The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia after receiving nomination from an Australian state or territory government. This visa is designed for qualified professionals whose occupations are in demand at the state level, offering a reliable, government-backed pathway to permanent residency.
Key Eligibility Criteria
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State / Territory Nomination: Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government authority after submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI).
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Eligible Occupation: Have a nominated occupation on the state's skilled occupation list (spanning MLTSSL and STSOL).
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Positive Skills Assessment: Hold a verified skills assessment for your specific occupation.
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Age Limit: Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
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GSM Points Test: Score at least 65 points including the +5 bonus points awarded for state nomination.
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State Commitment: Agree to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least 2 years after visa grant.
State and Territory Nomination Priorities
Each Australian state and territory manages its own allocation criteria based on local economic and workforce demand:
| Jurisdiction | Key Industry Priorities | Nomination Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia (WA) | Mining, Engineering, Construction, Healthcare, Education | Dedicated graduate and general streams; priority for onshore WA residents and international graduates. |
| New South Wales (NSW) | IT, Healthcare, Engineering, Trade Occupations | Targeted rounds prioritizing high points and verified onshore employment in critical sectors. |
| Victoria (VIC) | STEM, Medical Research, Healthcare, Early Childhood, Trades | Requires submission of Registration of Interest (ROI); prioritizes onshore wage thresholds. |
| Queensland (QLD) | Health, Construction, Tourism, Agribusiness | Specific streams for graduates of Queensland universities and offshore skilled workers. |
| South Australia (SA) | Healthcare, Defense, Advanced Manufacturing, ICT | Extensive list with concessions for international graduates of South Australian institutions. |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Cybersecurity, Public Policy, Healthcare, Engineering | Uses the unique points-tested Canberra Matrix ranking system alongside SkillSelect. |
| Tasmania (TAS) & NT | Community Services, Hospitality, Healthcare, Trades | Favourable nomination pathways for long-term residents and local tertiary graduates. |
Step-by-Step 190 Application Process
01
Check State Occupation Lists
Review target state requirements (e.g., WA SNMP, NSW allocation lists) to confirm eligibility.
02
Skills Assessment & English Score
Obtain a positive outcome from your assessing authority and achieve required English scores.
03
Lodge SkillSelect EOI & State ROI
Submit your Expression of Interest indicating Subclass 190 and lodge state-specific ROI portals.
04
State Nomination Approval & ITA
State approves your nomination, triggering an official 60-day Invitation to Apply from Home Affairs.
05
Lodge Visa & Grant Decision
File complete legal documentation, settle statutory visa fees, and receive permanent residency.