What is a Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa?

The 190 visa is a pathway for skilled individuals aiming for permanent residency. This visa requires nomination from an Australian State or Territory government, with the expectation that applicants will settle in that State/Territory and address localized skill shortages.

Each State and Territory Government has their own eligibility requirements in addition to the 190 visa. This can include:

State/Territory occupation lists
Work experience requirements – either number of years or working in that State/Territory
Higher English language requirements
Higher overall points on the EOI

Invitations are triggered by the State/Territory Government and do not form part of Immigration’s invitation rounds.

There are limits on the number of Subclass 190 invitations each State or Territory can issue per financial year.

Timeline of key changes – 190 Visa

8 September 2025

Small interim quotas allocated to States/Territories while Immigration undergoes review prior to formal allocation.

7 August 2025

New English language tests and scores introduced

13 September 2024

Queensland opens State Nomination program for 2024-2025 with new Registration of Interest requirements.

27 September 2023

South Australia introduces a Skilled & Business Migration portal to accept registrations of interest from intending migrants

12 September 2023

Victoria introduces the Registration of Interest (ROI) to assess and rank potential migrants requesting Victorian state nomination

30 November 2019

Canberra Matrix introduced as part of ACT state nomination requirements

16 November 2019

Partner points introduced, allowing applicants to claim further points for partner’s skills and English ability
Additional points available for students who lived in and completed their studies in a regional area of Australia (excludes Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane).

1 July 2018

Minimum score for GSM increased from 60 to 65 points in total

10 September 2016

Specialist educational qualification points become available to those who have completed a Masters by research or Doctoral degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or ICT (Information and Communication Technology) field at an Australian educational institution

1 July 2012

Introduction of SkillSelect system. Migrants can no longer apply directly for a GSM visa, but must lodge an Expression of Interest and wait for an invitation.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa replaces the Subclass 176 visa

Requirements For the 190 Visa

Applicants undergo evaluation through a points-based system, where factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education contribute to their overall score. Additional points are contributed by the State/Territory Government, increasing the applicant’s overall score.

Applicants must:

be under 45 years of age
nominate an occupation from the Medium-Long Term Skills Shortage List (MLTSSL) or Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), that is also on the State/Territory’s sponsorship list
obtain the specified skills assessment for the nominated occupation
demonstrate at least Competent English (secondary applicants over 18 must show Functional English)
submit a formal application for State or Territory nomination
meet health and character requirements

Applicants pursuing the Subclass 190 visa must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system, identifying the State or Territory they would like to nominate them. Each State and Territory has a different application process and requirements; some require a separate Registration of Interest, some want a direct application for nomination, and others will contact applicants requesting them to complete an application.

If successful, invitations are triggered by the State/Territory government through the SkillSelect system. Upon receiving an invitation to apply, successful candidates and their families become permanent residents, granting them access to healthcare, education, and social security benefits in Australia.

How much does a 190 visa application cost?

As of 1 July 2025, the government application fees are as follows:

Expression of Interest – nil

State/Territory Nomination – varies

Visa Application – Main Applicant – $4,910

Visa Application – Dependent Applicant over 18yrs of age (each) – $2,455

Visa Application – Dependent Applicant under 18yrs of age (each) – $1,230

How long does a 190 take to process?

As of 29 July 2025, Immigration advises the current processing times are as follows:

Application Type	50% processed within	90% processed within
190 Visa	17 Months	25 months

Why Choose AVIE for Immigration Services?

Personalized Guidance – Every migration journey is unique, and we provide tailored advice to match your circumstances and goals.

Expert Problem-Solving – Our team has extensive experience handling complex visa situations and finding tailored solutions to meet client needs.

Dedicated Support – We intentionally cap our agents’ caseloads to ensure you receive the time, care, and dedication you deserve. You’re never just a number with us.