Overview of the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for points-tested skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident from the day the visa is granted. Unlike the Subclass 189, which is independent, the 190 visa requires an invitation from a specific state, which in turn grants you an additional 5 points toward your migration points test.
Key Benefits for Permanent Residents
As a holder of a Subclass 190 visa, you and your family members included in the application can:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and study anywhere in your nominating state or territory.
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s national public healthcare scheme.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To be eligible for the Subclass 190 visa under current 2026 Department of Home Affairs standards, you must:
- Be Invited to Apply: You can only apply for this visa if you have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) and received an invitation.
- State Nomination: You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Occupation & Skills: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you must have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply.
- Points Score: You must achieve a score of at least 65 points on the points test (inclusive of the 5 points granted by the state nomination).
- English Language: You must demonstrate at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
- Health and Character: You and any family members must meet the Australian government's strict health and character requirements.
The 190 Visa Application Process
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect. Ensure you indicate your interest in the Subclass 190 and select your preferred state or territory.
- State Nomination: If a state or territory chooses you, they will nominate you through SkillSelect. Some states may require a separate "Registration of Interest" (ROI) on their own portals.
- Visa Invitation: Once nominated, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
- Visa Lodgement: You have 60 days from the date of invitation to lodge your final visa application via ImmiAccount.
- Mobile Updates: Ensure your Mobile contact details are kept current in your ImmiAccount to receive real-time notifications regarding requests for further information (RFIs).
2026 Fees and Costs
The following table outlines the Base Application Charge for the Subclass 190 and related visas as of 2026. Please note that these fees are subject to annual indexation.
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Subclass 190 - Primary Applicant | $4,770 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | $2,385 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $1,190 |
| Child Visa (Subclass 101) - Comparison | **$3,235** |
Note: A second instalment of $9,795 may be required for any applicant aged 18 or older who has less than "Functional English."
Current Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 190 can vary based on the volume of applications and the priority sectors (such as healthcare, education, and construction) identified by the Australian Government.
- 50% of applications: 17 Months
- 90% of applications: 27 Months
Factors that can impact your specific timeline include the completeness of your application, how quickly you respond to requests for additional information, and the time taken for external agencies to complete character and health checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to live in the state that nominated me?
A: Yes. When you accept a nomination from a state or territory, you generally sign an agreement committing to live and work in that state for at least the first two years of your residency.
Q: Can I include my family on a 190 visa?
A: Yes, you can include members of your family unit, such as your partner and dependent children, in your application. They will also receive permanent residency if the visa is granted.
Q: What happens if my skills assessment expires?
A: Your skills assessment must be valid at the time you are invited to apply. If it expires before the invitation is issued, you will not be eligible to apply for the visa until you obtain a new assessment.
Q: Can I apply for the 190 visa from outside Australia?
A: Yes. You can be in or outside of Australia when you lodge your application and when the visa is granted.
