Overview
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points to your score. You must have an occupation on the relevant list (MLTSSL or STSOL) plus the nominating state's own list, a suitable skills assessment, competent English, and be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest.
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers a state or territory chooses to nominate. Nomination adds 5 points — often the difference in a competitive invitation round — in exchange for a commitment to live and work in the nominating state.
How the extra 5 points change your odds
State or territory nomination adds 5 points on top of your score. Because invitations are ranked highest-first within each occupation, that can lift a 75 to an 80, or an 85 to a 90 — enough to jump the queue. But each jurisdiction runs its own program: its own occupation list, its own minimum points, and its own extra requirements (a local job offer, work experience, or genuine intention to settle). These settings change through the year and can close without notice, so timing matters as much as your score.
Which occupation list applies to the 190?
The 190 draws on both the MLTSSL and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) — a broader pool than the 189. On top of the federal list, your occupation must also appear on the nominating state’s list, which is usually narrower and demand-driven. The CSOL used for the employer-sponsored 482 and 186 visas does not apply here.
Do you have to stay in the nominating state?
The 190 is permanent from grant, so legally you can move — but you sign a commitment to live and work in the nominating state or territory, usually for around two years. States monitor this and may decline future nominations (including for family) where people leave early. Treat the commitment as real when you choose where to apply.
How the 190 fits with the 189 and 491
The table above compares all three. If you can be invited for a 189 on your own score, that’s the most flexible — permanent and no location tie. If you’re just short, the 190’s +5 (live anywhere in the nominating state) or the 491’s +15 (regional, provisional then permanent via the subclass 191) can get you invited sooner.
Fees and processing times shown above are sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and displayed with the date verified.
Who is eligible
- Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
- Submit an Expression of Interest and be invited to apply
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL or STSOL) and the nominating state's list
- Hold a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
- Be under 45 at time of invitation
- Have at least competent English
- Meet health and character requirements
This visa is points-tested. Estimate your points with our calculator .
Costs
The base application charge is A$4,640 . An additional A$2,320 applies per applicant aged 18 or over . Fees are indexed each year — see the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
Processing times
Around 75% of applications are finalised within 4 months, and 90% within 7 months. Source: Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times .
How to apply
- Check state nomination criteria. Each state and territory publishes its own occupation lists and eligibility requirements, which change during the year.
- Submit an EOI and apply for nomination. Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect and apply to your chosen state or territory.
- Receive nomination and invitation. If nominated, you receive 5 extra points and are invited to apply for the visa.
- Lodge a complete application. Apply within 60 days of invitation with all evidence.
- Complete health and character checks. Undergo health examinations and provide police certificates.
How it compares
| Feature | 189 | 190 | 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (5 yrs) |
| Sponsor / nominator | None | State/territory | State or eligible family |
| Points bonus | 0 | +5 | +15 |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL + STSOL | MLTSSL + STSOL + ROL |
| Where you can live | Anywhere | Nominating state* | Designated regional only |
| Leads to | Citizenship | Citizenship | PR via subclass 191 |
Frequently asked questions
How many points does state nomination add?
State or territory nomination for the Subclass 190 visa adds 5 points to your points test score. Because invitations are ranked highest-first, that 5 points can be the difference between being invited and waiting indefinitely.
Which occupation list does the 190 use?
The 190 draws on both the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) — a broader pool than the 189. On top of the federal list, your occupation must also appear on the nominating state or territory's own list, which is usually narrower and demand-driven. The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) used for employer-sponsored visas does not apply.
Can I move states after I get a 190 visa?
The 190 is a permanent visa, so legally you can move — but you sign a commitment to live and work in the nominating state or territory, usually for around two years. States take this seriously and may decline future nominations for people who leave early. Confirm the specific commitment with the nominating government.
How is the 190 different from the 189?
The 189 requires no sponsor and lets you live anywhere in Australia, but you must be competitive on your own score. The 190 requires a state or territory to nominate you, adds 5 points, and expects you to settle in that state — a strong option if you are a few points short of a 189 invitation.
Is the 190 visa permanent?
Yes. It grants permanent residence from the date of grant, with work, study and Medicare access and a pathway to citizenship.