Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190, is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It mirrors the Skilled Independent visa in granting permanent residence, but adds a layer of state involvement - and a valuable five-point bonus.

When a state nominates you, it adds five points to your points test score. For many candidates that boost is the difference between sitting in the pool and receiving an invitation. In return, the visa carries a moral and practical expectation that you live and work in the nominating state, at least initially, and contribute to that state's economy.

Each state and territory publishes its own skilled occupation lists and nomination criteria, which are usually narrower and more demand-driven than the federal lists. In 2026, states actively use subclass 190 to fill specific labour gaps, so your occupation, work experience and sometimes your existing connection to the state all influence your chances. The visa gives full work rights, Medicare access and a pathway to citizenship.

You must nominate an occupation that appears on the skilled occupation list of the state or territory you are applying to, and hold a positive skills assessment for that occupation. You must be under 45 at the time of invitation, demonstrate at least competent English, and meet the 65-point minimum on the points test - the state nomination then adds five points on top.

Beyond the federal criteria, each state imposes its own conditions: minimum work experience in the occupation, a job offer, a commitment to settle in the state, sometimes evidence of funds, and occasionally a prior connection through study or employment. Health and character requirements apply to you and all included family members. Always check the current state criteria, as they are revised frequently in line with labour-market needs.

First, identify which state or territory lists your occupation and review its specific nomination requirements, since these vary widely and change often. Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority and sit an English test.

Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, selecting subclass 190 and indicating the state you wish to be nominated by. Many states also require a separate registration of interest or application through their own online portal, with additional documents about your ties to the state and your settlement plans.

If the state decides to nominate you, the department issues an invitation to apply. The five-point nomination bonus is then included in your score. You have 60 days to lodge the full visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, attaching evidence for every claimed point.

The department assesses the application, verifies your skills assessment and supporting evidence, and arranges health examinations and police checks. Once granted, subclass 190 confers permanent residence, with the expectation that you settle in the nominating state.

The visa application charge for the primary applicant is several thousand Australian dollars, with additional charges for a partner and each dependent child. On top of the federal charge, some states levy their own nomination application fee, while others nominate free of charge - confirm this with your chosen state. You will also pay for the skills assessment, English testing, health examinations and police certificates for every family member. Registered migration agent fees, if you use one, are an additional cost. Document translation and certification may also apply.

Subclass 190 involves two stages with separate timelines. State nomination processing varies by jurisdiction and by how many places remain in that state's allocation - it can take several weeks to a few months. Once nominated and invited, the federal visa application is processed by the Department of Home Affairs within its published global processing times. A complete application with a clear skills assessment and full point evidence avoids requests for further information and moves through more quickly than a borderline or incomplete case.

Subclass 190 grants permanent residence on approval, so you can settle immediately. Enrol in Medicare, access resident financial services, and enrol children in public school as residents. There is no provisional period.

The key difference from a fully independent visa is the expectation that you live and work in the nominating state, generally for around two years. While this is not enforced as a hard visa condition in the same way as a regional provisional visa, honouring the commitment matters - states share data, and disregarding it can affect any future dealings with that state. In practice most holders settle happily where they are nominated. After meeting residency requirements you can apply for Australian citizenship, and you should renew your travel facility with a Resident Return visa once the initial five-year period ends.