SKILLED NOMINATED VISA (SUBCLASS 190)
A pathway to permanent residency for in-demand skilled professionals
ABOUT THE VISA
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent Australian visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is designed for people whose skills are needed in specific states or territories and who meet Australia's skilled migration requirements.This visa is points-tested and requires applicants to be nominated by a state or territory before they can apply. Factors such as age, qualifications, skilled work experience, English language ability, and nomination are considered. If granted, the visa allows the holder to live, work, and study anywhere in the nominating state or territory as a permanent resident. It also provides access to Medicare and a pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
ELIGIBILITY AND KEY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), applicants must meet the following requirements
To be eligible for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), applicants must meet
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
Meet English language requirements
Meet health and character requirements
Be invited to apply by the Australian Government
Achieve a minimum of 65 points in the points test
Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
Meet English language requirements
Meet health and character requirements
Be invited to apply by the Australian Government
Achieve a minimum of 65 points in the points test
Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select. State and territory governments assess EOIs and nominate suitable candidates based on their occupation, skills, and ability to meet local workforce needs.
SKILLS AND ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
Skills Requirement
Applicants must nominate an occupation on the skilled occupation list relevant to the subclass 190 visa
A positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority is required
The skills assessment must usually be obtained within three years before the invitation to apply
Qualifications and work experience must closely match the nominated occupation
English Language Requirement
Applicants must have at least competent English at the time of invitation
English proficiency is usually demonstrated through approved tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced
Higher levels of English (proficient or superior) are not mandatory but provide additional points and improve the chances of nomination
English test results must be valid at the time of invitation
BENEFITS OF THIS VISA
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) offers several benefits, including
Permanent residency in Australia
The ability to live, work, and study in the nominating state or territory
Access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
Freedom to work for any employer in the nominated region
The option to include eligible family members in the visa application
The ability to sponsor eligible relatives in the future
Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years
Access to various social & legal protections to permanent residents
HEALTH AND CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
All applicants and family members included in the application must meet Australia's health and character requirements.
Health examinations may be required, including medical checks, chest X-rays, or blood tests
Non-accompanying family members may also be required to meet health and character requirements
Applicants aged 16 years or older must provide police clearance certificates from relevant countries
Immigration history and any criminal records are considered during visa assessment
COST
Visa application charge for the primary applicant: AUD 4,910
Additional fees apply for each family member included in the application
An extra charge may apply for applicants aged 18 or over who do not have functional English
Other possible costs include
Skills assessment fees
English language tests
Medical examinations
Police clearance certificates
Biometrics
STAY PERIOD AND CONDITIONS
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa
The visa includes a five-year travel facility from the date of grant
Visa holders are expected to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years
There is no limit on how long the visa holder can stay in Australia
After the travel period ends, a Resident Return Visa is required for international travel
FAMILY MEMBERS
Eligible family members, including partners and dependent children, can be included in the visa application
Family members can be added before a decision is made on the application
After visa grant, eligible family members may apply as subsequent entrants
All family members must meet health and character requirements
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Applications may be delayed if documents are incomplete or incorrect
Visa holders must comply with Australian laws and visa conditions
The visa is electronically linked to the passport, and no physical visa label is issued
The visa comes into effect on the date it is granted
