Australia 190 Visa Consultants

The Skilled Nominated visa

How the Subclass 190 visa works

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers whom a state or territory government nominates. Each state or territory uses the visa to fill skill needs in its own labour market.

Two decisions are involved. First, a state or territory decides whether to nominate you. If it does, the Department of Home Affairs invites you to apply and then decides on your visa. The 2026-27 Permanent Migration Program sets 35,500 places for state and territory nominated visas.

What the 190 visa gives you

• Permanent residence from the day the visa is granted
• The right to live, work and study in Australia
• Enrolment in Medicare
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the grant
• Eligibility to apply for citizenship later

Most states ask nominated applicants to commit to living and working in that state for a set period. Check the commitment your chosen state requires before you accept a nomination.

State nomination

Australia state nomination for the 190 visa

You submit an EOI in SkillSelect, and states and territories can view it. Some also require a separate registration or application through their own portal. If a state selects you, it nominates you, and the Department then invites you to apply. The nomination adds 5 points to your score. It does not replace the other criteria: you still need an eligible occupation, a skills assessment, competent English and at least 65 points including the nomination.

What states typically assess

• Whether your occupation is on the state's current priority or nomination list
• Your points score and English level
• Your work experience, and sometimes employment within the state
• Your commitment to live and work in the state

Each state and territory sets its own criteria and intake. NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the other states and territories change their lists and processes during the year, so we check them at the time of your assessment.

If a state withdraws your nomination after you apply, your visa application becomes invalid. That is why the commitment you make to a state must be genuine.

Eligibility

190 visa eligibility and requirements

Nomination

A state or territory government must nominate you.

Occupation list

Your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list for subclass 190 and eligible under the nominating state or territory's current occupation and stream criteria.

Skills assessment

You need a suitable skills assessment from your occupation's assessing authority, obtained within the three years before your invitation.

Age

You must be under 45 when invited. If you turn 45 before the invitation, you will not be invited.

English requirements

You need at least competent English at the time of invitation.

Points

At least 65 points, including the 5 nomination points. Your invitation may state a higher score, based on your EOI claims.

How our 190 assessment works

1. Occupation review. We confirm your occupation code from your actual duties.
2. Points estimate. We calculate your score, including the nomination points.
3. State criteria check. We check which states and territories currently accept your occupation under their occupation and stream criteria.
4. Criteria comparison. We compare each state's current requirements with your profile.
5. Your shortlist. You receive the states that fit, with the criteria you meet and any gaps.
6. Next steps. We set out what to do first, such as a skills assessment, an English retest or a state registration.

The process

Subclass 190 visa application process

1. Skills assessment and English test. You complete both before submitting your EOI.
2. Expression of Interest. You submit your EOI in SkillSelect, selecting subclass 190 and your preferred state.
3. State registration or application. You complete any separate process the state requires.
4. Nomination and invitation. If the state nominates you, the Department invites you to apply.
5. Visa application. You lodge your application, with evidence for every claim, within 60 days.
6. Health and character checks. You complete medicals and provide police certificates when requested.
7. Decision. The Department assesses your application and decides on the grant.

Costs and timelines

190 visa fees and processing time

Each family member included in your application also adds a further application charge.

Home Affairs charges as checked on 9 October 2026. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator for your family's total.

Some states charge a nomination application fee, so check the state's official website. Skills assessment, English test, medical and police certificate fees are paid to the providers. Our professional fees come to you in writing after your assessment.

Why KINBRIDGE

Why applicants choose KINBRIDGE for the 190 visa

With eight states and territories, each running its own criteria, choosing where to apply matters.

FAQs

Your 190 visa questions, answered