Subclass 190 requirements: state nomination plus federal eligibility
The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent, points-tested pathway. It has two separate decision layers: a state or territory decides whether to nominate you under its current program, and Home Affairs decides whether the visa criteria are met. Passing one layer does not waive the other.
Key points
- A state or territory nomination is mandatory and currently contributes 5 points under the federal points test.
- Jurisdictions use their own selection criteria; meeting the federal visa minimum does not create a right to nomination.
- At invitation, the main applicant generally must be under 45, have Competent English, an eligible occupation and a suitable skills assessment.
- The visa application must substantiate the score and facts stated in the EOI and nomination process.
The federal visa requirements
Home Affairs currently requires a nomination, an invitation, a relevant eligible occupation, a suitable skills assessment, the required English level and at least 65 points. The applicant must be under 45 when invited. Health, character, identity, family, Australian-government debt and other general requirements may also apply.
The 65-point threshold can include the 5 nomination points. It is an eligibility floor, not a promise that a jurisdiction will select the EOI. Evidence must support the score identified in the invitation.
The nomination layer
Every jurisdiction can target different workforce and demographic needs. Its live program may distinguish between applicants living onshore or offshore, graduates, workers in particular occupations, residents of the jurisdiction or people with job offers. A state list is therefore not the same thing as the federal combined list.
Read the nominating government's own page from start to finish. Check whether a separate registration of interest is required, what evidence must already exist, and whether the program is open. Do not rely on a social-media list or an article that omits the date and applicant category.
EOI, nomination and invitation sequence
- Confirm the occupation is eligible for Subclass 190 and identify its assessing authority.
- Obtain suitable skills and English evidence and audit the points score.
- Submit or update a SkillSelect EOI indicating interest in Subclass 190.
- Follow the chosen jurisdiction's separate process, if it has one.
- If nominated, check that every nomination and EOI statement remains accurate.
- Use the Home Affairs invitation to lodge the visa application within the stated 60 days.
If a nomination is withdrawn after application, Home Affairs states that the visa application becomes invalid. Notify the relevant bodies promptly if a material fact changes rather than assuming it can be corrected later.
Residence expectations after grant
States and territories may ask nominees to commit to living and working in the jurisdiction. The wording and follow-up arrangements differ. Read the declaration or undertaking you actually sign and obtain advice if your circumstances change. Avoid simplistic claims that every move is either automatically prohibited or has no consequence.
When to compare other pathways
Compare Subclass 190 with the independent 189 and regional 491 pathways only after confirming which lists and nomination programs are genuinely open to you. Our visa comparison explains status, nomination and regional differences without predicting selection.
Official sources to check before acting
These pages control over any summary on this website. Recheck them when you submit an EOI, accept a nomination or lodge a visa application.
Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.