Last Updated : 10 June 2026

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What Is the 190 Visa?

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government and invited by the Department of Home Affairs. It allows eligible applicants to live, work and study in Australia permanently and may provide a pathway to Australian citizenship if eligibility requirements are met.

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As part of Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, the subclass 190 visa requires applicants to satisfy both Department of Home Affairs visa requirements and separate state or territory nomination requirements. Most applicants will need a suitable skills assessment, at least 65 points under the skilled migration points test, Competent English, and an invitation to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

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This guide explains the 190 visa requirements, eligibility criteria, state nomination process, application steps, costs and processing considerations. If you are comparing skilled migration pathways, you may also wish to explore the 189 Visa, 491 Visa, state nomination requirements, SkillSelect EOI process, and the skilled migration points test to determine the most suitable pathway for your circumstances.

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190 Visa at a Glance

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

• Visa type: Permanent residence

• Points required: Minimum 65 (190 nomination adds 5 points)

• Age limit: Under 45 at time of invitation

• English: Competent English minimum

• Skills assessment: Required

• Job offer: Not required

• Family members: Can be included

• Visa Application Charge: AUD $4,910 (primary applicant)

• Processing time: 6–12 months from lodgement

• Outcome: Australian permanent residency, Medicare access, pathway to citizenship

Fees and processing times are updated monthly. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current figures.​

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What Can You Do With a 190 Visa?

A subclass 190 visa grants Australian permanent residency from the date of visa grant.

With this visa, you can:

• Live in Australia permanently

• Work for any employer in Australia

• Study anywhere in Australia

• Access Medicare if eligible

• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence

• Travel in and out of Australia during the travel facility period

• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible

The 190 visa does not require employer sponsorship after grant and is not restricted to a specific employer.

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190 Visa Requirements

To be eligible for a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), applicants must satisfy all Department of Home Affairs requirements at the time of invitation. This includes meeting age, skills assessment, English language, points test, health, character and state nomination requirements.

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To apply for a subclass 190 visa, you must:

• Be under 45 years of age when invited

• Have an eligible skilled occupation

• Hold a suitable skills assessment

• Receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government

• Receive an invitation to apply

• Achieve at least 65 points

• Demonstrate at least Competent English

• Meet health requirements

• Meet character requirements

These requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs and apply regardless of which state or territory nominates you.

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190 Visa Cost

The total cost of a Subclass 190 visa covers four separate categories, paid at different stages of the process.

• Visa Application Charge (VAC): AUD $4,910 for the primary applicant — paid to the Department of Home Affairs at lodgement, non-refundable

• Skills assessment: AUD $500–$2,000+ depending on your assessing authority

• English language test: AUD $400–$600 per sitting (IELTS, PTE, OET)

• Medical + police clearances: AUD $350–$700 per person

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For a single applicant, expect to spend AUD $6,500–$9,000 in total across all costs. For a couple with one child, budget AUD $10,000–$14,000+.

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For a full breakdown of every cost including dependant charges, state nomination fees, and payment timing, see our 190 Visa Cost Guide.

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190 Visa Processing Time

The Subclass 190 processing time starts from the date you lodge your visa application, after you have already received state nomination and your Invitation to Apply.

• 50% of applications: decided within 9 months

• 90% of applications: decided within 17 months

State nomination itself adds 4–16 weeks on top of that, depending on the state.

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The Department processes 190 applications in order of lodgement date, with priority occupations in healthcare, teaching, and construction moving through faster under Ministerial Direction 110.

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The single biggest factor in your timeline is application completeness. A decision-ready application, health checks done, police clearances lodged, all evidence uploaded at time of submission, processes significantly faster than one where documents are added incrementally.

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Check current processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website

 

Does State Nomination Guarantee a 190 Visa?

No.

State or territory nomination does not guarantee visa approval.

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Nomination allows you to be invited to apply for the visa, but you must still satisfy all Department of Home Affairs visa requirements when your application is assessed.

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A visa can be refused if eligibility requirements, points claims, health requirements, character requirements, or documentary evidence are not satisfied.

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How to Apply for a 190 Visa

The subclass 190 application process involves both state nomination and visa application stages.

Step 1: Check Your Occupation

Confirm that your occupation is eligible and identify the relevant assessing authority.

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Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment

Receive a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.

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Step 3: Calculate Your Points

Ensure you can achieve at least 65 points under the points test.

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Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect.

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Step 5: Apply for State or Territory Nomination

Meet the nomination requirements of your chosen state or territory.

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Step 6: Receive State Nomination

If approved, the state or territory will nominate you.

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Step 7: Receive an Invitation

The Department of Home Affairs may invite you to apply.

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Step 8: Lodge Your Visa Application

You generally have 60 days from invitation to submit your application.

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Step 9: Complete Health and Character Checks

Provide all required supporting documents.

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Step 10: Receive a Visa Decision

The Department of Home Affairs assesses the application and makes a decision.

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What Is State or Territory Nomination?

State nomination is a separate process from the visa application.

Australian states and territories can nominate skilled workers whose occupations align with local workforce needs.

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Each state and territory sets its own nomination criteria, occupation priorities, invitation strategies, and application procedures.

Examples include:

• Victoria

• New South Wales

• Queensland

• South Australia

• Western Australia

• Tasmania

• Australian Capital Territory

• Northern Territory

A state nomination is required before a subclass 190 invitation can be issued.

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Important Distinction

• Visa requirements are determined by the Department of Home Affairs.

• Nomination requirements are determined by the individual state or territory government.

• Meeting one does not automatically mean you satisfy the other.

• This distinction is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the subclass 190 pathway.

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How Many Points Do You Need for a 190 Visa?

The legal minimum is 65 points.

However, having 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.

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Invitation competitiveness varies depending on:

• Occupation

• State nomination demand

• Available nomination places

• Invitation round activity

• Number of competing applicants

The Department of Home Affairs requires at least 65 points for eligibility under the points test.

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How Points Are Calculated

Points may be awarded for:

• Age

• English language ability

• Skilled employment experience

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study

• Specialist education qualifications

• Professional Year

• Credentialled community language

• Partner qualifications

• State nomination

State nomination for subclass 190 provides an additional 5 points.

 

What Occupations Are Eligible for the 190 Visa?

You must nominate an occupation that is eligible for the subclass 190 visa.

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The occupation must:

• Appear on the relevant skilled occupation list

• Be supported by a suitable skills assessment

• Be accepted by the nominating state or territory if seeking nomination

Eligibility depends on both federal and state-level requirements.

The availability of occupations may differ between states and territories because each jurisdiction determines its own nomination priorities.

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Do You Need a Skills Assessment?

Yes.

A suitable skills assessment is mandatory for most subclass 190 applicants.

The assessment must:

• Be issued by the relevant assessing authority for the occupation

• Be valid at the time of invitation

• Generally have been obtained within the three years before invitation unless a shorter validity period applies

The skills assessment verifies that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for the nominated occupation.

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What English Level Is Required?

Applicants must have at least Competent English at the time of invitation.

• At least Competent English required

• IELTS 6.0 minimum in each band (or equivalent)

• Certain passport holders may be exempt from testing

• Approved test results must be valid at invitation

Lalu nanti kata Competent English di-link ke halaman khusus:

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What Is SkillSelect?

SkillSelect is the Australian Government's online system used to manage skilled migration expressions of interest.

Applicants submit an EOI through SkillSelect before they can be invited for most skilled visas, including the subclass 190.

SkillSelect enables state and territory governments to identify skilled workers for nomination.

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Can Family Members Be Included?

Yes.

Eligible family members can generally be included in a subclass 190 visa application.

This may include:

• Partner or spouse

• De facto partner

• Dependent children

• Certain dependent relatives in limited circumstances

All included family members must satisfy relevant legislative requirements.​

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190 Visa vs 189 Visa

The main difference is nomination.

Subclass 190

• Requires state or territory nomination

• Provides 5 nomination points

• Permanent residence visa

Subclass 189

• Does not require state nomination

• Permanent residence visa

• Invitation based solely on SkillSelect ranking and eligibility

Both visas are points-tested skilled migration visas within the GSM program.

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190 Visa vs 491 Visa

The subclass 491 visa is different from the subclass 190 visa.

Subclass 190

• Permanent residence visa

• State or territory nomination required

Subclass 491

• Provisional regional visa

• Requires state nomination or eligible family sponsorship

• Provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 visa

Applicants should assess which pathway aligns with their occupation, location preferences, and eligibility profile.

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Common Reasons 190 Visa Applications Are Refused

Common issues include:

• Incorrect points claims

• Invalid or expired skills assessments

• Failure to satisfy English requirements

• Health issues

• Character issues

• Inability to verify employment claims

• Inconsistencies between EOI claims and supporting evidence

All claims made in the EOI must be supported by documentary evidence during visa assessment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 190 visa permanent residency?

Yes. The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residence visa from the date it is granted.

Is state nomination mandatory for the 190 visa?

Yes. A state or territory nomination is required before an invitation can be issued.

Can I apply directly for a 190 visa?

No. You must first submit an EOI, obtain nomination, and receive an invitation before lodging a visa application.

Is 65 points enough for a 190 visa?

65 points is the minimum eligibility threshold. Competitive invitation scores may be higher depending on occupation and nomination demand.

Can I include my partner and children?

Yes. Eligible family members can generally be included in the visa application.

Do I need a job offer for a 190 visa?

The Department of Home Affairs does not require a job offer as a general subclass 190 visa requirement. However, some states may have nomination pathways that consider employment-related factors. State criteria should always be reviewed separately.

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Related Skilled Migration Pathways

You may also be interested in:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

• Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

• Skilled Migration Points Test

• SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Skilled Occupation List

• Australian Permanent Residency Pathways

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Sources

This page has been prepared using information published by official Australian Government authorities.

Department of Home Affairs

• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

• SkillSelect

• Points Test

• Visa Processing Times

• Visa Fees and Charges

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State and Territory Governments

• Victorian Skilled Migration Program

• South Australia Skilled Migration

• Western Australia State Nominated Migration Program