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Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent Australian visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points to your score. You still need an eligible occupation, a suitable skills assessment, at least Competent English, to be under 45 when invited and at least 65 points including the nomination. Each state sets its own criteria and opening dates.
Skilled Nominated Visa (190) at a Glance
| Visa type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | Skilled workers whose occupation and profile match a state's priorities |
| Nomination | Required from a state or territory government agency (+5 points) |
| Occupation lists | MLTSSL or STSOL, as accepted by the nominating state |
| Age | Under 45 when invited |
| Points | At least 65, including the 5 nomination points |
| English | At least Competent English |
| Government charge | AUD 6,140 main applicant, AUD 3,070 per adult and AUD 1,535 per child (from 1 July 2026) |
| 2026–27 places | 35,500 State/Territory Nominated places in the Migration Program |
What the 190 Visa Gives You
The 190 gives the same permanent rights as the 189: you can live, work and study in Australia, enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives, travel for 5 years from grant and later apply for citizenship. States usually ask you to commit to living and working in the nominating state for a set period after grant, so read the state's conditions carefully before you accept a nomination.
How State Nomination Works
- You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and select the state you are interested in.
- Some states, including Victoria, also need a separate Registration of Interest (ROI) on their own website.
- If the state selects you, it nominates you and SkillSelect sends your invitation to apply.
- You then have 60 days to lodge your visa application.
States choose candidates based on their own skill needs, so a high score alone does not guarantee nomination. Criteria often include your occupation, whether you already live and work in the state, your work experience and your English.
Victoria in 2026–27: as at 15 October 2026, Live in Melbourne said Victoria's 2026–27 skilled nomination program "will open soon" for Registrations of Interest, with criteria to be published when it opens. Home Affairs figures show Victoria made no 190 or 491 nominations in July and August 2026. Other states, such as Tasmania and the Northern Territory, have started nominating.
Eligibility Requirements
- Occupation: on the occupation list that applies to the 190 and accepted by the nominating state. Use our occupation finder.
- Skills assessment: suitable for your occupation and obtained in the 3 years before invitation (or within its validity period if shorter).
- Age: under 45 when invited.
- English: at least Competent English, for example IELTS 6 in each band. Higher scores add points and often make you more competitive for nomination.
- Points: at least 65, including the 5 nomination points.
- Previous regional visa: if you hold or last held a 491 or 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years before applying.
- Health and character for you and your family.
Processing Times
Home Affairs figures updated on 29 September 2026 show 50% of 190 applications decided within 4 months and 90% within 16 months. Under Ministerial Direction 122 (from 19 September 2026), priority occupations such as healthcare, teaching and construction are processed first, then applicants who were in Australia when they lodged.
How to Apply
- Check your occupation and pointsConfirm your occupation is eligible and calculate your points, including the 5 nomination points, with our points calculator.
- Get your skills assessment and English testObtain a positive assessment from your assessing authority and an accepted English test result.
- Lodge your EOI and any state ROISubmit your EOI in SkillSelect and, where required, a Registration of Interest with the state, such as Victoria.
- Accept the state nominationIf selected, you are nominated and invited to apply. You then have 60 days.
- Lodge your visa applicationApply in ImmiAccount with evidence for every point claimed and pay the visa charge.
- Meet health and character requirementsComplete health examinations and provide police certificates for everyone in the application.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We match your occupation and profile to each state's current nomination criteria, prepare your EOI and state application, and make sure your points claim is fully supported before you are invited. Because state programs open and close during the year, we also keep a 189 or 491 option in view and tell you when the right program opens.
Free tools for this visa
Related visas
Every case is different. Talk to a Registered Migration Agent about your Skilled Nominated Visa (190) before you lodge.
Book a consultationSources: Home Affairs: Skilled Nominated visa (190) · SkillSelect invitation rounds · Live in Melbourne: skilled migration visas · Migration Program planning levels · Global visa processing times
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
What is the 190 visa?
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It gives the same permanent rights as the 189.
How many points does state nomination add?
Nomination for the 190 adds 5 points. You need at least 65 points in total, including those 5 points, but states often select candidates with higher scores.
Is Victoria open for 190 nominations in 2026–27?
As at 15 October 2026, Victoria said its 2026–27 program would open soon for Registrations of Interest, with criteria published when it opens. Victoria made no 190 nominations in July and August 2026. We can tell you when it opens and whether you are likely to meet the criteria.
Do I have to live in the state that nominates me?
Most states ask you to commit to living and working in the state for a period after the visa is granted, often 2 years. The visa itself is permanent, but breaking your commitment can affect your reputation with the state and future applications, so only accept a nomination you intend to honour.
Can I apply to more than one state?
You can select more than one state in your SkillSelect EOI, or lodge separate EOIs, but each state assesses you against its own criteria and some require separate registrations. You can only use one nomination for your visa.
How much does the 190 visa cost?
From 1 July 2026 the base government charge is AUD 6,140 for the main applicant, AUD 3,070 for each family member aged 18 or over and AUD 1,535 for each child under 18. Some states also charge a nomination fee.
What is the difference between the 190 and the 491?
The 190 is permanent and adds 5 points. The 491 is a 5-year provisional visa that adds 15 points but requires you to live, work and study in a designated regional area. After 3 years on a 491 you may apply for permanent residence through the 191.
How long does the 190 take to process?
Home Affairs figures updated on 29 September 2026 show 50% of applications decided within 4 months and 90% within 16 months. Times change monthly, and applications in priority occupations such as healthcare, teaching and construction are processed first under Ministerial Direction 122.
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