What Is the 190 Visa?
The Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Like the 189, it grants permanent residency — but with one key difference: you must commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory for at least 2 years after your visa is granted.
For many immigrants, the 190 is actually a better pathway than the 189 because state nomination adds 5 extra points to your points score. If you are sitting at 80 points and the 189 invitation threshold is 85, the 190 can bridge that gap and get you across the line.
The 190 visa is detailed on the Department of Home Affairs 190 visa page.
How State Nomination Works
Each Australian state and territory runs its own skilled migration program with its own criteria, occupation lists, and application processes. Here is an overview:
- New South Wales (NSW) — Managed through NSW Government Skilled Migration
- Victoria (VIC) — Managed through Live in Melbourne
- Queensland (QLD) — Managed through Migration Queensland
- South Australia (SA) — Managed through Migration SA
- Western Australia (WA) — Managed through WA State Nomination
- Tasmania (TAS) — Managed through Migration Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — Managed through Canberra Matrix
- Northern Territory (NT) — Managed through NT Migration
The general process:
- Check if your occupation is on the state's occupation list — Each state maintains its own list, which may differ from the federal MLTSSL
- Meet the state's specific criteria — This may include having a job offer in the state, living in the state already, or having studied there
- Submit a state nomination application — This is separate from your federal visa application
- Receive state nomination — The state reviews your application and either approves or declines
- Receive an invitation from SkillSelect — Once nominated, you are guaranteed an invitation
- Lodge your 190 visa application with the Department of Home Affairs
State-by-State Strategy
Not all states are equal when it comes to the 190. Some are much more accessible than others, and requirements change frequently.
New South Wales
NSW is highly competitive. They typically invite candidates with very high points scores (90+) and prioritise those already working in NSW. Having a job offer in NSW significantly strengthens your application.
Best for: Tech professionals, healthcare workers, and engineers who already live or work in Sydney.
Victoria
Victoria runs a proactive nomination program through Live in Melbourne. They often reach out to SkillSelect candidates who have expressed interest in Victoria. Victoria values candidates in healthcare, IT, engineering, and education.
Best for: Candidates with strong English scores and experience in health, IT, or engineering who are open to living in Melbourne.
South Australia
South Australia is one of the most immigrant-friendly states. They have broader occupation lists and lower barriers to entry compared to NSW and VIC. They particularly value candidates willing to work in regional SA.
Best for: Candidates with moderate points scores who are flexible about location. SA's lower cost of living is a bonus.
Tasmania
Tasmania has become increasingly popular due to its accessible nomination pathway. If you have studied in Tasmania or have a job offer there, your chances are strong. The Tasmanian lifestyle is attractive for families, and the cost of living is lower than mainland capitals.
Best for: International students who studied in Tasmania, or candidates with job offers in Hobart.
Queensland
Queensland has a solid nomination program, particularly for healthcare, engineering, and trade occupations. They prioritise candidates living and working in Queensland.
Best for: Healthcare professionals, engineers, and tradespeople who are happy living in Brisbane, Gold Coast, or regional Queensland.
Western Australia
WA has a growing demand for skilled workers, especially in mining, engineering, and healthcare. Their Graduate Stream is popular with international students who studied in WA.
Best for: Engineers, healthcare workers, and mining professionals. Also strong for WA graduates.
ACT (Canberra)
The ACT uses its own ranking system called the Canberra Matrix. You earn points based on your connection to Canberra — living there, working there, or having family there. The closer your ties, the higher you rank.
Best for: Candidates already living or studying in Canberra.
Northern Territory
The NT is actively seeking skilled migrants and has some of the most accessible nomination criteria. However, the job market is smaller, and you must be genuinely willing to live in Darwin or regional NT.
Best for: Candidates who are flexible, adventurous, and willing to commit to regional living.
What the 2-Year Obligation Really Means
When a state nominates you for the 190 visa, you commit to living and working in that state for at least 2 years. This is not just a suggestion — it is a genuine obligation. While it is not enforced through visa cancellation (your visa is permanent regardless), breaking this commitment can:
- Affect future nomination programs — States share data, and breaking a commitment may count against you in future applications
- Impact your community reputation — The immigrant community is well-connected, and states do keep records
- Affect your citizenship application — Citizenship assessors consider your character and history of compliance
Practical advice: Only apply for nomination from a state where you genuinely intend to live. Do not game the system by getting nominated by one state and immediately moving to another. Besides the ethical issues, you may actually find that your nominated state offers better opportunities than you expected.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 190 visa, you must:
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- Have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant state's skilled occupation list
- Score at least 65 points on the points test (including the 5 points for state nomination)
- Have at least competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent in each band)
- Be nominated by a state or territory
- Meet health and character requirements
Points Calculation with State Nomination
The 190 adds 5 points to your score for the state nomination itself. Here is an example:
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (28 years old) | 30 |
| English (IELTS 7 each) | 10 |
| Bachelor's degree | 15 |
| 3 years overseas experience | 5 |
| 2 years Australian experience | 10 |
| State nomination (190) | 5 |
| Total | 75 |
In this example, the candidate has 70 points without nomination. Adding the 5 points for state nomination takes them to 75, which may be sufficient for an invitation depending on the occupation and the state's invitation threshold.
How to Stand Out in Your State Nomination Application
States receive many more applications than they can approve. Here is how to stand out:
- Have a job offer in the state — This is the strongest factor for most states. A formal job offer (or current employment) demonstrates that you will contribute to the state's economy.
- Demonstrate genuine commitment — Explain in your application why you want to live in that state. Mention specific factors: family connections, community involvement, industry presence.
- Have strong English — States value candidates who can integrate smoothly into the workforce and community.
- Choose occupations the state actually needs — Do not just check the list. Research which occupations each state is actively prioritising.
- Provide thorough documentation — Complete applications with clear evidence always rank higher than incomplete or messy submissions.
Common Mistakes with the 190
- Applying to every state — States can see if you have applied to multiple states simultaneously. This signals you are not genuinely committed to any of them.
- Ignoring state-specific criteria — Each state has its own requirements beyond the federal ones. Read the state's website carefully.
- Underestimating processing times — State nomination can take 4 to 12 weeks, and then the federal visa processing adds another 6 to 12 months.
- Not maintaining your skills assessment — Some skills assessments expire. Make sure yours is still valid when you receive your invitation.
- Forgetting to update your EOI — If your circumstances change, update your EOI in SkillSelect immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move to a different state after 2 years?
Yes. After fulfilling your 2-year commitment to the nominating state, you are free to move anywhere in Australia. Your permanent residency is not affected.
What if I cannot find a job in the nominating state?
You should genuinely try to find work in the state. If you are struggling, reach out to local employment services and the state's migration department. Most states understand that finding work takes time and will not penalise you for a genuine effort that falls short, as long as you are living in the state.
Can my partner work on a 190 visa?
Yes. As a permanent resident, both you and your partner have full work rights anywhere in Australia. Your partner can work in any occupation with no restrictions.
Is the 190 really permanent?
Yes. The 190 grants permanent residency from the date of visa grant. It does not expire. The only difference from the 189 is the 2-year living commitment to your nominating state.
How does the 190 compare to the 491?
The 190 grants permanent residency immediately. The 491 grants a provisional visa for 5 years with a pathway to the 191 permanent visa after 3 years. The 491 is regional-focused and has different points thresholds. If you can get the 190, it is generally the better option, but the 491 is an excellent alternative if the 190 is not achievable.
Australia Subclass 190 Visa State Nomination Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The subclass 190 visa state nomination application process involves two distinct stages that must be completed in the correct order. First, you apply for state nomination through your chosen state or territory government. Only after receiving nomination approval can you submit your Department of Home Affairs visa application.
Here's the detailed process our 250+ graduates have successfully navigated:
Stage 1: State Nomination Application Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, then apply directly to your chosen state. Each state has different processing times ranging from 6-12 weeks. You'll need to demonstrate strong ties to the state through employment offers, previous residence, or family connections.
Stage 2: Visa Application Once nominated, you have 60 days to accept the invitation and lodge your visa application with Home Affairs. This stage typically takes 8-10 months for processing. You'll need police clearances, health examinations, and comprehensive documentation of your qualifications and work experience.
The key mistake applicants make is rushing the state nomination without properly researching each state's specific criteria. Our graduates who secured positions averaging $120K in salary spent significant time aligning their profiles with state requirements before applying.
Understanding this two-stage process is crucial before diving into the specific requirements and obligations that come with the 190 visa.
Australia Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 Requirements 2026
The skilled nominated visa subclass 190 requirements for 2026 remain largely consistent with previous years, but understanding the complete checklist is essential for application success. You must meet both federal immigration requirements and state-specific nomination criteria.
Core Federal Requirements: - Age under 45 at time of invitation - Competent English (IELTS 6.0 equivalent minimum) - Positive skills assessment in nominated occupation - Minimum 65 points (including 5 bonus points from state nomination) - Meet health and character requirements
State-Specific Requirements: Each state adds additional criteria that significantly impact your chances. South Australia requires 6 months of work experience in the state for certain occupations. Victoria prioritizes applicants with job offers from Victorian employers. NSW focuses on applicants in regional areas or with strong employment prospects.
Points Breakdown Strategy: Most successful applicants need 70-75 base points before the 5-point state nomination bonus. Our graduates typically achieve this through: age (25-30 points), education (15-20 points), English proficiency (10-20 points), and work experience (10-15 points).
The 2026 application landscape shows increased competition, with invitation rounds becoming more selective. States are prioritizing applicants who demonstrate genuine commitment to long-term settlement rather than using the visa as a stepping stone to other locations.
Understanding the 190 Visa 2 Year Obligation and Compliance Requirements
The 190 visa 2 year obligation is a legally binding commitment that requires you to live and work in your nominating state or territory for a minimum of two years after visa grant. This obligation is more flexible than many applicants realize, but compliance is strictly monitored by the Department of Home Affairs.
What Counts Toward Your Obligation: Any time spent living, working, or studying in the nominating state counts toward your two-year requirement. This includes unemployment periods, parental leave, or career breaks as long as you maintain genuine residence in the state. Short trips interstate or overseas don't reset your obligation clock.
Flexibility and Exemptions: Compelling circumstances like family emergencies, medical treatment, or unique employment opportunities may allow temporary departures. However, you must apply for permission before relocating and demonstrate intention to return. The Department evaluates each case individually.
Monitoring and Consequences: Home Affairs conducts random compliance checks and may request evidence of your residence through tax records, employment documents, or utility bills. Breaching the obligation without approval can result in visa cancellation and future application restrictions.
Our graduates have successfully managed this obligation while building careers averaging $120K annually. The key is treating the two-year period as an investment in establishing Australian networks and experience rather than a restriction. Most find the nominating state offers excellent opportunities that naturally extend beyond the minimum requirement period.
Key Takeaways
- The 190 is a permanent visa that requires state nomination and a 2-year living commitment
- State nomination adds 5 points — which can make the difference when 189 thresholds are too high
- Research each state's specific requirements and occupation lists carefully
- Having a job offer in your target state dramatically improves your chances
- Only apply for states where you genuinely intend to live
- After 2 years, you are free to move anywhere in Australia
