190 Visa Requirements Australia

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa offers permanent residency with the help of state sponsorship. For many applicants, the extra 5 nomination points make the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting indefinitely.

Check your current score with our PR Points Calculator to see how state nomination could affect your eligibility.

What Is the 190 Visa?

The 190 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is very similar to the 189 visa, with two key differences:

• You need state nomination (which adds 5 bonus points)
• You are expected to live in the nominating state for a period

Otherwise, the 190 visa grants the same benefits as the 189: permanent residency, work rights anywhere in Australia, and a pathway to citizenship.

Core 190 Visa Requirements

1. State Nomination

This is what sets the 190 apart. You must receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory. Each state has its own occupation lists, eligibility criteria, and application process.

2. Skills Assessment

Like the 189 visa, you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Your occupation must appear on the nominating state's occupation list.

3. Minimum 65 Points

You need at least 65 points on the points test. With the 5-point nomination bonus, your effective score becomes 70+. However, many states prefer applicants with higher scores.

4. English Proficiency

At least Competent English is required. Many states prefer Proficient or Superior English, as it indicates you can settle and work effectively.

5. Age Under 45

You must be under 45 at the time of invitation. The same age limit as the 189 visa applies.

6. Health and Character

Standard health and character requirements apply. You and any included family members must pass medical examinations and provide police clearances.

How State Nomination Works for 190

Option A: State Invites You

Some states run their own invitation rounds. If your EOI on SkillSelect matches their requirements, they may send you a nomination invitation. No separate application is needed — your EOI serves as your application.

Option B: You Apply Directly to the State

Other states require you to submit a separate application through their own portal. This may involve additional questions, fees, and supporting documents. Each state's process is different.

Read our full state nomination guide to understand the process in detail.

What Score Do You Need for 190?

While the minimum is 65, competitive scores for the 190 visa vary by state and occupation:

• Popular states (NSW, VIC): Often require 80–90 points
• Moderate states (QLD, WA): Typically 70–85 points
• Less competitive (SA, TAS): May accept 65–75 points

Remember that the 5 nomination bonus is added to your base score. If your base score is 75, your effective total becomes 80 with nomination.

Learn about whether 65 points is enough for skilled migration.

190 Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Get Skills Assessment

Complete your skills assessment with the relevant authority for your occupation.

Step 2: Take English Test

Achieve the required English score through an approved test. Higher scores improve both your points and your state nomination chances.

Step 3: Calculate Your Score

Use our PR Points Calculator to determine your base score before nomination.

Step 4: Apply for State Nomination

Submit your nomination application to your target state. Follow their specific requirements and process.

Step 5: Receive Nomination

If approved, the state will nominate you on SkillSelect. This adds 5 points to your EOI.

Step 6: Wait for Invitation and Apply

After nomination, wait for a visa invitation. Once received, submit your visa application within 60 days.

190 Visa Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Permanent residency immediately on grant
• 5 extra nomination points can make the difference
• State lists may include occupations not on the national list
• Generally lower points threshold than the 189 visa

Considerations

• You must live in the nominating state for typically 2 years
• Each state has its own application process and fees
• Nomination is not guaranteed
• Processing time includes both nomination and visa stages

190 Visa Costs

Beyond the standard visa application fee, you also pay:

• State nomination application fee (varies by state)
• Skills assessment fee
• English test fee
• Medical and police checks
• Migration agent fees (if applicable)

Check Your 190 Visa Eligibility

State nomination could be your fastest path to Australian PR. Check your score and start planning your state nomination strategy.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about 190 visa requirements Australia. State nomination criteria change frequently. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant state government website.

This article does not constitute immigration advice.