Visa Subclass 190: What It Is, Who Can Apply, and How It Works

Visa Subclass 190: What It Is, Who Can Apply, and How It Works

Are you a skilled worker thinking about moving to Australia? If you're looking for a path to permanent residency with the help of a state or territory, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) might be the perfect fit.

In this blog, we’ll break down what the 190 visa is, who can apply, and how the entire process works—in simple, easy-to-understand language. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or already planning your move, this guide will give you the clarity you need.

What Is the Subclass 190 Visa?

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa offered by the Australian Government to skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory in Australia.

Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, which does not require sponsorship, the 190 visa requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. In return, you're expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years after arrival.

Once granted, the 190 visa allows you to:

lLive and work permanently in Australia

lInclude eligible family members in your application

lAccess Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)

lApply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

lSponsor relatives for permanent residence

Who Can Apply for the Subclass 190 Visa?

To apply for the Subclass 190 visa, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. Let's go through the key ones:

1. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the 190 visa. Each Australian state and territory has its own list of in-demand jobs based on local labor market needs.

Typical in-demand occupations include:

lNurses

lEngineers

lIT professionals

lTeachers

lElectricians

lAccountants

Tip: Check each state’s current occupation list on their official migration websites to see if your profession is included.

2. Skills Assessment

Before applying, you must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This proves that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards.

Each profession has its own assessing body. For example:

lEngineers Australia for engineers

lACS (Australian Computer Society) for IT professionals

lANMAC for nurses and midwives

3Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years old at the time of receiving the invitation to apply for the visa.

4. English Language Proficiency

You need to demonstrate competent English, which usually means:

lIELTS: Minimum 6.0 in each band, or

lPTE Academic: Minimum 50 in each band, or

lEquivalent scores in other approved tests

If you have higher English scores, you can earn additional points.

5. Points Test

Subclass 190 is a points-tested visa. You need at least 65 points to be eligible, but the higher your score, the better your chances of getting invited.

Here’s how points are typically awarded:

6. Health & Character Requirements

All applicants must:

lPass a medical exam

lProvide police clearance certificates from countries where they've lived for more than 12 months

How Does the Subclass 190 Visa Work? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s look at the entire process from start to finish:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you apply, confirm that:

lYour occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List for your target state

lYou meet the minimum points score (65+)

lYou can pass the skills assessment and English test

Step 2: Complete a Skills Assessment

Apply for a skills assessment from the approved authority for your occupation. This step is essential and must be done before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).

Step 3: Take an English Language Test

Book and pass an English test like IELTS or PTE. Try to get higher scores to boost your points.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Log in to the Australian government’s Skill Select system and lodge your EOI. You’ll need to provide:

lPersonal details

lWork and education history

lEnglish test scores

lSkills assessment results

lYour desired states or territories for nomination

lYou can select multiple states if you're open to living in more than one.

Step 5: Apply for State Nomination

Each state has its own process for nomination. After submitting your EOI, you’ll need to apply directly to the state for nomination.

States may ask for:

lCommitment to live in the state for 2 years

lProof of relevant work experience

lEvidence of funds (in some cases)

Once approved, the state will nominate you, and you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 190 visa via SkillSelect.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once nominated, the Australian Government will send you an Invitation to Apply. You’ll have 60 days to submit your visa application online through ImmiAccount.

Step 7: Lodge Your Visa Application

Gather all documents and submit your visa application, including:

lSkills assessment result

lEnglish test result

lHealth and character documents

lProof of work and qualifications

lNomination letter from the state

Also include documents for any dependent family members included in your application.

Step 8: Attend Health Check and Submit Police Certificates

Schedule your health examinations with an approved panel physician. Submit police clearances for all countries where you’ve lived in the past 10 years.

Step 9: Wait for a Decision

Processing times vary but are typically between 6 to 12 months. You may be asked to provide more documents or attend an interview.

Step 10: Receive Your Visa Grant

Once approved, you'll receive your 190 visa grant letter. Congratulations—you’re now a permanent resident of Australia!

Can You Bring Family Members?

Yes! You can include eligible family members in your application, such as:

lYour spouse or de facto partner

lYour dependent children

lThey will also receive permanent residency if your visa is approved.

Where Can You Live with a 190 Visa?

You are expected to live and work in the state or territory that nominated you for at least two years. After that, you're free to move anywhere in Australia.

What Are the Costs?

Here are the approximate government visa fees (as of 2024):

lMain applicant: AUD $4,640

lSpouse or partner: AUD $2,320

lEach child under 18: AUD $1,160

You should also budget for:

lSkills assessment fees

lEnglish test costs

lPolice certificates

lHealth exams

lDocument translation (if needed)

Final Thoughts: Is the 190 Visa Right for You?

The Subclass 190 visa is a fantastic option for skilled workers who:

lWant to live and work permanently in Australia

lNeed state support to meet visa requirements