?? How Subclass 190 Works

The Subclass 190 process is a unique two-step journey: first securing state nomination, then applying for permanent residence. This guide explains each stage from EOI submission to PR grant.

The Complete 190 Journey

Stage 1: Preparation (1-6 months)

Before Starting Your EOI

?? Stage 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submitting Your EOI in SkillSelect

The EOI is your initial registration of interest:

1. Create SkillSelect account at SkillSelect portal
2. Complete EOI form with all your details:
   • Personal information
   • Skills assessment details
   • English test results
   • Work experience (last 10 years)
   • Education qualifications
   • Points claims
   • Partner details (if claiming points)
3. Select Subclass 190 as visa type of interest (can also select 189 and 491)
4. Indicate state preference (optional but helpful)
5. Submit EOI (no fee required)

After EOI Submission

• Valid for 2 years: EOI remains active automatically
• Can be updated: Add new experience, qualifications, or test scores
• Date of Effect resets: When updated, your ranking date changes to update date
• Multiple states can see it: Different states may consider you for nomination
• No guarantee: EOI does not guarantee nomination or invitation

??? Stage 3: State Nomination (The Critical Step)

Two Pathways to Nomination

Pathway A: State Invites You (Common)

1. State reviews EOIs in SkillSelect
2. If you meet criteria, state invites you to apply for nomination
3. You submit formal nomination application to state
4. Provide state-specific documents (work history, commitment statement, etc.)
5. Pay nomination fee (AUD $200-$330, varies by state)
6. State assesses application (2-12 weeks)
7. State approves and nominates you

Pathway B: You Apply Directly (Some States)

1. Check if state allows direct applications (e.g., Victoria, SA)
2. Apply directly through state's portal
3. Provide comprehensive documentation
4. Pay nomination fee
5. State assesses application (2-12 weeks)
6. State approves and nominates you

State-Specific Processes

Each state has different requirements and processes:

• NSW: Invitation-based, high points required (80-90+), focus on NSW connections
• Victoria: Direct application available, job offer or Victorian experience preferred
• Queensland: Multiple streams, some require QLD work/study
• South Australia: Points-based system, lower points accepted
• Western Australia: Job offer often required
• Tasmania: Requires job offer or commitment to Tasmanian employment
• ACT: Canberra Matrix system with points
• NT: Job offer or NT experience typically needed

?? Stage 4: Invitation to Apply

Once state nominates you:

1. State approval notified: You receive state nomination approval letter/certificate
2. Nomination added to EOI: The +5 points are automatically added to your SkillSelect profile
3. Automatic invitation: Department of Home Affairs automatically invites you to apply for visa
4. 60-day window starts: You have 60 days from invitation to lodge complete visa application
5. Email notification: Check your email and SkillSelect/ImmiAccount

?? Stage 5: Visa Application (Within 60 Days)

Lodging Your Application

1. Create ImmiAccount if you don't have one already
2. Start new application for Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
3. Complete application form with all personal and family details
4. Upload all required documents:
   • State nomination approval (mandatory)
   • Identity documents (passport, birth certificates, marriage certificates)
   • Skills assessment
   • English test results
   • Education documents (degrees, transcripts)
   • Employment evidence (contracts, payslips, references, tax documents)
   • Partner documents (if applicable)
5. Pay visa application charge:
   • Main applicant: AUD $4,640
   • Partner (18+): AUD $2,320
   • Child: AUD $1,160
6. Submit application before 60-day deadline

? Stage 6: Processing (6-12 months)

What Happens During Processing

1. Initial review: Case officer assigned, preliminary checks
2. Health examinations: You'll be requested to complete medical exams
   • General health check
   • Chest X-ray
   • Additional tests if required
3. Character assessment: Police certificates verified
   • From every country lived 12+ months since age 16
   • Australian Federal Police check if in Australia
4. Document verification: All claims and evidence checked thoroughly
5. Additional information: Case officer may request clarification or extra documents
6. Final assessment: Officer makes decision on application
7. Decision: Visa granted or refused

Processing Times

• 25% of applications: 5-7 months
• 50% of applications: 7-9 months
• 75% of applications: 9-12 months
• 90% of applications: 11-14 months

?? Stage 7: Visa Grant - Permanent Residence!

What You Get with PR

• Permanent residence: Live in Australia indefinitely
• 5-year travel facility: Travel in and out freely for 5 years (renewable)
• Full work rights: Work for any employer, any occupation, anywhere in Australia
• Study rights: Enroll in any course at domestic student rates
• Medicare access: Full public healthcare coverage from day one
• Social security: Access to certain benefits after waiting periods
• Family included: Partner and children get same PR status
• Pathway to citizenship: Eligible after 4 years of residence

Your Initial Commitment

While you have full PR and legal freedom to live anywhere:

• Moral commitment: You should genuinely intend to live in the nominating state initially
• Recommended period: At least 2 years in the state that nominated you
• Build your life there: Establish employment, community ties, residence
• After initial period: Complete freedom to relocate anywhere in Australia

?? Stage 8: Living on PR

Your PR Life in Australia

• Settle in nominating state: Find employment, housing, schools
• Medicare enrollment: Register for healthcare card
• Tax File Number: Apply for TFN for employment and taxes
• Banking: Open Australian bank accounts
• Driver's license: Convert or obtain Australian license
• Build your career: Work in your occupation or change fields
• Community integration: Join local groups, make connections

Travel and Re-entry

• First 5 years: Travel freely, re-enter anytime
• After 5 years: Apply for Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain travel rights
• RRV requirements: Must show ties to Australia or compelling reasons for absence

Stage 9: Pathway to Citizenship (After 4 Years)

Becoming an Australian Citizen

After 4 years of residence as permanent resident:

Citizenship Requirements:

• Held PR for at least 4 years
• Been in Australia for at least 12 months in the last 4 years
• Not been absent more than 12 months total in last 4 years
• Not been absent more than 90 days in last 12 months
• Good character
• Adequate knowledge of English
• Pass citizenship test
• Understand privileges and responsibilities of citizenship

Benefits of Citizenship:

• Australian passport
• Voting rights
• Run for political office
• Work in government roles requiring citizenship
• No need for travel facility renewals
• Cannot be deported
• Full social security access

Process Timeline Summary

Pro Tips for Success

• Research states thoroughly: Different states have vastly different requirements and processing speeds
• Apply to multiple states: If your occupation is on multiple lists, apply to all eligible states
• Keep EOI updated: Add new qualifications, experience, or test scores immediately
• Prepare documents early: Police checks can take months - start before receiving invitation
• State commitment letter: Make your commitment statement genuine and detailed
• Build state connections: Job offers or study in the state significantly help
• Monitor state programs: Requirements and occupation lists change frequently
• Respond quickly: When invited or requested for documents, act immediately
• Professional help: Consider migration agent for complex cases or state applications

Next Steps

Now that you understand the process, let's look at the costs and timeline in detail!