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What is the Subclass 190 Visa?

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It combines the benefits of permanent residence with strategic bonus points to help you achieve your Australian migration goals.

The Basics

The Subclass 190 is one of Australia's most accessible PR pathways because it offers:

The 5-Point Advantage: State nomination gives you an automatic 5 bonus points, making this visa more achievable than the independent Subclass 189!

Key Characteristics

1. Permanent Residence Status

This visa grants you permanent residence in Australia, which means:

  • You can stay in Australia indefinitely
  • No visa renewals required (though you'll need to renew your travel facility after 5 years)
  • Full protection under Australian law
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
  • Access to Medicare (Australia's public healthcare system)

2. State Nomination Requirement

To apply for this visa, you must first receive nomination from an Australian state or territory. Each state has:

  • Their own occupation lists: Often broader than the MLTSSL used for 189
  • Specific requirements: Work experience, English scores, or ties to the state
  • Application processes: Some require Expression of Interest (EOI), others have direct applications
  • Nomination fees: Typically AUD $200-$330 depending on the state
Two-Step Process: You must secure state nomination first, then apply for the visa. State nomination is valid for 6 months.

3. Points-Based System with Bonus

Your eligibility is determined by a points test, just like the 189, but with a crucial difference:

  • Base points: Age, English, work experience, education (same as 189)
  • State nomination bonus: Automatic +5 points
  • Minimum requirement: 65 points total (including the state bonus)
  • Typical invitations: Most successful applicants have 70-85 points
Strategic Advantage: If you have 60 base points, you only need state nomination to reach 65 points minimum. This makes the 190 significantly more accessible!

4. Living Commitment

In exchange for nomination, you commit to:

  • Living and working in the nominating state or territory
  • Typically for the first 2 years (though this is not legally enforced)
  • Making a genuine effort to settle in that state
?? Important Note: While there's a moral obligation to stay in the nominating state initially, PR visa holders have freedom of movement. However, moving immediately after grant could affect future citizenship or family sponsorship applications.

5. Invitation-Based Process

Similar to the 189, you cannot apply directly. You must:

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
  2. Apply for or receive state nomination
  3. Wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs
  4. Apply for the visa within 60 days of receiving your invitation

What Makes It "Nominated"?

The term "nominated" means a state or territory government has:

  • Reviewed your skills and qualifications
  • Determined you can fill skill shortages in their state
  • Agreed to support your permanent residence application
  • Given you 5 bonus points toward your points total

How It Differs from Subclass 189

Aspect Subclass 190 Subclass 189
Points Needed 65+ (with 5 bonus points) Usually 80-90+ base points
Nomination State nomination required No nomination needed
Occupation Lists State-specific (often broader) MLTSSL only
Location Freedom Initial commitment to state Live anywhere from day one
Processing Priority Generally faster Highly competitive
Visa Type Permanent Residence Permanent Residence

Who Manages This Visa?

The Subclass 190 involves two levels of government:

  • State/Territory governments: Manage nomination programs and criteria
  • Department of Home Affairs: Processes visa applications and issues invitations

Which States Nominate?

All Australian states and territories have nomination programs:

  • New South Wales (NSW) - Sydney and regional areas
  • Victoria (VIC) - Melbourne and regional Victoria
  • Queensland (QLD) - Brisbane, Gold Coast, and regional Queensland
  • South Australia (SA) - Adelaide and regional SA
  • Western Australia (WA) - Perth and regional WA
  • Tasmania (TAS) - Hobart and regional Tasmania
  • Northern Territory (NT) - Darwin and regional NT
  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT) - Canberra region
Program Changes: Each state updates their requirements 2-4 times per year. Always check the latest state government websites for current information!

Understanding the Purpose

Australia created the 190 visa pathway to:

  • Direct skilled migrants to specific states that need workers
  • Support regional economic development
  • Give states more control over their skilled migration intake
  • Provide a more accessible PR pathway for skilled workers
  • Address local skill shortages that may differ from national priorities

Ready to Learn More?

Now that you understand what the Subclass 190 visa is and how state nomination works, let's explore the specific benefits this visa offers!

Next: Benefits ?