📋 In This Guide
- What is the Subclass 190 and why does state nomination matter?
- Subclass 190 vs Subclass 189 — key differences
- Who is eligible — core requirements
- The SkillSelect points test — what score do you need?
- State-by-state nomination guide
- The EOI and nomination process — step by step
- Documents required
- Fees and total costs 2026
- Processing times 2026
- The 2-year state obligation — what it means in practice
- Common reasons for refusal and how to avoid them
- Frequently asked questions
What Is the Subclass 190 — and Why Does State Nomination Matter?
The Australia Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa grants permanent residency directly on approval — it is a points-based skilled migration visa that requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory government, which adds 5 bonus points to the applicant's SkillSelect score and makes the 190 accessible to candidates who cannot compete for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa.
Three things make the Subclass 190 strategically important in 2026. The 5-point nomination bonus means candidates with 75–85 base points can receive an invitation that would be impossible under the Subclass 189 — for many applicants this difference is the gap between waiting years in the SkillSelect pool and receiving permanent residency within 9–19 months. Each of Australia's 8 states and territories runs its own nomination program with its own occupation list and eligibility criteria — the same applicant may be ineligible in Victoria but nominated in South Australia. And a proposed increase to the minimum EOI score from 65 to 70 points has been announced for July 2026 but has not yet taken effect — anyone approaching the current minimum should act now.
- What it grants: Permanent residency on approval
- Points needed: 65 base points minimum (state nomination adds 5 bonus points); 75–85+ base points needed to be competitive for most states
- Who nominates: One of Australia's 8 states or territories — each with its own occupation list and criteria
- Fee: AUD $4,765 for the primary applicant
- Processing time: 75% of applications: 9 months; 90%: 19 months
- Obligation: Must live and work in the nominating state for 2 years after grant
This guide covers full eligibility, the SkillSelect points test, state nomination by state, the step-by-step process, documents, fees, processing times, and the 2-year state obligation. All points figures, fees, and processing times are verified from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and state immigration portals — last reviewed April 2026.
Subclass 190 vs Subclass 189 — Key Differences
| Feature | Subclass 190 | Subclass 189 |
|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent residence — granted on approval | Permanent residence — granted on approval |
| State nomination required | Yes — must be nominated by a state or territory | No — no sponsor, employer, or state needed |
| Points bonus | +5 points from nomination | None |
| Competitive score in practice | 75–85+ base points (= 80–90+ with nomination) | 85–95+ base points |
| Occupation list | State-specific list — differs by state | MLTSSL only — federal list |
| Living obligation after grant | Must live and work in nominating state for 2 years | No obligation — live anywhere in Australia |
| Application fee | AUD $4,765 | AUD $4,765 |
| Processing time | 75%: 9 months; 90%: 19 months | 75%: 14 months; 90%: 26 months |
| Best suited for | Candidates with 75–85 base points; those in occupations on state lists but not always MLTSSL | High scorers with 85–95+ points who want maximum post-PR flexibility |
- Your base score is 85+ and your occupation is on the MLTSSL → submit EOIs for both 189 and 190 simultaneously; take whichever invitation arrives first
- Your base score is 75–84 → the 190 is your primary pathway; the 189 is unlikely to produce an invitation at this score level in 2026
- Your occupation is on a state list but not the MLTSSL → the 190 is your only points-based PR pathway; the 189 is not available to you
- You are unwilling to commit to living in a specific state → the 189 is the better long-term choice if you can reach the required score
Who Is Eligible — Core Requirements
- Your occupation must appear on the nominating state's skilled occupation list — each state maintains its own list; verify your occupation on the specific state portal before any other step; lists change without announcement
- You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority — this is mandatory before submitting an EOI; you cannot lodge an EOI without a valid positive assessment
- You must score at least 65 base SkillSelect points — the state nomination adds 5 bonus points; in practice 75–85+ base points are needed to be competitive for most state nomination streams
- You must be under 45 years of age at the time you are invited to apply — age is assessed at the time of invitation, not at EOI submission
- You must meet Competent English — at least IELTS 6.0 per component or equivalent; this is a mandatory eligibility requirement, not just a points factor
- You must meet health and character requirements — medical examination and police clearances are required at the visa application stage
The SkillSelect Points Test — What Score Do You Need?
The 5-point nomination bonus has a concrete practical impact. A candidate with 75 base points + 5 nomination points reaches 80 effective points — competitive for invitation in many 190 rounds where the Subclass 189 would require 90+ points. A candidate with 80 base points reaches 85 effective points — highly competitive across most states for most open occupations. A candidate with 85 base points reaches 90 effective points — among the strongest 190 scores possible and likely to receive an invitation in the next available round.
Recent Subclass 190 invitation score ranges — 2025–26
| State | Typical invitation score range (effective points) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 85–90+ effective points | High competition — largest state nomination volume but most competitive |
| Victoria | 80–90+ effective points | Healthcare and tech most frequently invited |
| Queensland | 75–85+ effective points | More accessible than NSW and VIC for many occupations |
| South Australia | 70–80+ effective points | Among the most accessible mainland states for 190 invitations |
| Western Australia | 75–85+ effective points | Strong demand for engineering and healthcare roles |
| Tasmania | 65–75+ effective points | Most accessible state — consistently lower invitation scores than mainland |
| ACT | 80–90+ effective points | Specific occupation focus — targeted rounds for tech and public sector |
| Northern Territory | 65–75+ effective points | Very accessible — widest occupation acceptance and lowest score thresholds |
For the complete SkillSelect points breakdown covering age, English, education, work experience, and all other factors, see our dedicated Australia PR Points Calculator 2026 guide.
State-by-State Nomination Guide
New South Wales (NSW) — SkillSelect NSW
- Key occupations: healthcare workers, IT professionals, engineers, accountants, teachers
- Accessibility: Moderate to High — NSW has the highest nomination volumes in Australia but also the highest competition
- Key requirement: Evidence of employment in NSW or genuine intention to live and work there; some streams require a NSW job offer
- Note: Applicants cannot have had a previous unsuccessful NSW nomination in the current program year
- Portal: skillselect.nsw.gov.au
Victoria (VIC) — Victoria Skilled Migration
- Key occupations: healthcare, technology, engineering, construction, education
- Accessibility: Moderate — strong demand for healthcare and tech; invitation scores are competitive
- Key requirement: Victoria runs targeted rounds for specific occupations; current employment in Victoria is required for some streams
- Portal: liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au
Queensland (QLD) — Queensland Skilled Migration
- Key occupations: healthcare, trades, engineering, construction, agriculture
- Accessibility: Moderate — more accessible than NSW and VIC for many occupations
- Key requirement: Evidence of skills and qualifications relevant to Queensland's economic needs; Queensland connections (employment, study, family) prioritised in some streams
- Portal: migration.qld.gov.au
South Australia (SA) — South Australia Skilled Migration
- Key occupations: trades, healthcare, engineering, agriculture, hospitality
- Accessibility: High — SA consistently invites at lower scores than most mainland states; no state nomination fee
- Key requirement: Genuine commitment to living and working in South Australia; SA runs multiple streams including general skilled, graduate, and business
- Portal: migration.sa.gov.au
Western Australia (WA) — Migration WA
- Key occupations: engineering, mining, healthcare, construction, trades, agriculture
- Accessibility: Moderate — strong demand in resources and healthcare sectors; some streams require a WA job offer
- Key requirement: WA prioritises occupations aligned with its resources and healthcare sectors; graduate streams require recent WA study
- Portal: migration.wa.gov.au
Tasmania — Skilled and Business Migration Tasmania
- Key occupations: healthcare, trades, agriculture, hospitality, education
- Accessibility: High — Tasmania consistently invites at the lowest scores of any Australian state; one of the most accessible 190 pathways in 2026; no state nomination fee
- Key requirement: Genuine intention to live and work in Tasmania — Tasmania takes residency commitment seriously; applying solely to obtain a lower-score nomination with no genuine intention to live there risks refusal
- Portal: migration.tas.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) — ACT Skilled Migration
- Key occupations: technology, public administration, healthcare, legal, education
- Accessibility: Moderate to Low — ACT invites in specific occupation-targeted rounds; a strong Canberra connection (employment or study) is strongly favoured
- Key requirement: ACT frequently targets cybersecurity, IT, and public sector occupations specifically; general rounds are less frequent
- Portal: migration.act.gov.au
Northern Territory (NT) — NT Skilled and Business Migration
- Key occupations: healthcare, trades, construction, agriculture, hospitality, education
- Accessibility: Very High — NT has the most accessible 190 nomination in Australia; consistently the lowest invitation scores; no state nomination fee
- Key requirement: Genuine commitment to living and working in Darwin or regional NT — the Territory has genuine labour shortages and actively recruits from the SkillSelect pool; NT accepts a wider range of occupations than most states
- Portal: migration.nt.gov.au
The EOI and Nomination Process — Step by Step
The Subclass 190 requires two parallel tracks: a SkillSelect EOI submitted through ImmiAccount (federal) AND a state nomination application submitted through the state portal (state). Both must be completed — you cannot receive a visa invitation without both a competitive EOI in the pool and an accepted state nomination.
Confirm your occupation is on your target state's occupation list
Check the specific state portal before any other step. The occupation list determines everything — do this before investing in skills assessments, English tests, or anything else.
Obtain a positive skills assessment
From the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Allow 4–12 weeks. The assessment must be current and valid — it cannot have expired at the time of EOI submission.
Achieve at least Competent English — aim higher for more points
Competent English (IELTS 6.0 per component) is the mandatory minimum. Proficient (7.0) and Superior (8.0) earn additional SkillSelect points — aim as high as possible to maximise your score.
Calculate your SkillSelect points score
Use the official points calculator at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Only claim points you can fully document — overclaiming is fraud. Ensure you reach at least 65 base points (70+ recommended for competitive nomination).
Submit your SkillSelect EOI (federal track)
Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and submit your EOI. Select Subclass 190 as your preferred visa type and nominate your target state or states. Claim all points accurately.
Apply for state nomination (state track — simultaneously)
Apply to your target state's nomination program through their state portal. Each state has its own application form, supporting document requirements, and state nomination fee. Submit simultaneously with your federal EOI.
Receive state nomination and federal ITA
If the state approves your nomination, it is lodged directly with the Department and your SkillSelect score is updated with +5 points. The federal Invitation to Apply (ITA) is then issued. You have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application — this deadline is absolute with no extensions.
Lodge your federal visa application within 60 days
Include all supporting documents, medical examination results, and police clearances. The 60-day window is the reason you must prepare all federal documents before receiving the ITA — not after. A complete, well-organised application lodged promptly processes faster than a fragmented one.
Documents Required
✅ Pre-EOI documents — needed before submitting your Expression of Interest
- Positive skills assessment — from the relevant assessing authority; must be current and not expired
- English language test certificate — IELTS Academic or General, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge C1/C2; must be less than 3 years old at the time of visa application
- Points evidence — employment reference letters, degree certificates, age documentation, and spouse qualification and language evidence if applicable
✅ State nomination application documents — varies by state
- Completed state nomination application form — through the state's online portal; each state has its own form and requirements
- Evidence of occupation — skills assessment, employment reference letters confirming duties and hours matching the ANZSCO code description
- Evidence of genuine connection to the state — employment letters, study certificates, rental agreements, or other evidence of genuine state ties
- State nomination fee payment — varies by state (see Section 8); some states charge no fee
✅ Post-ITA documents — required within the 60-day federal application window
- Valid passport — and all previous passports held in the last 10 years
- Medical examination results — from an approved panel physician; book immediately after receiving skills assessment confirmation; do not wait for the ITA
- Police clearance certificates — from every country lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
- Birth certificate — for identity confirmation
- Marriage certificate — if including a spouse as a secondary applicant
- Full evidence supporting all claimed points — payslips, tax records, employment reference letters confirming job title, hours per week, duties matching the ANZSCO code, and exact employment dates
Fees and Total Costs 2026
| Fee item | Amount (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal visa application fee — primary applicant | AUD $4,765 | Paid at lodgement of federal visa application after receiving ITA |
| Federal fee — spouse/partner (secondary applicant 18+) | AUD $2,385 | Per accompanying adult applicant |
| Federal fee — dependent child (under 18) | AUD $1,195 | Per dependent child |
| State nomination fee — NSW | AUD $300 | Paid to NSW government |
| State nomination fee — VIC | AUD $330 | Paid to VIC government |
| State nomination fee — QLD | AUD $330 | Paid to QLD government |
| State nomination fee — SA | AUD $0 | No state nomination fee |
| State nomination fee — WA | AUD $200 | Paid to WA government |
| State nomination fee — TAS | AUD $0 | No state nomination fee |
| State nomination fee — ACT | AUD $0 | No state nomination fee |
| State nomination fee — NT | AUD $0 | No state nomination fee |
| Skills assessment fee | AUD $300 – $1,000+ | Varies by assessing authority and occupation |
| English language test | AUD $330 – $380 | Per sitting |
| Medical examination — per person | AUD $300 – $450 | Must use an approved panel physician |
| Police clearance — Australian Federal Police | AUD $42 | Plus overseas clearances at varying costs per country |
| Total estimated cost — single applicant | AUD $6,000 – $8,500+ | All federal fees + skills assessment + English test + medical + state fee |
Processing Times 2026
| Benchmark | Processing time |
|---|---|
| 75% of applications decided within | 9 months |
| 90% of applications decided within | 19 months |
| Priority processing available | No — no priority or super priority service for Subclass 190 |
Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au processing time data, April 2026. The Subclass 190 processes significantly faster than the Subclass 189 (75%: 14 months; 90%: 26 months) — this is one of the 190's most important practical advantages beyond the 5-point bonus.
Several factors extend processing beyond the standard window. Applications with dependants take longer due to additional health and character assessments for each family member. Applicants from countries with higher risk profiles may experience additional security screening — the Department will contact you if this applies. Any discrepancy between the state nomination and the federal visa application triggers additional assessment. Submit a complete, accurate application from day one.
The 2-Year State Obligation — What It Means in Practice
After the Subclass 190 is granted, you must live and work in the nominating state for 2 years — this is a visa condition, not merely a request. "Live and work" means having your primary residence in the state and being employed or self-employed there. Visiting other states for holidays is not a breach. Relocating your primary residence and employment to another state is.
The 2-year obligation runs from the date of grant — not from the date of arrival in Australia.
ILR is not a separate step — permanent residence is already granted on the Subclass 190. Australian citizenship can be applied for after 4 years of total residence in Australia including at least 1 year as a permanent resident. The 2-year state obligation period counts fully toward the 4-year citizenship residence requirement.
Common Reasons for Refusal — and How to Avoid Them
| Refusal reason | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| EOI submitted without a valid positive skills assessment | Never submit an EOI without a current, valid positive skills assessment from the correct authority for your occupation. Verify the assessment is current at EOI submission — not just when you received it. |
| State nomination application submitted to a state where the occupation is not on the list | Verify your specific occupation is on the current state occupation list on the day you apply. Lists are updated without announcement — an occupation present last month may no longer be listed today. |
| Points claimed on EOI not fully supported by evidence at federal application stage | Only claim points you can fully document. Employment reference letters must confirm job title, hours per week, duties matching the ANZSCO code description, and exact employment dates — a letter omitting any of these is treated as insufficient. |
| ITA 60-day deadline missed | Begin gathering federal documents before receiving the ITA. 60 days is the absolute deadline with no extensions — passports, medicals, police clearances, and all evidence must all be in hand before the clock starts. |
| English language certificate expired at federal application stage | Check your test certificate expiry date at the time of lodging the federal application — not just at EOI submission. If your test will expire during the process, resit before applying. |
| Skills assessment expired between EOI and federal application | Most assessments are valid for 3 years — check the expiry date and apply for renewal before it lapses if processing takes longer than expected. |
| No genuine connection to the nominating state — state nomination refused | Apply only to states where you have genuine evidence of connection or a genuine intention to settle. States increasingly scrutinise connection evidence and reject applicants who clearly have no plan to live there. |
| Accepting state nomination then immediately relocating to another state | Honour the 2-year obligation. If you intend to live in Sydney or Melbourne, apply to NSW or VIC specifically. Using a smaller state for a lower-score nomination with no intention of settling there creates compliance issues and affects future applications. |
Frequently Asked Questions
You need at least 65 base SkillSelect points to submit an EOI — the state nomination adds 5 bonus points bringing your effective pool score to 70. However, 65 base points is rarely competitive for a state nomination in practice; most states invite candidates with 75–85+ base points. Tasmania and the Northern Territory consistently invite at lower effective scores than mainland states. Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and state immigration portals, April 2026.
Tasmania and the Northern Territory consistently invite at the lowest effective scores of any Australian state — candidates with 70–75 effective points have received invitations in recent rounds in both. South Australia is also notably more accessible than NSW and Victoria. Accessibility depends heavily on your specific occupation — always check the current occupation list and recent invitation data on the specific state portal before applying.
Yes — the Subclass 190 does not require a job offer at the federal level. However, some state nomination streams require current employment in the state or a job offer from a state employer as part of their nomination criteria. Check the specific state nomination stream requirements for your target state carefully before applying.
The Subclass 190 grants permanent residence directly on approval and requires living in the nominating state for 2 years. The Subclass 491 is a temporary visa valid for 5 years requiring living in a regional area — it does not grant PR directly; after 3 years on the 491 you can apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residence visa. The 491 adds 15 bonus points versus the 190's 5 bonus points, making it more accessible for lower-scoring candidates but with a longer path to PR.
Yes — your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children under 18 can be included as secondary applicants. They receive the same permanent residence grant and have full rights to live, work, and study in Australia. Dependants are also expected to live in the nominating state during the primary applicant's 2-year obligation period. Each secondary applicant pays a separate fee and must meet health and character requirements.
Yes — the Subclass 190 grants permanent residence directly, which is the prerequisite for citizenship. After living in Australia for 4 years total (including at least 1 year as a permanent resident), you can apply for Australian citizenship by conferral. The 2-year state obligation period counts fully toward the 4-year residence requirement. Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Yes — you can submit a single SkillSelect EOI expressing interest in both the Subclass 189 and 190 simultaneously. You can also apply to state nomination programs at the same time as holding a 189-eligible EOI. If you receive an ITA for the 189 and a state nomination simultaneously, you can choose which pathway to proceed with — whichever produces the first viable invitation is typically the one to use.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Three things to carry forward. The Subclass 190's 5-point nomination bonus makes it accessible to candidates with 75–85 base points who cannot compete for the Subclass 189 — and processes significantly faster (9 months vs 14 months at the 75th percentile). Each state has its own occupation list and eligibility criteria — researching the right state for your specific occupation is the most important strategic decision in any 190 application. And the 60-day ITA deadline is absolute — prepare all federal documents before receiving the invitation, not after.
All points figures, state nomination lists, and fees are verified from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and state immigration portals — April 2026. State occupation lists change without announcement — always verify on the day you apply.
🏛 Official Sources Used in This Guide
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Visa Processing Times skillselect.nsw.gov.au — NSW State Nomination liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au — Victoria Skilled Migration migration.qld.gov.au — Queensland Skilled Migration migration.sa.gov.au — South Australia Skilled Migration migration.wa.gov.au — Migration WA migration.tas.gov.au — Skilled Migration Tasmania migration.act.gov.au — ACT Skilled Migration migration.nt.gov.au — NT Skilled and Business Migration📖 Related Guides on VisaPathGuide.com
- Australia PR Points Calculator 2026 — Do You Qualify?
- How to Get Australian Permanent Residency — All Pathways 2026
- Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Explained 2026
- Australia Skilled Nominated Visa — Subclass 190 vs 491 Comparison
- Australia Expression of Interest (EOI) — How to Lodge Yours
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