190 Subclass Visa Australia: Your Path to Permanent Residency

The Skilled Nominated visa — Subclass 190 — is one of Australia's most sought-after permanent visas. Unlike employer-sponsored pathways, you apply based on your own skills and qualifications. The requirement is state or territory nomination, which also provides a five-point bonus on the points test.

What Is the Subclass 190?

The 190 is a points-tested permanent visa. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia — but you must first secure sponsorship from an Australian state or territory government. A local region must actively want your skills. In return, you receive an extra five points added to your profile, which can push you from the waiting list to an invitation.

Benefits of the 190 Visa

• Permanent Status from Day One — Unlike provisional visas, the 190 grants immediate, indefinite right to live and work in Australia
• Pathway to Citizenship — After meeting residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship and one of the world's most valuable passports
• Medicare Access — Full access to Australia's public healthcare system for you and your family
• Sponsor Eligible Relatives — Once settled, you can sponsor eligible family members for their own visas
• Free English Classes — Access to government-funded English language programs to ease your transition
• No Employer Tie — You are free to choose your own employer, change jobs, and work in any sector

Eligibility Requirements

Points and Age You must score a minimum of 65 points (including the 5-point state nomination bonus) on the points test. You must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation. Use the official points calculator to verify your total before submitting an EOI.

Occupation and Skills Assessment Your nominated occupation must appear on the current skilled occupation lists. A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory — they verify that your education and work experience meet Australian standards for your specific occupation.

English Language Competent English is required. Official test results from IELTS, PTE, or an equivalent exam must be submitted. Applicants with certain physical or cognitive limitations may be eligible for an exemption.

State or Territory Nomination Each state runs its own independent selection process to address local workforce shortages. Criteria vary: New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria, and other states each set their own occupation priorities and submission requirements.

Residency Commitment If selected, you have a moral obligation to live in the nominating state for two years. For example, if NSW nominates you, you must reside there before relocating to another state or territory.

Onshore vs. Offshore You may apply onshore if you currently hold a valid substantive visa (such as a student or bridging visa). If applying from abroad, you wait offshore until your visa is granted.

Documents Required

• Valid passport proving your identity
• Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted without errors through SkillSelect
• General medical registration documents if you work as a healthcare professional
• Health and character evidence, including clean police background checks
• Completed and signed 190 visa application form
• Current visa fees (check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest amounts)

Including Family Members

The 190 is a collective pathway — every eligible family member is granted permanent residency at the same time as the main applicant.

• Spouse or De Facto Partner — Include your legal spouse or genuine de facto partner with supporting documentation
• Dependent Children — Children under 18 can be included; full-time students over 18 who are financially dependent may also qualify
• Dependent Relatives — In limited cases, elderly or financially dependent relatives can be included under strict dependency rules

Six-Step Application Process

1. Check Your Eligibility — Calculate your points and confirm your occupation is on the skilled lists
2. Get Your Skills Assessed — Submit your credentials to the relevant assessing authority (healthcare and legal professionals have specialist boards)
3. Submit Your EOI — Enter your profile into SkillSelect and monitor invitation rounds across multiple states
4. State Nomination Application — Apply to your chosen state or territory; CMG tracks invitation rounds in NSW, WA, and others to identify the right timing
5. Lodge Your Visa Application — After receiving nomination approval, submit your formal visa application to the Department of Home Affairs with all required documents
6. Receive Your Visa Grant — Once approved by the Department, you can travel to Australia to live and work permanently

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get invited to apply for the 190? Submit a strong EOI profile through SkillSelect. Your indicative points score must be competitive enough for a state to issue you an invitation. Higher points substantially improve your chances.

How long does state nomination take? Timing varies widely. Some states respond within weeks; others take several months. It depends on current application volumes and the state's specific occupation priorities.

What is the 190 visa processing time? After lodging your visa application, government processing typically takes several months. Having all documents ready and correctly submitted speeds up the assessment.

How long can I stay in Australia on a 190 visa? Indefinitely. The 190 is a permanent visa with no time limits on your right to live and work in Australia. It is also your pathway to citizenship.

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*Commonwealth Migration is a MARA-registered migration consultancy based in Dubai. Contact us for a free 190 eligibility check.*