The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. State nomination adds 5 points and opens doors for occupations that rarely receive 189 invitations.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: subclass 190.
How the 190 works
You lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and, for most states, a separate registration of interest or application on the state portal. If a state selects you, it nominates you and you receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Each state sets its own occupation lists, residence or work requirements and selection priorities, and these change every program year.
Key requirements
- An occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and the nominating state list
- A suitable skills assessment
- Nomination by a state or territory government agency
- An invitation to apply through SkillSelect
- At least 65 points (including the 5 nomination points)
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- At least Competent English
- Health and character requirements
Choosing the right state
South Australia
Offers pathways for SA graduates, people working in SA and some offshore applicants. Read our SA skilled migration guide.
Victoria and NSW
Highly competitive, with strong focus on target sectors such as health, education, ICT and trades.
Queensland, WA and Tasmania
Each has its own lists and work or study requirements. Tasmania and WA often favour people already living and working there.
ACT and NT
Smaller programs with specific residence or employment criteria.
See our state guides: SA, NSW, VIC, QLD, WA and TAS.
Your commitment to the state
When a state nominates you, you commit to living and working in that state, usually for at least two years after the visa is granted. Moving early can affect future dealings with the state and the Department, so plan your move before accepting nomination.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 189 and 190?
The 189 needs no nomination and has no location commitment. The 190 needs state nomination, which adds 5 points, but you commit to living in the nominating state.
Do I need a job offer for 190?
Usually not, although some states give priority to applicants who are already employed in that state or in target occupations.
Can I apply to more than one state?
You can register interest with several states if you meet their criteria, but you can only use one nomination for a visa application.
When do states open their programs?
Most states open after they receive their allocations for the program year, which starts on 1 July. We keep clients updated when programs open.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
