Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) - Complete Guide

The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) offers a strategic pathway to permanent residency through state or territory government nomination. With the crucial 5 bonus points from state nomination, this visa opens doors for skilled workers who might not qualify for the highly competitive 189 visa.

Why Choose the 190 Visa?

The 190 bridges the gap between your qualifications and permanent residency by leveraging state support. Each state actively seeks specific skills to support their economic growth, creating opportunities across diverse occupations.

Key Advantages Over 189

• Lower points requirement: 65 points with nomination vs 85+ for 189
• Broader occupation lists: States nominate beyond MLTSSL occupations
• Faster invitations: State nomination triggers automatic invitation
• Regional priorities: States often favor regional work experience
• Multiple pathways: Each state has different criteria

Who Should Apply

• Skilled professionals with 60+ base points
• STEMM graduates (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine)
• Healthcare workers in high demand across all states
• Trade professionals with state-specific skills
• Those with Australian study or work experience
• Applicants willing to commit 2 years to a state

State Nomination = Your Competitive Edge

While you need the same 65 minimum points as the 189 visa, the state’s 5 points make your effective requirement just 60 base points, significantly improving your chances.

Core Requirements

Mandatory Criteria:

1. Age: Under 45 years when invited
2. Occupation: On state nomination list (varies by state)
3. Skills Assessment: Positive assessment required
4. Points: Minimum 60 points (65 with state’s 5 points)
5. English: Competent minimum (IELTS 6.0 each band)
6. State Nomination: Must secure before invitation
7. Health & Character: Pass all checks

Points Calculation (Including State Nomination)

State-Specific Requirements

Each state has unique criteria beyond the basic requirements:

New South Wales (NSW):

• Highest number of nominations
• Focus on STEMM occupations
• Preference for Sydney residents
• Target sectors: Tech, Healthcare, Engineering

Victoria (VIC):

• Emphasis on state-specific experience
• ROI system for selection
• Priority to Victorian graduates
• Strong healthcare and education focus

Queensland (QLD):

• Regional work experience valued
• Offshore applicants welcome
• Engineering and trades priority
• Job offer advantages

South Australia (SA):

• Extensive occupation list
• Regional living bonuses
• High-performing graduates fast-tracked
• Innovation sector focus

Western Australia (WA):

• WASMOL occupation list
• Contract employment acceptable
• Mining and healthcare priority
• Graduate stream available

Tasmania (TAS):

• Long-term residents prioritized
• Small business pathway
• 12+ months residence advantage
• Critical roles fast-tracked

English Requirements

Minimum Levels:

• Competent (0 points): IELTS 6.0 each
• Proficient (10 points): IELTS 7.0 each
• Superior (20 points): IELTS 8.0 each

State Preferences: Some states require higher English for certain occupations:

• Healthcare: Often Proficient required
• Teaching: Superior preferred
• Trades: Competent acceptable

Occupation Lists

Three Types of Lists:

1. MLTSSL: Eligible for both 189 and 190
2. STSOL: Only eligible for 190 (not 189)
3. State Lists: Additional occupations per state

High-Demand Occupations 2025:

• Registered Nurses (all states)
• Software Engineers (NSW, VIC, QLD)
• Accountants (SA, TAS, NT)
• Teachers (VIC, QLD, SA)
• Chefs (Regional areas)
• Construction Managers (All states)

State Selection Strategy

Choosing the Right State:

1. Occupation Availability

   • Check all state lists
   • Some occupations only on specific state lists
   • Regional areas often have more options

2. Connection Factors

   • Previous study in state
   • Current employment
   • Family connections
   • Previous residence

3. Competition Levels

   • NSW/VIC: Higher competition
   • SA/TAS: More opportunities
   • Regional: Additional pathways

Points Optimization for 190

Quick Wins:

1. State Nomination: Guaranteed 5 points
2. Partner Skills: Up to 10 points
3. Australian Study: 5 points
4. Regional Study: Additional 5 points
5. Professional Year: 5 points (Accounting, IT, Engineering)
6. NAATI: 5 points for community language

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Applying to wrong state - Check occupation lists carefully ❌ Missing state deadlines - Some states have application windows ❌ Generic applications - Tailor to each state’s priorities ❌ Ignoring state requirements - Each state has unique criteria ❌ Not demonstrating commitment - States want genuine commitment

State Commitment Obligation

Understanding the 2-Year Requirement:

• Must live in nominating state for 2 years
• Can work for any employer
• Can study or be self-employed
• Cannot move interstate without permission
• Monitored through various means

After 2 Years:

• Complete freedom to move
• No ongoing obligations
• Full permanent resident rights
• Can sponsor family members

Competitive Advantages

Stand Out Factors:

• Australian work experience (even part-time)
• State-specific qualifications
• Regional experience or commitment
• Job offer (not always required)
• High English scores
• STEMM qualifications

Alternative Pathways

If 190 not immediately available:

1. 491 Visa: Regional version with 15 points
2. Graduate Visas: Build Australian experience
3. Different States: Explore all options
4. Skill Enhancement: Improve English or gain experience
5. Partner Options: If partner has skills

State Comparison Table

Success Stories

Common Successful Profiles:

• Nurse with 65 points → NSW nomination → PR in 6 months
• IT graduate with 60 points → VIC nomination → PR in 8 months
• Electrician offshore → QLD nomination → PR in 5 months
• Teacher with regional experience → SA nomination → PR in 4 months