Subclass 190 Visa: Skilled Nominated Visa Complete Guide 2026
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What Is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a points-tested permanent residency pathway for highly skilled workers. The catch? You need an Australian state or territory government to back you. If they do, they'll nominate you, which instantly adds 5 bonus points to your overall SkillSelect tally. For many applicants, those extra 5 points are exactly what they need to get over the line and secure an invitation.
It's also much more flexible than the independent subclass 189 visa. While the 189 restricts you to the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the 190 opens the doors to occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) as well. If your job isn't on the medium-to-long term list, the 190 is often your best bet for permanent residency.
+5 Points Immediately
Securing a state nomination automatically boosts your score by 5 points under Part 6D.12 of Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994. Remember, these points only kick in when you actually receive your Home Affairs invitation, not the moment you apply.
Broader Occupation Eligibility
If your profession sits on the STSOL, the independent 189 visa isn't an option for you. The 190 accepts both MLTSSL and STSOL occupations, giving a far wider range of professionals a shot at staying in Australia permanently.
Permanent From Day One
Once your 190 visa is granted, you are officially an Australian permanent resident. While you can technically live anywhere in the country, there is a strong moral and policy expectation that you'll live and work in the state that nominated you for a couple of years.
Who Applies for the 190 Visa?
You'll find that the subclass 190 is incredibly popular among international graduates. State governments love to retain the talent they've educated, so they often create streamlined nomination pathways specifically for their own alumni. If you're currently studying in Australia or recently graduated, it's worth reading our guide on the onshore student visa to PR pathway to understand exactly how state nomination fits into your long-term plans.
How the +5 Points Bonus Works
Part 6D.12, Schedule 6D, Migration Regulations 1994
The 5-point state nomination bonus is clearly outlined in Part 6D.12 of Schedule 6D. You are awarded these points when the Department of Home Affairs officially invites you to apply for the visa, provided your state or territory nomination hasn't been withdrawn.
IMPORTANT: Don't confuse the two stages. You don't get the +5 points just for submitting an application to a state. The points are only added to your profile when the Department of Home Affairs issues your Invitation to Apply (ITA), which is triggered after the state approves your nomination.
How the +5 Points Changes Outcomes
| Score Scenario | Without 190 Nomination | With 190 Nomination (+5) |
|---|---|---|
| Base score: 75 | 75 pts, borderline for 189 | 80 pts, competitive for 190 |
| Base score: 80 | 80 pts, below 189 cutoff for many jobs | 85 pts, highly competitive for 190 |
| Base score: 85 | 85 pts, competitive for 189 | 90 pts, top tier for 190 |
If you're stuck just below the cutoff for an independent 189 visa, these 5 nomination points are often the bridge you need to become competitive in the invite rounds.
Subclass 190 Eligibility Requirements
You have to juggle two sets of rules here: the federal requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, and the state-specific criteria set by the government nominating you. You must satisfy both to succeed.
Under 45 at Invitation
You must be strictly under 45 years old on the day you receive your Invitation to Apply from Home Affairs. Your age when you submit your state nomination doesn't freeze the clock.
Minimum 65 Points
You need at least 65 points in total, which includes the 5-point state bonus. This means you must have a minimum base score of 60 before nomination. Keep in mind, states can and do set their own higher thresholds for competitive occupations.
Eligible Occupation
Your job must be on the relevant state's occupation list AND appear on either the MLTSSL or STSOL. It's a fantastic option for those on the STSOL who are locked out of the 189 visa.
Positive Skills Assessment
You need a valid, positive skills assessment for your occupation. Crucially, it must still be valid on the day you receive your Home Affairs invitation. Learn more about skills assessments.
STATE-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS change rapidly and depend entirely on the jurisdiction. We'll cover the basics of each state below.
How State Nomination Works: The Two-Stage Process
It's vital to understand that the subclass 190 is a two-stage process run by entirely separate government bodies. Many applicants get confused by this, so here is exactly how it unfolds.
Apply for State Nomination
Every state and territory manages its own migration programme with its own portal and occupation list. You apply directly to the state, not through Home Affairs. Depending on the state, you may need to pay an administrative fee just to have your nomination application reviewed.
State Reviews and Approves
The state evaluates your profile against their specific goals. Processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on demand. If they like your application, they'll officially nominate you.
State Triggers Home Affairs Invitation
Once nominated, the state notifies Home Affairs. Your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) is automatically updated to include the +5 bonus points. This usually triggers your formal Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the federal government.
Receive ITA and Lodge Visa Application
You now have 60 days to lodge your actual 190 visa application via your ImmiAccount. This is when you pay the hefty Visa Application Charge to the Department of Home Affairs.
Await Home Affairs Decision
Finally, Home Affairs processes your visa application. Processing times fluctuate wildly based on government priorities (more on this below), so patience is essential.
⚠ State Nomination Can Be Withdrawn
If your nominating state withdraws its support-perhaps because you moved interstate or provided false information-you lose those 5 bonus points immediately. This can cause your invitation to lapse. Always honour your obligations to your nominating state.
State and Territory Nomination Guide 2026
For the 2026–27 programme year, the Australian Government has allocated a national total of 35,500 places for state and territory nominated visas. However, how these places are distributed and managed is up to the individual states.
State nomination policies, occupation lists, and fees change frequently. The fees and overviews below are accurate as of August 2026. You must verify current eligibility requirements directly on the official state migration portals before taking any action.
→ Full guide: Which state should I nominate for?New South Wales (NSW)
Official portal: nsw.gov.au
| Nomination application fee | AUD $330 |
| Points threshold | Highly competitive |
| Focus areas | Healthcare, engineering, ICT, education, trades |
- • Your occupation must appear on the NSW Skilled Occupation List.
- • Applicants currently working in their nominated occupation within NSW are heavily prioritised over offshore candidates.
- • Because NSW is the most popular destination, it is fiercely competitive. You generally need high points and strong English skills to stand out.
Victoria
Official portal: liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au
| Nomination application fee | AUD $0 (Free) |
| Selection system | Registration of Interest (ROI) |
| Focus areas | Healthcare, social services, construction, tech |
- • Victoria operates on a free Registration of Interest (ROI) system. You submit an ROI and the state invites the most competitive profiles to apply for nomination.
- • You must be living and working in Victoria to be eligible for onshore pathways.
- • Submitting your ROI early doesn't give you an edge; Victoria selects based on the quality of your profile and how well it aligns with their industry shortages.
Queensland
Official portal: migration.qld.gov.au
| Nomination application fee | AUD $573 (Offshore) / $630.30 (Onshore incl. GST) |
| Selection system | Registration of Interest (ROI) |
| Focus areas | Healthcare, trades, education, energy, resources |
- • Queensland charges one of the highest nomination fees in the country.
- • Onshore applicants typically need 6 months of full-time skilled employment in Queensland in their nominated occupation.
- • Queensland also offers dedicated pathways for graduates of Queensland institutions.
- • You must commit to living and working in Queensland for at least 2 years post-grant.
South Australia (SA)
Official portal: migration.sa.gov.au
| Nomination application fee | AUD $381 (ROI is free) |
| Focus areas | Healthcare, construction, agriculture, defence |
- • South Australia is traditionally very welcoming to its own international graduates and those already working in the state.
- • Many occupations require you to demonstrate skilled work experience in South Australia before applying.
- • They also offer specific pathways for highly skilled talent and innovators.
Western Australia (WA)
Official portal: migration.wa.gov.au
| Nomination application fee | AUD $200 |
| Focus areas | Healthcare, engineering, resources, trades |
- • Western Australia boasts a very low nomination fee and extensive occupation lists.
- • General stream applicants typically need a 6-month full-time employment contract in WA.
- • The state places a strong emphasis on the resources sector and regional development, making it an excellent option for trades and engineering professionals.
Tasmania
Official portal: migration.tas.gov.au
| 2026–27 190 Allocation | 1,250 places |
| Nomination application fee | AUD $425.70 (incl. GST) |
| Focus areas | Healthcare, hospitality, trades, construction |
- • Tasmania has clearly defined pathways for local graduates and long-term residents.
- • The state places a massive emphasis on your genuine intention and capacity to settle long-term in the island state.
- • While accessible for locals, it can be tough for offshore applicants without a concrete job offer.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Official portal: act.gov.au
| Nomination application fee | AUD $350 total ($25 Matrix + $325 app) |
| Selection system | Canberra Matrix |
- • The ACT employs a unique "Canberra Matrix" points system to rank candidates based on their economic and social ties to the territory.
- • To be a "Canberra resident", you generally need to have lived in the ACT for 6 months and worked there for 26 weeks.
- • Highly tailored towards applicants already integrated into the ACT economy.
How to Apply for Subclass 190: Step by Step
Check Your Occupation Against State Lists
Ensure your occupation is on both a state's list and the federal MLTSSL or STSOL. Remember, an occupation might be in demand in WA but completely absent from NSW's list.
Submit EOI in SkillSelect
Create your profile in the federal SkillSelect system. You can specify which state you wish to be nominated by, or select "Any". Make sure you have your skills assessment and English test results ready.
Apply for State Nomination (or submit ROI)
Follow the specific process for your chosen state. This usually involves submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI) or applying directly through their own migration portal.
Wait for the Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once the state approves you, they will notify Home Affairs, and you will receive your official invitation to lodge the visa.
Lodge the Visa Application
You have 60 days to upload all your documentation (health, character, identity) and pay the visa application charge through ImmiAccount.
Subclass 190 Visa Cost 2026
As of 1 July 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has updated the visa application charges for the subclass 190. These fees do not include your separate state nomination administrative fee.
| Applicant | Visa Application Charge (VAC) |
|---|---|
| Primary Applicant | AUD $6,140 |
| Additional applicant (18 and over) | AUD $3,070 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | AUD $1,540 |
| Second instalment (no functional English) | AUD $5,090 per adult |
Hidden Costs to Prepare For
The $6,140 application fee is just what you pay to the government. Before you even get to that stage, you'll need to budget for:
- • State nomination fees: AUD $0 to $630
- • Skills assessment: AUD $500–$1,200+ (depending on the authority)
- • English testing (IELTS/PTE): AUD $445+ per attempt
- • Medical exams: AUD $300–$500
- • Police clearances: AUD $50+ per country
Subclass 190 Processing Time 2026
If you're looking for a simple "it takes 12 months" answer, we have some bad news. The Department of Home Affairs no longer provides a single, universal processing timeframe for the subclass 190. Instead, your application's speed depends entirely on how it aligns with government priorities.
Under Ministerial Direction 119 (which came into effect on 25 July 2026), the government processes applications in a strict priority order.
Fast-Tracked Processing
You can expect significantly faster processing if you fall into one of the government's top priority buckets:
- • Healthcare and teaching occupations
- • Construction and infrastructure occupations
- • Applicants already living in Australia (onshore)
Slower Processing
If you are applying from offshore, and your occupation does not fall into healthcare, teaching, or construction, you will likely face much longer wait times as your application is placed in a lower processing tier.
To check the latest median processing data across the entire visa programme, you should regularly consult the official Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times tool. And remember-submitting a "decision-ready" application with all your health and character checks completed upfront is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.
Subclass 190 vs 189 vs 491: Which is Right for You?
Choosing the right skilled visa can be daunting. We highly recommend reading our detailed comparison guide, but here is the quick breakdown of how the 190 stacks up against the independent 189 and regional 491 visas.
| Feature | Subclass 189 (Independent) | Subclass 190 (State Nominated) | Subclass 491 (Regional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residency Status | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (5 years) |
| Points Bonus | None | +5 points | +15 points |
| Sponsor Required | No | Yes (State/Territory) | Yes (State or Family) |
| Eligible Occupations | MLTSSL only | MLTSSL & STSOL | MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL |
| Where can you live? | Anywhere | Expected to live in nominating state | Designated regional areas only |
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for subclass 190?
Is subclass 190 permanent residency?
Which state is easiest to get 190 nomination?
Can I apply for 189 and 190 at the same time?
Related Guides
Subclass 189 Visa Guide →
Learn about the independent pathway that doesn't require state sponsorship.
Subclass 491 Visa Guide →
Explore the regional provisional visa with a massive +15 point bonus.
How to Increase Your PR Points →
Stuck at 60 points? Discover 7 practical ways to boost your score quickly.
Which State Should I Choose? →
A deep dive into the nomination strategies for every Australian state and territory.