The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent visa pathway for skilled workers who receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government. State sponsorship adds a significant advantage to your application and opens doors for skilled migrants who may not achieve the required points for the independent 189 visa. Understanding how the 190 visa works and what states expect from applicants is essential for a successful application. Each state and territory in Australia manages its own skilled migration programme. They determine which occupations they need, set eligibility criteria, and nominate applicants to the Department of Home Affairs. The six states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania. The two territories are the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Each jurisdiction has different requirements and occupation lists, so the state you choose matters significantly. To be eligible for a 190 visa, you must first meet the state’s nomination requirements. States typically require that your occupation appears on their state occupation list. This is different from the national skilled occupation list used for the 189 visa. States identify occupations they need based on their local labour market, economic development goals, and workforce planning. State nomination through the 190 visa adds 5 points to your SkillSelect score. If you were close to the 65-point threshold for a 189 visa, state sponsorship through the 190 may bring you over the line. This points advantage is one of the most valuable aspects of the 190 pathway. Each state sets its own eligibility criteria beyond occupation requirements. Many states require applicants to have work experience in their nominated occupation. The length of required experience varies between states; some require one year, others require three years or more. Some states are stricter than others, reflecting their particular skills needs. English language proficiency is required by all states. States typically require applicants to have competent English, though some states may accept functional English for certain occupations or applicants. States also set points thresholds for their nominations. The threshold may vary depending on occupation category and demand at the time of application. Some occupations may be in high demand and receive many applications, while others may have lower application volumes. States manage their nomination rounds to balance their workforce needs with application volumes. State connection requirements vary. Some states require applicants to have lived or worked in that state. Others require applicants to have studied in that state. Some states require applicants to have family or other genuine connection to the state. Other states have no specific state connection requirement and welcome applicants from anywhere. Always check the specific state’s requirements before applying. The nomination process typically involves applying directly to the state’s migration programme office. Each state has its own application portal and requirements. After nomination, the state submits your nomination through SkillSelect. This triggers the Department of Home Affairs to issue you an invitation to lodge your visa application. You then have 60 days to submit your full visa application to DHA. An important commitment when you receive a 190 visa is the residency obligation. You must commit to living and working in the sponsoring state for two years after your visa is granted. This is a legal requirement. Failing to meet this obligation can affect your eligibility for further visas and may impact family members’ applications. Occupations on state lists can change. States review their occupation lists regularly and add or remove occupations based on their current needs. Checking current state requirements before submitting your application is crucial. An occupation may have been on the state list six months ago but could have been removed. The 190 visa offers advantages over trying to increase points for a 189 visa. If you are struggling to reach 65 points independently, investing effort in a state nomination may be faster and more achievable than, for example, taking further English language tests or completing additional qualifications. However, the 190 visa comes with the two-year state residency commitment. You must be prepared to live and work in the sponsoring state for this period. Some applicants prefer the flexibility of the 189 visa, which has no location restrictions. Others welcome the 190 pathway for its accessibility and the opportunity to build their career in a specific state. Different states have different priorities at different times. Western Australia traditionally has strong demand for skilled workers in mining-related occupations. Queensland often focuses on healthcare and construction. New South Wales has varied occupation demands reflecting Sydney’s diverse economy. Understanding which state best matches your occupation and circumstances is important. Migration Guru works with applicants to identify the most suitable state for their circumstances, understand that state’s current requirements and occupation list, and guide them through the nomination process. Our agents have experience with all state programmes and can advise on the best pathway forward. The 190 visa represents a valuable opportunity for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency through state sponsorship. With the right state match and preparation, many applicants succeed in this pathway. Ready to explore state sponsorship options? Contact Migration Guru to discuss which state suits your occupation and circumstances, and how to prepare a strong state nomination application.
Contact Us
Phone: +61 7 3036 3800
Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
Website: migrationguru.com.au
