Subclass 190 · Permanent
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) Australia
Permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. A state nomination adds 5 points to your score.
About the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) lets nominated skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents. A state or territory government agency reviews your Expression of Interest and decides whether to nominate you, based on its own workforce priorities.
State nomination adds 5 points to your score, and occupation ceilings do not apply to the 190. Each state has its own criteria, which can include living or working in that state.
With this visa you can
- Live, work and study in Australia permanently
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
You must
- Be nominated by a state or territory government agency
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled list
- Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- Be invited to apply and satisfy the points test (65+)
- Be under 45 at invitation, with at least Competent English
2025–26 State Nomination Places for the 190
On 4 November 2025, the Australian Government set state and territory nomination allocations for the 2025–26 program year at 20,350 places.
| State / territory | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | 800 | 800 |
| NSW | 2,100 | 1,500 |
| NT | 850 | 800 |
| QLD | 1,850 | 750 |
| SA | 1,350 | 900 |
| TAS | 1,200 | 650 |
| VIC | 2,700 | 700 |
| WA | 2,000 | 1,400 |
| Total | 12,850 | 7,500 |
Allocations are the number of new primary applicants each jurisdiction can nominate. They do not determine visa grants.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Permanent residence with a state or territory nomination.
- Live, work and study anywhere in Australia permanently
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Apply for citizenship when eligible
From AUD6,140 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members. Concessions apply in limited circumstances.
A state or territory government agency must nominate you, which adds 5 points to your score.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You can only apply after receiving an invitation through SkillSelect, following your Expression of Interest (EOI).
A state or territory government agency must have nominated you.
If you apply in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or certain bridging visas.
You must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation at the time of invitation.
You must be under 45 when invited. You can still apply if you turn 45 after the invitation.
The 190 is points-tested. Your EOI gives an indicative score based on your claims.
You must have at least competent English at the time of invitation. For example, at least IELTS 6 in each of the four components, or PTE Academic scores of at least 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing and 54 speaking. Other accepted tests have equivalent scores, and holders of certain passports (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland) are treated as having Competent English.
Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the 190.
You and family members must meet the health and character requirements, read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement where required. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How the 190 process works.
Before you apply
Get a suitable skills assessment and an English test result, and check your points.
Submit an EOI
Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and register interest with the state or territory you want to be nominated by.
Receive an invitation
If nominated, you will receive an invitation. You have 60 days from the date of your invitation to apply.
Apply online
Lodge your application in ImmiAccount with all supporting documents.
After you apply
Respond to any requests, including health checks and police certificates. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
When you have this visa
You are a permanent resident.
Stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study anywhere, and enrol in Medicare.
Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant. After that you need a Resident Return visa (155 or 157) to return as a permanent resident.
Sponsor eligible relatives, and apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the requirements.
You and your family members must obey Australian laws. You are protected by Australian workplace laws.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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Both are permanent points-tested visas. The 189 needs no nomination and is fully competitive, while the 190 requires a state or territory nomination, which adds 5 points and is not subject to occupation ceilings.
Submit an EOI in SkillSelect selecting the 190, and meet the criteria of the state or territory you want to be nominated by. Some states also require a Registration of Interest (ROI).
A nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) adds 5 points to your score.
From AUD6,140 for the main applicant, with concessions in limited circumstances.
For 2025–26, Victoria has 2,700 places for the 190 and 700 for the 491. NSW has 2,100 and 1,500 respectively.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your visa.
