection.
- Offshore pathway available for health sector job offers.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Must submit a Canberra Matrix (points-based system)
- Onshore: Must have lived and worked in ACT for 6 months
- Offshore: Must show 3 years of relevant work experience and employability in ACT
- Commitment to live and work in ACT for 2 years after visa grant
Northern Territory (NT)
- Onshore: NT graduates or residents preferred
- Offshore: Generally considered for Subclass 491, not 190
- Must commit to living and working in NT for 3 years
- Occupation must be on NT Migration Occupation List
- Work experience: At least 2 years in nominated occupation (offshore)
It is important to confirm the current and relevant requirements at State or Territory website.
What is the processing time for a 190 visa?
First, you must be invited to apply for the Skilled Nomination visa (subclass 190). Once you apply, the best way to minimise processing time is to submit a ‘decision ready’ application. Our lawyers can advise you on how to do this. Processing time for a subclass 190 visa application can vary and current processing time information can be found on the Department of Home Affair’s website.
Book a free 10 minute consultation with one of our experienced immigration lawyers to discuss the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa.
