Secure State Nomination with the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa

To qualify for the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa, you must meet these requirements:

• State Nomination: You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
• Occupation: Your occupation must be on both the state's occupation list and an eligible skilled occupation list for this visa
• Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
• Points Test: You must score at least 65 points (including the 5 bonus points from state nomination)
• Age: You must be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation to apply
• Invitation: You must receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect
• State Requirements: You must meet the specific nomination criteria of your chosen state or territory
• Character and Health: You and all family members must meet character and health requirements

Each state has different occupation lists, selection processes, and residency requirements that must be carefully navigated.

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa involves substantial government charges:

Government Lodgement Fees: The main applicant's base application charge is currently AUD $6,140, with additional fees for dependants (check the official website for the latest figures).

State Nomination Fees: Most states charge no fee for nomination, though some may charge application or assessment fees. Check your chosen state's requirements.

The process involves multiple stages with varying timeframes:

Preparation Time: Obtaining skills assessments, English test results, and preparing your state nomination and EOI typically takes 2 to 6 months depending on your occupation and chosen state. However, our firm can expedite the process for urgent cases.

State Nomination Processing: Varies by state, ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on the state's assessment processes and invitation rounds.

Department of Home Affairs Processing Time: After receiving an invitation and lodging your visa application, processing times vary. As of August 2026 the Department reports that 50% of Subclass 190 applications are decided within 12 months and 90% within 17 months.

Check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for current processing times.

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa involves substantial costs:

Government Lodgement Fees: The main applicant's base application charge is currently AUD $6,140, with additional fees for dependants (check the official website for the latest figures).

Professional Fees: Our professional fees depend on the complexity of your matter and the work involved. We set out a fixed written fee proposal after the initial discussion, so you know the cost before you commit.

State nomination involves several steps:

1. Research States: Each state and territory has different occupation lists, priority occupations, and nomination criteria
2. Meet State Requirements: You must meet your chosen state's specific requirements, which may include:
   
   - Residing in that state (for onshore applicants)
   - Having a job offer in the state
   - Demonstrating commitment to live and work in the state for at least 2 years
   - Meeting minimum work experience or salary thresholds
   
3. Submit EOI: Lodge your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, selecting your preferred state
4. State Selection: States conduct invitation rounds and select candidates based on their occupation needs and ranking systems
5. Nomination Application: If invited by a state, you must apply for nomination within the specified timeframe (often 14 days)
6. Visa Invitation: Once nominated, you receive an invitation from the Department to apply for the visa

Our migration lawyers have expertise across all states and territories and can advise on the best nomination pathway for your circumstances.

The key differences are:

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa:

• No state nomination required
• Occupation must be on the skilled occupation list.
• No commitment to live in a specific state
• More competitive (higher points typically required)

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa:

• Requires state or territory nomination
• Occupation must be on state occupation lists (which vary by state)
• Commitment to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years
• Receive 5 bonus points from state nomination
• More occupation options available across different states

Both visas grant permanent residency with the same rights and benefits. The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa suits those with highly competitive points scores, while the Subclass 190 provides additional pathways through state nomination.

All Australian states and territories offer Subclass 190 nomination programs:

• New South Wales (NSW): Selection-based invitation process, highly competitive
• Victoria (VIC): Registration of Interest system, various streams including graduate and skilled employment
• Queensland (QLD): Multiple pathways including offshore and working in Queensland streams
• South Australia (SA): Various nomination streams based on occupation and circumstances
• Western Australia (WA): General and graduate streams with monthly invitation rounds
• Tasmania (TAS): Multiple pathways including skilled workers and graduates
• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Canberra Matrix points-based system
• Northern Territory (NT): Pathways for workers, graduates, and business owners

Each state has unique occupation lists, requirements, and selection processes. Our migration lawyers can identify which state best suits your profile and maximise your nomination prospects.

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is complex, involving:

• State-specific nomination criteria and documentation requirements
• Strategic state selection based on your occupation and profile
• Multiple application stages (skills assessment, state nomination, visa application)
• Strict timeframes for responding to state invitations (often 14 days)
• Commitment to live and work in the nominating state for 2 years
• Different occupation lists and priorities across states

Professional migration assistance is highly valuable for navigating state requirements, optimising your application for state selection, and ensuring all documentation meets both state and federal requirements. Our work visa specialists have extensive experience with state nomination processes across all Australian jurisdictions.