Guides / Subclass 190 / Application Process

Subclass 190 Application Process

SUBCLASS 190 TWO-STEP PROCESS

The Subclass 190 application involves a unique two-step process: first securing state nomination, then applying for the visa. This guide walks you through every stage from EOI submission to visa grant.

Application Overview

Two-Step Process:
Step 1: State Nomination (varies by state)
Step 2: Visa Application (60 days after invitation)

The complete process has four main stages:

  1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit through SkillSelect
  2. State Nomination: Apply to state/territory government
  3. Invitation to Apply: Receive invitation after state approval
  4. Visa Application: Lodge full application within 60 days

1?? Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Before You Start

Skills Assessment

Obtain positive skills assessment from relevant authority for your occupation

English Test

Complete required English test - valid for 3 years (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)

Calculate Points

Check you have minimum 60 base points (use our calculator) - state adds +5

Research States

Identify which states are nominating your occupation

Creating Your EOI in SkillSelect

Step 1: Create SkillSelect Account

  • Visit: SkillSelect website
  • Create new account with email and password
  • Verify your email address

Step 2: Complete EOI Form

  • Personal Details: Name, date of birth, passport details
  • Nominated Occupation: Select your occupation (check state lists)
  • Skills Assessment: Enter assessment details and reference number
  • English Test: Test type, scores, test date
  • Work Experience: Detailed employment history (last 10 years)
  • Education: All qualifications you're claiming points for
  • Points Claims: All criteria you're claiming points for
  • Partner Details: If claiming partner points
  • State Preference: You can indicate preferred state(s)
?? Accuracy is Critical: All information in your EOI must be truthful and accurate. False information can result in nomination/visa refusal and 3-year ban.

Step 3: Select Visa Type

  • Select \"Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)\" as your visa type
  • You can also select 189 and 491 if interested in multiple pathways
  • Selecting multiple types increases your chances

Step 4: Review and Submit

  • Carefully review all information
  • Check your points calculation (should be 60+ without state bonus)
  • Submit your EOI (no fee required)

After EOI Submission

  • Valid for 2 years: Your EOI remains active for 2 years
  • Can be updated: Update anytime to improve points or change details
  • Date of Effect resets: When updated, your ranking date changes to update date
  • Visible to states: States can see your EOI and may invite you to apply for nomination

2?? Stage 2: State Nomination Application

Two Pathways:
A) State invites you to apply (based on EOI)
B) You apply directly to state (depends on state process)

Research State Requirements

Each state has different requirements. Check the official state government website for:

  • Occupation availability: Is your occupation on their list?
  • Application method: Invitation-only or open applications?
  • Additional criteria: Work experience in state, job offers, English scores
  • Nomination fees: AUD $200-$330 depending on state
  • Processing times: 4-12 weeks typically

Major States Overview

State Application Method Key Requirements
NSW Invitation from state Strong English, work experience
Victoria Direct application Job offer or work experience preferred
Queensland Direct application Work or study in QLD helps
South Australia Direct application Most accessible, varied criteria
WA Direct application Job offer or 12m work in WA
ACT Canberra Matrix Unique points system, ACT connection

Submitting State Nomination

Step 1: Prepare Documents (see Requirements)

  • Passport, skills assessment, English test
  • CV/resume
  • Employment evidence (if required)
  • Commitment statement
  • Any state-specific documents

Step 2: Complete State Application

  • Use state government's nomination portal
  • Fill in application form accurately
  • Upload all required documents
  • Write compelling commitment statement

Step 3: Pay Nomination Fee

  • AUD $200-$330 depending on state
  • Non-refundable even if refused
  • Payment via credit card or bank transfer

Step 4: Wait for Decision

  • Processing: 4-12 weeks (varies by state)
  • State may request additional information
  • Check email and application portal regularly

State Nomination Outcomes

Approved: You'll receive nomination approval letter. State will update your EOI in SkillSelect, adding +5 points. You'll then automatically move to visa invitation queue.
? Refused: You can apply to different state, improve your profile, or appeal (if state allows). Nomination fee is not refunded.

3?? Stage 3: Receiving Visa Invitation

After State Nomination Approval

  • State updates your EOI with nomination
  • Your points increase by +5
  • You enter invitation queue for 190 visa
  • Department of Home Affairs issues invitation (usually quickly after state approval)

Invitation Notification

  • Email notification: Sent to email address in SkillSelect
  • SkillSelect account: Check your correspondence section
  • 60-day window starts: From date of invitation
? Critical Timeline: State nomination is typically valid for 6 months. You must receive visa invitation and lodge visa application within this period.

4?? Stage 4: Lodging Visa Application

? 60-Day Deadline: You have ONLY 60 days from invitation date to lodge your complete visa application. Missing this deadline means losing your invitation AND state nomination!

Step 1: Create ImmiAccount

  • Visit: ImmiAccount portal
  • Create account if you don't have one (or log in)
  • Link your visa invitation to your ImmiAccount

Step 2: Start Visa Application

  • Log into ImmiAccount
  • Select \"New Application\"
  • Choose \"Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)\"
  • Application will be pre-populated from your EOI

Step 3: Complete Application Form

The application has multiple sections:

Applicant Details:

  • Personal information (name, DOB, nationality)
  • Contact details (email, phone, address)
  • Passport details (number, expiry, country)
  • Identity documents

State Nomination Details:

  • State nomination approval number
  • Nominating state/territory
  • Commitment to live in nominating state

Family Members:

  • Add partner and dependent children
  • Details for all family members (even if not migrating)
  • Non-migrating family members must be declared

Points Claims:

  • Confirm all points claims from EOI
  • Provide evidence for each claim
  • Include state nomination (+5 points)

Health and Character:

  • Answer health declaration questions
  • Declare any criminal history (if any)
  • Confirm you meet character requirements

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents (see Requirements page):

  • State nomination approval (ESSENTIAL!)
  • Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
  • Skills assessment
  • English test results
  • Educational certificates and transcripts
  • Work experience evidence
  • Police clearances (arranged later if not ready)
  • Evidence for all points claims
?? Document Tips:
  • Organize documents by category
  • Use clear file names
  • Ensure files are under 5MB each
  • PDF format preferred for documents

Step 5: Pay Visa Application Charge

  • Primary applicant: AUD $4,640
  • Partner (18+ years): AUD $2,320
  • Child (under 18): AUD $1,160
  • Payment methods: Credit card, PayPal
  • Additional charge: If partner doesn't have functional English - AUD $4,885 extra

Step 6: Submit Application

  • Review all information carefully
  • Check all documents are uploaded
  • Click \"Submit\" button
  • Save your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
Application Lodged! You'll receive email confirmation. Your application will now be processed by the Department of Home Affairs.

After Lodging

What Happens Next?

  1. Health Examinations: You'll receive instructions to complete health exams (usually within days/weeks)
  2. Police Certificates: Upload if not already provided
  3. Case Officer Assigned: A case officer will review your application
  4. Additional Information: May be requested if needed
  5. Decision: Grant or refusal notification

Processing Times

  • 75% of applications: Processed within 8-10 months
  • 90% of applications: Processed within 11-14 months
  • Times vary based on completeness of application and verification requirements

? Application Checklist Summary

Before State Nomination:

  • Skills assessment obtained
  • English test completed
  • EOI submitted in SkillSelect
  • State requirements researched

State Nomination Application:

  • All state documents prepared
  • Commitment statement written
  • Application submitted to state
  • Nomination fee paid

After State Approval:

  • Visa invitation received
  • All visa documents ready
  • ImmiAccount created

Visa Application (within 60 days):

  • Application form completed
  • All documents uploaded
  • Visa fee paid
  • Application submitted

Pro Tips

  • Apply to multiple states: If eligible, increase your chances
  • Start police checks early: They can take 2-3 months in some countries
  • Keep documents updated: English tests and police checks have validity periods
  • Respond quickly: If additional information requested, provide within timeframe
  • Monitor email: Critical communications sent via email
  • Save everything: Keep copies of all submitted documents

Ready for the Next Step?

Once your application is lodged, learn what to expect during processing and after visa grant!

Next: After You Apply ?