Australia Skilled Nominated

Summary

The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is the state-nominated sibling of the Subclass 189. It grants immediate permanent residency, but you need one of Australia's eight states or territories to nominate you — in exchange, you commit to living and working in that state for at least the first two years after arrival.

State nomination adds 5 points to your SkillSelect score, which for many applicants is the difference between sitting in the pool and receiving an invitation. Each state runs its own nomination program, sets its own in-demand occupation list, and prioritises applicants with a connection to that state — study, prior work, close family, or a standing job offer.

Eligibility

You need to clear the same federal skilled-migration threshold as the 189, plus secure a state nomination:

• Age. Under 45 at the time of invitation.
• Occupation. On the skilled occupation list for the 190, and accepted by the nominating state's own program. State lists often focus on in-demand sectors such as healthcare, education, construction, and agriculture.
• Skills assessment. Positive assessment from the designated authority.
• English. Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each). Some states require Proficient (7.0 each) for their own shortlists.
• Points. Minimum 65 before state nomination, giving 70+ after the +5 state bonus. In practice most nominated candidates score 80+.
• State-specific criteria. Each state publishes nomination criteria and opens and closes rounds throughout the year. Typical requirements include:
  • Job offer or work experience in the nominating state (common in WA, SA, QLD).
  • Commitment letter undertaking to settle in the state for 2 years.
  • Settlement funds — usually AUD 35,000–AUD 50,000 demonstrable.
  • Evidence of genuine interest — past visits, family ties, signed lease offers, research into the local job market.

State nomination landscape

• New South Wales (Sydney, regional NSW) — large but highly competitive; prioritises invited professions and regional sponsorships.
• Victoria (Melbourne) — narrowly focused on healthcare, education, tech, and renewable energy.
• Queensland — mix of Brisbane and regional programs; strong for nurses and trades.
• South Australia (Adelaide) — relatively accessible for applicants with SA connections; runs a rolling program.
• Western Australia (Perth) — expanded program post-mining-boom; healthcare, engineering, construction.
• Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston) — smallest quota but more forgiving criteria, especially for recent University of Tasmania graduates.
• Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) — matrix-based scoring; rewards ACT residence and ACT employment.
• Northern Territory (Darwin) — NT Skilled Migration Program; low-volume but flexible criteria.

Duration, Renewal, and Long-Term Path

• Duration: Permanent residence from the date the visa is granted.
• Renewal: Usually includes a commitment to live and work in the nominating state or territory.

What This Route Allows

This route can allow you to live in Australia for qualifying work, usually with a specific employer, role, or approved work activity. Eligible family members may be able to accompany you when this pathway accepts dependants. Confirm the dependant file before relying on it: relationship records, minimum income or housing if required, health insurance or background checks, and whether dependants receive work authorization or residence only.

What This Route Is Not

This is not a general open work permission. Work routes usually depend on a qualifying job, employer, occupation, salary, or transfer arrangement.

Next Steps

1. Pick your state. Review each state's nomination criteria and in-demand occupation list. Multiple simultaneous EOIs are allowed (one per state).
2. Build your profile — skills assessment, English test, work history documentation — the same foundation as 189.
3. Submit SkillSelect EOI and mark the state(s) you want to be nominated by.
4. Submit a state-specific nomination application on the state's own portal. Most charge a nomination fee (AUD 200–AUD 500). Some require a pre-application registration of interest.
5. Wait for state invitation. If invited, you'll also receive a SkillSelect invitation from the federal system.
6. Within 60 days, lodge your 190 visa application with full documentation. Federal Visa Application Charge is AUD 4,765 for the primary applicant.
7. Settle in the nominating state. States monitor compliance through periodic surveys; failure to settle doesn't cancel PR but is noted on file.

Decision timing varies by state or territory nomination process, occupation demand, invitation timing, and Home Affairs workload.

Sources

• Department of Home Affairs — Subclass 190 — official page.
• NSW state nomination
• Victoria skilled visa nomination
• Queensland skilled migration
• South Australia skilled migration
• Western Australia skilled migration
• Tasmania skilled migration
• ACT skilled migration
• Northern Territory skilled migration