Subclass 190 · Skilled migration · Points-tested
Skilled Nominated visa
The subclass 190 is permanent residence for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points and, more importantly, gives you access to state-specific occupation lists that are often broader than the national list. In return you commit to living and working in that state, usually for two years.
By Roman Lama
- Stay period
- Permanent
- Permanent residence
- Yes, PR or a pathway to it
- Points tested
- Yes, 65 points needed to be invited
- Age limit
- Under 45 at the date of invitation
- Base application charge
- From about AUD 4,770 for the primary applicant, plus a separate state nomination fee in some states
- Processing time
- Roughly 5 to 12 months after invitation
- English requirement
- Competent English to qualify; higher levels add points
- Work experience
- Set by each state's nomination criteria
- Skilled occupation list
- State and territory lists, drawn from the national skilled lists
Who it’s for
On top of the standard skilled requirements (skills assessment, under 45, competent English, 65 points including the nomination), you must meet the current criteria of the state you apply to. These change through the year and often include a minimum period already living in the state, a job offer, or work in a priority sector.
Pathway to permanent residence
The 190 is permanent residence. The commitment to your nominating state is a moral and declared one rather than a hard visa condition, but breaking it early can affect future dealings and any family members' applications.
Why the 190 is often easier than the 189
States set their own lists and thresholds. An occupation that needs 95 points for a 189 invitation might get state nomination at 70 including the 5-point bonus. States also nominate for occupations that are not viable for the 189 at all.
How state nomination works
You usually lodge a state-specific Expression of Interest (some states use SkillSelect only, others have their own portal), wait for the state to select you, receive a formal invitation, then have 60 days to apply for the visa. Allocations for the 2025 to 2026 program year total 12,850 places for the 190 nationally.
The regional alternative
If you cannot meet any state's 190 criteria, the 491 covers regional areas of the same states with a lower bar and a 15-point bonus, then converts to permanent residence through the 191.
Visa conditions
No hard residence condition on the visa, but you declare an intention to live in the nominating state and states track outcomes.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): common questions
How much does the subclass 190 visa cost?
The base application charge for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is From about AUD 4,770 for the primary applicant, plus a separate state nomination fee in some states. Family members you include each pay an additional charge, and there are separate costs for health checks, police certificates, and skills assessments.
How long does the subclass 190 visa take to process?
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is generally processed in Roughly 5 to 12 months after invitation. Times vary with your occupation, how complete your application is, and demand at the time.
Does the subclass 190 visa lead to permanent residence?
The 190 is permanent residence. The commitment to your nominating state is a moral and declared one rather than a hard visa condition, but breaking it early can affect future dealings and any family members' applications.
What is the age limit for the subclass 190 visa?
Under 45 at the date of invitation. Age is assessed at a specific point in the process, usually the date of invitation or application, so check exactly when before you plan around it.
How many points do I need for the subclass 190 visa?
You need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but 65 rarely gets an invitation. Recent rounds have invited trades occupations near 65, most professional occupations from about 75, and ICT and accounting from 90 or higher. Work out your score with our points calculator.
How long can I stay on the subclass 190 visa?
Permanent.
This is general information, not immigration advice. Visa criteria change often, so always confirm the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent before you apply.