What Is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is an Australian permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is one of the most popular PR pathways for international graduates and skilled workers.
Key facts:
- Permanent residency from day one
- Requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory
- Nomination is worth 5 extra points in the SkillSelect points test
- Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Processing time: typically 6–12 months
How the Points System Works
To be eligible for the subclass 190, you must:
1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
2. Receive a state or territory nomination (adds 5 points)
3. Receive an invitation to apply
4. Score at least 65 points (including the 5 nomination points)
Points allocation (selected factors):
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 | 30 |
| Age 18–24 or 33–39 | 25 |
| Competent English (IELTS 6.0) | 0 |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7.0) | 10 |
| Superior English (IELTS 8.0) | 20 |
| Australian Bachelor's degree | 15 |
| Australian Master's or PhD | 20 |
| 3–5 years skilled work experience | 10 |
| 5–8 years skilled work experience | 15 |
| Partner skills | 5 |
| State/territory nomination (190) | 5 |
| Community language | 5 |
Minimum score to be competitive: The actual invitation scores vary by occupation and state — some popular occupations require 80–90+ points. Check the current SkillSelect round results for your occupation.
State Nomination: How It Works
Each Australian state and territory runs its own nomination programme. They prioritise occupations in demand in their local economy. Some general rules:
- You may need to have lived and worked in the nominating state for a period
- Some states have caps per occupation per year
- Invitations are competitive and may close quickly
States actively nominating for 190 (subject to change):
- South Australia (SA) — Active; priority occupations include engineering, healthcare, IT
- Tasmania — Offers broad nomination; lower competition
- Western Australia — Strong demand for mining, engineering, healthcare
- Victoria — Competitive; high point score requirements for most occupations
- Queensland — Healthcare, engineering, regional occupations
- ACT — Links to Canberra employment and study
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Under 45 at time of invitation
- Occupation: On the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL or STSOL)
- Skills assessment: Completed by the relevant Australian assessing body for your occupation
- English: Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band) minimum; proficient English (IELTS 7.0) adds 10 points
- Points: Score at least 65 points (including 5 for nomination)
- Health and character clearances
Skills Assessment
Before lodging an EOI, you must have your skills assessed by the relevant Australian authority for your occupation. Examples:
- Engineers Australia — Engineers
- VETASSESS — Various trades and professional occupations
- CPAA / CPA Australia — Accountants
- AHPRA — Nurses, doctors, allied health
- ACS — ICT professionals
Skills assessment can take 2–6 months — start early.
Why the 190 vs. the 189?
| Factor | 189 (Skilled Independent) | 190 (Skilled Nominated) |
|---|---|---|
| Requires nomination | No | Yes (+5 points) |
| Eligible occupations | MLTSSL only | MLTSSL + STSOL |
| Commitment to live in state | No | Yes (2 years) |
| Point score required | Higher (no nomination bonus) | Lower (5 point bonus) |
The 190 is often more accessible than the 189 because the nomination adds 5 points and a wider range of occupations qualify.
Pathway for International Graduates
1. Complete an Australian degree (ideally in a relevant occupation)
2. Apply for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain work experience
3. Get your skills formally assessed
4. Lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
5. Apply for state/territory nomination
6. Receive invitation and apply for subclass 190
For personalised advice, speak with a MARA-registered migration agent in Sydney or Melbourne.
Related Guides
- Australia Subclass 485 Visa Guide — post-study work rights as a stepping stone to PR
- Australia Subclass 189 Visa Guide — PR without state nomination
- Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500) Guide — the starting point for most international graduates
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between subclass 189 and 190?
The 189 (Skilled Independent) requires no state nomination and has no obligation to live in a particular state, but requires higher points and only covers MLTSSL occupations. The 190 (Skilled Nominated) requires state nomination (which adds 5 points) and a commitment to live in the nominating state for 2 years, but covers more occupations and is more accessible for many applicants.
How many points do I need for the Australia 190 visa?
The minimum is 65 points (including 5 for state nomination). However, actual invitation scores vary significantly by occupation and state — competitive occupations may require 80–95 points. Check the latest SkillSelect round data for your occupation.
Do I have to live in the state that nominates me?
Yes — subclass 190 holders are expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years after grant. This is not strictly enforced in the same way as the 491, but it is a visa condition.
Can I apply for the 190 visa directly after finishing my degree in Australia?
You first need a skills assessment (which takes 2–6 months), then lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and apply for state nomination. Most graduates spend 1–3 years on a subclass 485 gaining work experience and points before receiving a 190 invitation.
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