Permanent residency through state nomination — your skills can open doors.
Skilled Nominated Visa
(Subclass 190): Eligibility & Process
Live and work in Australia with state or territory nomination.
Highlights about Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) offers several benefits to successful applicants:
- Live in Australia permanently.
- Work and study anywhere within the country.
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
- Potential eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship in the future.
- Some new residents may need to wait before accessing certain government benefits.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants must meet the following requirements:
Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (e.g., MLTSSL).Skills Assessment
You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.Points Test
You must score at least 65 points on the points test based on age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other factors.Age
You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive the invitation to apply.English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate competent English (or higher) through approved English tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or others accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.Expression of Interest (EOI)
You must submit an EOI through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system and receive an invitation to apply.Health and Character Requirements
You and your family members must meet health and character standards as set by the Australian Government.
How the Visa Process Works
Skills Assessment
Apply for and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge your EOI via SkillSelect, providing details of your skills, qualifications, and experience.
Receive Invitation to Apply
If your EOI scores high enough based on points and occupation demand, you will be invited to apply for the visa.
Apply for the Visa
Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation, including all required documents.
Health and Character Checks
Complete medical examinations and police clearance certificates as part of your application.
Visa Outcome
Await decision on your visa application. If approved, you will receive permanent residency.
Important Considerations
Points Threshold
While the minimum points required is 65, actual invitations often require higher points due to competition and quota limits. Achieving 80+ points improves your chances.
Occupation Demand
The Skilled Occupation List changes periodically. Ensure your occupation remains eligible before applying.
Family Inclusion
You can include eligible family members such as your spouse and dependent children in your application.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and government workload. It may take several months from invitation to visa grant.
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Points Test Summary
(Applicable for Subclass 189, 190 & 491 visas)
To be eligible for Australian skilled migration visas, you must score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on the following factors:
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age | Up to 30 points (maximum points for ages 25–32) |
| English Language Ability | Up to 20 points (Competent, Proficient, or Superior) |
| Skilled Employment Experience | Up to 20 points (combination of overseas and Australian work experience) |
| Educational Qualifications | Up to 20 points (based on highest qualification achieved) |
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 points (for completing eligible Australian study) |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 points (completion of an approved professional year) |
| State/Territory Nomination | 5 points (only for Subclass 190 and 491 visas) |
| Family Sponsorship | 15 points (only for Subclass 491 family sponsorship stream) |
| Partner Skills and English Ability | Up to 10 points (if your partner meets requirements) |
Important Notes:
Minimum 65 points required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) applicants do not receive points for state nomination or family sponsorship.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) applicants receive 5 bonus points for state or territory nomination.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa) applicants can receive either 5 points for state/territory nomination or 15 points for family sponsorship in designated regional areas.
Achieving higher points improves your chance of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.
Points are calculated based on criteria at the time you receive an invitation.
FAQs About Skilled Nominated Visa
How much is a Skilled Nominated Visa in Australia?
The cost of the Skilled Nominated Visa varies based on the type and duration of the visa you apply for. It is recommended to review the most up-to-date fees on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consult with Career Education Consultancy Australia (CECA) for current pricing information.
How does the points test work for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
The points test evaluates applicants based on multiple factors such as age, education, skilled employment history, and English language proficiency. To qualify for this visa, you must achieve a minimum of 65 points.
Is a skills assessment necessary for the Subclass 190 visa?
Yes, a skills assessment is required to verify that your qualifications and professional experience align with the criteria of the occupation you nominate.
What is the application process for the Subclass 190 visa?
You must first obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory. After this, you are required to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and submit your visa application within the specified timeframe.
