Subclass 190 Visa: State-Nominated Permanent Residency

Subclass 190 Visa: State-Nominated Permanent Residency

The Skilled Nominated visa — Subclass 190 — is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is slightly easier to obtain than the Skilled Independent (189) visa because state nomination adds 5 points to your score, and some states nominate occupations with lower invitation thresholds.

What is the 190 Visa?

The 190 grants permanent residence, just like the 189, with the same full work, study, and travel rights. The key difference is that you need a state or territory nomination in addition to meeting the standard skilled migration requirements.

In exchange for the nomination (and the 5 bonus points), you must commit to living and working in the nominating state for 2 years after the visa is granted. This obligation is not enforceable by the Commonwealth government, but breaching it may affect your ability to be nominated again in the future and could be considered when assessing character for citizenship.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Your occupation must be on the relevant state or territory occupation list for the 190 (states have their own lists, often subsets of the national MLTSSL)
  • You must hold a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
  • You must meet the points test (minimum 65 to submit EOI, but state requirements vary)
  • Under 45 years of age at time of invitation
  • Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
  • Health and character requirements

State Nomination: How it Works

Each state and territory operates its own nomination program with its own requirements, quotas, and occupation lists. Programs typically include:

  • General skilled migration streams — for skilled workers who may or may not be in the state already
  • Graduate streams — for recent graduates of state institutions
  • International student streams — for students currently studying in the state
  • Critical skills streams — priority processing for occupations in very high demand

You apply to the relevant state authority directly. Each state sets its own:

  • Occupation lists (which occupations are open for nomination)
  • Minimum points requirements (often higher than the national minimum)
  • Proof of connection to the state (e.g. current employment, study, or intention to settle)
  • English language requirements (some states require higher than competent)

Overview of State Programs

New South Wales

NSW uses SkillSelect data and invites candidates periodically. Strong connection to NSW (employment or study) is favoured for most streams.

Victoria

Victoria prioritises nominees who are already working or studying in Victoria in nominated occupations. The Victorian Skilled Nominated (190) program is highly competitive with high points cut-offs.

Queensland

Queensland has a broad occupation list and an internationally based stream for offshore applicants in skill shortage occupations.

South Australia

SA is active in nominating skilled workers and has historically had lower points cut-offs than NSW or VIC. It requires a genuine commitment to settle in SA.

Western Australia

WA has significant skill shortages in mining, engineering, healthcare, and construction. The WA Skilled Migration Program provides a pathway for workers already in WA and for offshore applicants in critical occupations.

Tasmania

Tasmania offers nominations to candidates with a job offer in Tasmania or a genuine connection to the state.

ACT

The ACT nominates applicants with a job offer in the ACT or a genuine and demonstrable intention to settle.

Process

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
  2. Apply for state nomination through the relevant state's online portal
  3. If nominated, receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the 190 visa
  4. Lodge the visa application (within 60 days of invitation)
  5. Undergo health and character checks
  6. Receive visa grant

190 vs 189: Which is Better?

The 189 offers more flexibility (no state obligation) but requires a higher points score to receive an invitation. The 190 adds 5 points via nomination, which can make the difference between waiting years for an invitation vs receiving one relatively quickly. If you have a genuine preference for a particular state, the 190 is usually the better route.

See the PR Pathway guide for a full comparison of all permanent residence pathways from temporary visas in Australia.

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