Skip to main content
VisaAffairs

Subclass 190

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated

Permanent skilled visa nominated by an Australian state or territory — PR immediately with a moral commitment to live and work in the nominating state ≥2 years.

Pathway

Permanent

Processing time

7–12 months (indicative)

Government fee

AUD 4,770+

Visa duration

Indefinite (PR)

Overview

!
Detailed legal content below is being written. Contact Visa Affairs directly for an assessment of your specific circumstances.

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) is a permanent skilled visa nominated by an Australian state or territory. Similar to 189 (PR immediately, points-tested) but requires state nomination — in exchange, you get +5 SkillSelect points.

Defining features:

  • State nomination: each state/territory runs its own program with different priorities, cutoffs, and requirements.
  • +5 SkillSelect points: state nomination = +5 points (not transferable between states).
  • State commitment: the nominating state expects you to live and work there ≥2 years (moral, not legally binding).

Main state programs: NSW Skilled Nomination, Live in Victoria Visa Nomination Program, Queensland Skilled Migration, Skilled Migration South Australia, Migration WA, ACT Nominated Migration Program, Migration NT, Migration Tasmania.

Detailed legal content (state-specific occupation lists, processing times by state, annual allocations) changes periodically — check each state website + immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Book a consultation to find the right state for your profile.

Key eligibility

  • Nomination from a state or territory government
  • Occupation on the state's nomination occupation list (varies by state)
  • Under 45 at time of invitation
  • Competent English minimum (higher for more points)
  • Positive Skill Assessment from an assessing authority
  • Reach the SkillSelect points cutoff (min 60, in practice higher) — includes 5 bonus points from state nomination
  • Moral commitment to live and work in the nominating state ≥2 years

Process

  1. 01

    Skill Assessment + English

    Same as 189 — assessing authority for your occupation, English test at Competent or above.

  2. 02

    EOI + state nomination

    Submit EOI via SkillSelect for subclass 190 + apply to a state program (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, ACT, NT, TAS each run their own).

  3. 03

    Receive nomination + ITA

    When the state nominates, the EOI is auto-uploaded with +5 points. The Department issues an ITA — 60 days to lodge the visa.

  4. 04

    Visa granted + move to the state

    PR from day of grant. Moral commitment (not a legal condition, unlike 491) to live and work in the nominating state ≥2 years.

Estimated cost

Department of Home Affairs fee (per immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) AUD 4,770+
VisaAffairs service fee Quoted after initial consultation
Third-party costs (health, AFP check, translations, etc.) Varies by case
i
All figures are indicative as of last update. Department of Home Affairs fees change periodically — verify on the official site before lodging. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au →

How VisaAffairs helps

Clear eligibility assessment

Our RMA reviews your full situation against current rules — no boilerplate templates.

Document set reviewed item-by-item

Every piece of evidence is checked before lodgement — minimising the risk of request for further information.

Case officer tracking

VisaAffairs monitors ImmiAccount and responds to case officer requests on time.

Frequently asked questions

189 vs 190 — which to choose?
189 has no state restriction, full freedom of movement. 190 has the moral expectation to stay in the nominating state ≥2 years but adds 5 points and broadens occupation eligibility per state. If your score is short for 189 but enough for 190, take 190.
Is the 2-year state commitment legal or moral?
Moral commitment when you accept nomination — no legal condition on the 190 visa (unlike 491's condition 8579). But breaching it can affect that state's willingness to nominate others, and your personal reputation.
Is 190's occupation list different from 189?
Yes. 189 uses the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). 190 uses MLTSSL + Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) + state-specific lists. Each state prioritises different industries.
Can I lodge 190 from inside or outside Australia?
Both. If you're on a 485 in Australia, you can lodge onshore — the visa can be granted while you're in Australia.

Start your file

Free assessment in 2 business days.

Share your situation and goal. Visa Affairs replies personally — no auto-response, no obligation.