The Subclass 190 visa is a state-nominated permanent residence visa for skilled professionals who meet Australia’s workforce needs. If you have the qualifications, work experience, and language ability—and you’re nominated by a state or territory government—this visa opens the door to permanent life in Australia.

✅ What You Can Do With This Visa

With the 190 visa, you can:

• Live and work in Australia permanently
• Study at any Australian institution
• Access Medicare, the public healthcare system
• Sponsor eligible family members
• Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
• Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the visa grant date

🕰️ Visa Duration

This is a permanent visa, which means:

• If you’re inside Australia when the visa is granted, you become a permanent resident on the grant date
• If you’re outside Australia at the time of visa grant, your permanent residency begins when you first enter

The visa comes with a 5-year travel facility. After that, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Can You Include Family?

Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in the application. You may:

• Add them when you lodge your application
• Or add them after lodging but before a decision is made

All family members included must meet health and character requirements. If you’re not including them, you must state why.

🌐 Where You Can Apply From

You can apply from inside or outside Australia, as long as you’re not in immigration clearance at the time of application or decision.

If applying from within Australia, you must hold one of the following:

• A substantive visa
• A Bridging visa A (Subclass 010), B (Subclass 020), or C (Subclass 030)

📝 Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 190

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

You must first submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) through SkillSelect, declaring your interest in the Subclass 190 visa.

Once submitted, Australian state or territory governments can view your profile. If they choose to nominate you, you’ll receive an invitation to apply.

Note: For a detailed guide on EOI process, refer to our Subclass 189 EOI blog.

2. State or Territory Nomination

You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Each state/territory has its own list of occupations and selection criteria. Visit their official pages for up-to-date information:

• ACT: canberrayourfuture.com.au
• NSW: nsw.gov.au
• NT: theterritory.com.au
• QLD: migration.qld.gov.au
• SA: migration.sa.gov.au
• TAS: migration.tas.gov.au
• VIC: liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au
• WA: migration.wa.gov.au

Important: If your nomination is withdrawn, your application will no longer be valid.

3. Skills Assessment

You must have a suitable skills assessment at the time of invitation. The assessment must be:

• Conducted by the relevant authority for your nominated occupation
• Not older than 3 years at the date of invitation (unless shorter validity is specified)

If your assessment is based on an Australian qualification, the course must be CRICOS-registered.

4. Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

If you turn 45 after submitting your EOI but before receiving an invitation, you’ll no longer be eligible.

5. Points Requirement

You must score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded for:

• Age
• English language proficiency
• Skilled work experience (Australia and overseas)
• Education qualifications
• Australian study
• Regional study
• Partner’s qualifications and skills
• State/territory nomination (adds 5 points)

Use the official Points Calculator: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator

6. English Language Proficiency

At the time of invitation, you must demonstrate competent English.

7. Occupation Eligibility

Your nominated occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List for Subclass 190.

Check the current list here: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

8. Health and Character Requirements

You and any included family members must meet:

• Australia’s health requirements (including medical exams)
• Character requirements (including police clearances)

9. Sign the Australian Values Statement

Applicants over 18 must read (or have explained) the Life in Australia booklet and sign a declaration to respect Australian laws and values.

10. No Outstanding Debt

You must have repaid (or arranged to repay) any outstanding debts to the Australian government.

11. Immigration History

If you’ve had a visa cancelled or application refused, your eligibility may be affected. Specific circumstances apply for whether you can still apply.

📘 Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Submit Your EOI

• Create an account on SkillSelect: skillselect.gov.au
• Choose Subclass 190
• Fill in your points claim details
• Wait for nomination and invitation

Step 2: Secure a Nomination

Your EOI will be visible to state and territory agencies. They may nominate you based on your occupation and profile.

Each agency has unique criteria, so review their official sites (see above).

Step 3: Receive an Invitation

If nominated, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the visa. You must:

• Apply within 60 calendar days
• Support all points claimed in your EOI
• Submit relevant documents

Step 4: Gather Your Documents

Prepare documents for:

• Identity and travel
• Relationship and family
• Skills assessment and qualifications
• Work experience
• English proficiency
• Health and character

All documents must be in English or translated. Upload clear, color scans.

Step 5: Lodge Your Visa Application

Apply through ImmiAccount: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

You’ll need to:

• Log in or create an ImmiAccount
• Complete the online application
• Attach supporting documents
• Submit and note your transaction reference number (TRN)

Step 6: After You Apply

After lodging:

• Stay lawful (a Bridging Visa A will usually be granted if in Australia)
• Check ImmiAccount for status updates or document requests
• Undergo health exams and biometrics (if requested)
• Update details if circumstances change (e.g., family, address)

Step 7: Visa Outcome

You can be inside or outside Australia when the visa decision is made.

If approved, you’ll receive:

• Your visa grant number
• Conditions (if any)
• Start date of your visa

If refused, you’ll be informed why and whether you can request a review.

💬 Need Assistance With Your 190 Visa?

Understanding state nomination, meeting eligibility criteria, and submitting the right documents can be complex. Let our immigration experts simplify the process and guide you at every step.

Migration Guru Pty Ltd

• Phone: +61-7-3036 3800
• Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
• Website: migrationguru.com.au
• Facebook: Migration Guru