Eligibility Requirements

To apply for Subclass 190, you must meet both federal eligibility requirements and state-specific nomination criteria. This page covers the mandatory federal requirements.

? Essential Requirements Checklist

?? Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years old when you receive your invitation to apply (not when you submit your EOI or application).

Important Age Points:

• Cutoff date: Day you receive invitation to apply
• 45th birthday: Must receive invitation before turning 45
• Points decrease: Age points drop every 5 years
• Strategic timing: Consider submitting EOI before birthday if close to age cutoff

?? Nominated Occupation

Occupation Lists

Your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list used by the state/territory nominating you. States may use:

• MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List): Core occupations for skilled migration
• STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List): Additional occupations some states accept
• State-specific lists: Some states have their own tailored occupation lists
• ROL (Regional Occupation List): Regional areas may have expanded lists

Checking Your Occupation

1. Find your occupation's ANZSCO code
2. Check if it appears on MLTSSL or STSOL
3. Review individual state occupation lists
4. Verify occupation isn't on "closed" or "suspended" lists

Skills Assessment

You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

Assessing Authorities

Different occupations have different assessing authorities. Common ones include:

• Engineers Australia: Engineering occupations
• ACS (Australian Computer Society): ICT occupations
• VETASSESS: General professional occupations
• CPA Australia / CAANZ: Accounting occupations
• ACWA: Social workers
• AIMS: Management occupations
• TRA: Trades occupations

Skills Assessment Requirements

• Must be current: Valid at time of invitation
• Correct occupation: For the occupation you're nominating
• Suitable for migration: Specifically states suitable for skilled migration
• Employment period: May specify which employment qualifies for points

Skills Assessment Process

1. Identify your assessing authority
2. Review their specific requirements
3. Gather required documents (qualifications, employment evidence)
4. Submit application to assessing authority
5. Wait for outcome (timeframes vary: 4-12 weeks typically)
6. Use positive assessment in your EOI

??? English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate at least Competent English (minimum requirement) through an approved English test.

English Test Levels

Test Validity

• Valid for 3 years from test date
• Must be valid at time of invitation
• All four components required (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening)
• Cannot combine scores from multiple tests

Exemptions

You may be exempt from English testing if you:

• Hold passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland
• Completed at least 5 years secondary education in English
• Hold bachelor's degree or higher taught in English

Points Test

You must score minimum 65 points (including the 5 bonus points from state nomination).

Points Breakdown

You can claim points for:

• Age: Up to 30 points (25-32 years = maximum)
• English: Up to 20 points (Superior = 20, Proficient = 10)
• Skilled employment (overseas): Up to 15 points
• Skilled employment (Australia): Up to 20 points
• Education: Up to 20 points (Doctorate = 20)
• Australian study: 5 points (2+ years in Australia)
• Specialist education: 10 points (STEM + 2 years Australian study)
• Partner skills: 10, 5, or 0 points (depending on partner qualifications)
• Professional Year: 5 points (in Australia)
• NAATI accreditation: 5 points (community language credential)
• Regional study: 5 points (in regional Australia)
• State nomination: 5 points (for 190 visa)

??? State Nomination

You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. State nomination requirements vary significantly between states.

Common State Requirements

Most states look for:

• Occupation in demand: Your occupation on their occupation list
• Minimum points: Many states require 70-85+ points total
• Work experience: Recent skilled employment in nominated occupation
• State connection: Previous residence, employment, or study in the state
• English proficiency: Often Proficient English minimum
• Financial capacity: Evidence of settlement funds
• Genuine commitment: Intention to live and work in the state

?? Health Requirements

All applicants must meet Australia's health requirements:

Standard Requirements

• No diseases or conditions posing public health risk
• No conditions requiring significant healthcare or community services
• Medical examination by panel physician
• Chest X-ray (unless pregnant or under 11)
• Additional tests if required (HIV, Hepatitis, etc.)

Conditions That May Affect Eligibility

• Active tuberculosis
• Hepatitis B or C (requiring treatment)
• HIV/AIDS
• Significant mental health conditions
• Conditions requiring ongoing costly treatment
• Disability requiring significant support services

?? Character Requirements

All applicants aged 16 and over must meet character requirements:

What's Assessed

• Criminal history (Australia and overseas)
• Any outstanding charges or warrants
• Association with criminal organizations
• Involvement in people smuggling, genocide, war crimes
• Past visa cancellations or deportations
• Conduct suggesting risk to Australian community

Criminal History

Character assessment considers:

• Substantial criminal record: Sentenced to 12+ months imprisonment
• Recent offenses: Convicted within last 10 years
• Type of offenses: Violent crimes, drug offenses, sexual offenses
• Pattern of behavior: Multiple convictions

? Meeting All Requirements

To successfully apply for Subclass 190, you must meet ALL of the above requirements simultaneously. Missing any one requirement will result in refusal.

Pre-Application Checklist

Next Steps

Now that you understand the eligibility requirements, learn about state nomination processes and which states might nominate your occupation!