(Last updated Jan 2024)

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The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa allows individuals to live and work anywhere in the nominating state or territory and provides a pathway to Australian citizenship.

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Key Features

• Permanent Residency: Grants indefinite stay in Australia with full work and study rights.

• State or Territory Nomination: Applicants must receive a nomination from a state or territory government.

• Family Inclusion: Allows eligible family members to be included in the application.

• Travel Rights: Enables travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa grant date.

• Citizenship Pathway: After meeting residency and other requirements, visa holders may apply for Australian citizenship.

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Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), applicants must meet specific requirements, including:

1. Nomination: Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

2. Skills Assessment: Hold a positive skills assessment for an occupation listed on the relevant state or territory’s skilled occupation list.

3. Points Test: Achieve at least 65 points on the points test, which considers age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.

4. Health and Character Requirements: Meet the health and character criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs.

5. Invitation: Receive an invitation to apply through the SkillSelect system.

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Latest Updates

Increased Focus on Regional Occupations

• States and territories are prioritizing nominations for occupations in demand within their regions, particularly in health care, engineering, IT, education, and trade skills.

• New regional occupation lists have been released to align with state and territory workforce needs. For detailed occupation lists, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

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State-Specific Nomination Requirements

• Victoria: Focuses on skilled applicants in health, education, and high-tech industries. Offshore applicants are being prioritized in the 2024-25 program year.

• New South Wales: Introduced a streamlined nomination process for IT, engineering, and trade occupations.

• Queensland: Emphasizes regional migration, particularly for those willing to live in areas outside Brisbane.

• South Australia: Prioritizes international graduates and skilled migrants already residing in the state.

• Western Australia: Expanded its Skilled Occupation List, including additional health care and education roles.

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Changes to Points Allocation

• Community Language Points: Applicants proficient in a community language may receive additional points under the updated system.

• Regional Study Points: Those who studied in designated regional areas may earn bonus points, further incentivizing regional migration.

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Increased Invitations for Offshore Applicants

• Several states have allocated a significant number of places to offshore applicants to address workforce shortages. This is part of the effort to fill critical skills gaps.

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Processing Times

• Processing times for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the demand for their occupation. The Department of Home Affairs aims to prioritize critical sectors, including health care and infrastructure.

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Benefits of the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

1. Permanent Residency:

   • Allows indefinite stay with access to Medicare, education, and social security benefits.

2. State or Territory Support:

   • Nomination reflects strong support from state or territory governments, increasing the likelihood of visa approval.

3. Work Anywhere in the Nominating State:

   • Flexibility to live and work in urban, suburban, or regional areas within the nominating state.

4. Pathway to Citizenship:

   • Eligibility for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency and other requirements.

 

*State and territory government agencies have different criteria for granting nominations. Learn more below:

• Australian Capital Territory

• New South Wales

• Northern Territory

• Queensland

• South Australia

• Tasmania

• Victoria

• Western Australia

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