Subclass 190 visa for Australia
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Last Updated 30 October 2026

Australia Subclass 190 Visa: Eligibility, Fees & How to Apply

The Australia Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. You need at least 65 points, including 5 points from state nomination. The visa charge is AUD 6,140 for the main applicant. You apply through a SkillSelect EOI, then lodge in ImmiAccount within 60 days of your invitation.

  • Stay in Australia permanently
  • Live and work in a nominated Australian state or territory
  • Get Australian Permanent Residency (PR)
  • Travel to and from Australia freely
  • Earn in Australian Dollars with competitive salaries
  • Settle in Australia with your spouse and dependent children
  • Access to Australia’s public healthcare system
  • Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency rules

Important: When a state or territory nominates you, you commit to living and working there for at least the first 2 years after you arrive in Australia. States set this as a nomination condition and may check where you live. After meeting this commitment, you can live anywhere in Australia.

Why apply for Subclass 190 Visa

Subclass 190 Visa

The Subclass 190 or a Skilled Nominated Visa is a points-based permanent resident visa for skilled professionals who are nominated by an Australia state or territory government. Unlike the Subclass 189, the Subclass 190 visa requires state or territory nomination, which gives you additional points and increases your chances of receiving an invitation. To apply, you must score at least 65 points under Australia’s points test. Points are awarded based on age, education, work experience, English language ability and state nomination. You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and choose the states you wish to be nominated by. After receiving state nomination, you will be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once approved, you and your eligible family members can live, work and study in Australia as permanent residents.

Looking for jobs in Australia? Y-Axis is here to assist you at every step.

Benefits of Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 visa offers long-term benefits, including:

  • Permanent residency in Australia
  • Live and Work in your nominating state or territory
  • Access to Australia’s public healthcare services
  • Sponsor eligible family members for PR
  • Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship after 4 years of living in Australia, including at least 1 year as a permanent resident

Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 190 Visa

You can apply for the Subclass 190 visa if you meet the following requirements:

  • You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory
  • Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, such as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and on the nominating state's own occupation list
  • Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
  • Score at least 65 points under Australia’s points test
  • Age below 45 years at the time of receiving the invitation
  • Submit a EOI through SkillSelect
  • Meet health and character requirements

Documents required for Subclass 190 Visa Australia

  • Completed visa application form
  • Valid passport and photographs
  • Skills assessment report
  • English language test results (IELTS/PTE)
  • Skilled occupation documents
  • Educational qualification certificates
  • State nomination approval
  • Spouse or partner skill documents (if applicable)
  • Relationship proof documents
  • Health examination reports
  • Character certificates
  • Employment reference letters

Subclass 190 Requirements

Steps to Apply for a Subclass 190 Visa

Step 1: Check whether your occupation is listed on the skilled occupation list of the Australian state or territory you wish to apply for.

Step 2: Calculate your points under Australia’s points system and ensure you score at least 65 points to be eligible.

Step 3: Complete a skills assessment with the relevant authority to verify your education and job experience.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and indicate the states or territories you are interested in.

Step 5: Apply for state nomination and follow the eligibility requirements of the chosen state or territory.

Step 6: If nominated, receive an Invitation to apply (ITA) from the Australia immigration department,

Step 7: Submit your subclass 190 visa application along with all required documents within 60 days of receiving the invitation.

Step 8: After your visa approval, move to Australia with your family and begin your life as a permanent resident.

*Need guidance to migrate to Australia on a PR visa? Get expert advice from Y-Axis counsellors.

Subclass 190 Visa Fee

The Subclass 190 visa fee must be paid online through the official Australian immigration website at the time of submitting the visa application. This fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is refused or withdrawn.

The visa fee varies based on the applicant category:

Applicant Category Visa Fee (AUD) Approx. in INR
Main applicant AUD 6,140 ₹ 4,15,000
Additional applicant (18 years and above) AUD 3,070 ₹ 2,07,500
Additional applicant (below 18 years) AUD 1,535 ₹ 1,03,800

In addition to the visa application fee, applicants should be prepared for extra costs. These may include charges for skills assessment, English language tests (IELTS or PTE), medical examinations, police clearance certificates, and document translations if required.

Note: Australian visa application charges are reviewed every year, and new charges usually take effect on 1 July. The charge that applies depends on the date Home Affairs receives your application. INR amounts are approximate and change with exchange rates. Check the official Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.

Subclass 190 Processing Time

Home Affairs processes skilled visa applications in a priority order set by a Ministerial Direction, so some applicants are processed faster than others. Complete applications with all documents, health checks and police certificates usually move faster. State nomination places are limited each program year, so it helps to prepare your skills assessment and English test early.

The processing time for the Subclass 190 visa can vary for each applicant. It depends on several factors, such as the demand for your occupation, how quickly a state or territory processes nominations, your points score, and whether all documents are complete and accurate. Delays may occur if additional information is required.

The below table shows the stages and approximate processing time for each stage:

Stage What Happens Approximate Time
Step 1 Check occupation list 1–2 weeks
Step 2 Points calculation Up to 2 weeks
Step 3 Skills assessment 2–3 months
Step 4 Submit EOI 1–2 weeks
Step 5 State nomination & ITA Varies by state; can take several weeks to months
Step 6 Submit visa application Within 60 days
Step 7 Visa decision 4–16 months (50% to 90% of applications)

Once you lodge your visa application, Home Affairs recently reported that 50% of Subclass 190 applications were decided within 4 months and 90% within 16 months. Skills assessment, EOI and state nomination take extra time before you can apply. Processing times change every month, so check the official Home Affairs Visa Processing Times guide before planning your move.

Subclass 190 vs Subclass 189 vs Subclass 491

Feature Subclass 189 Subclass 190 Subclass 491
Visa type Permanent Permanent Provisional (5 years)
Nomination Not required State or territory nomination State/territory nomination or eligible family sponsor
Nomination points None 5 points 15 points
Location commitment None Live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years Live and work in a designated regional area
Pathway to PR Already permanent Already permanent Subclass 191 after 3 years in a regional area
Competition Usually needs higher points Depends on state demand Depends on state or regional demand

How State Nomination Works

Each Australian state and territory runs its own nomination program. Each sets its own occupation lists, points cut-offs, residency rules and nomination fees. Some states require you to live or work there already, while others invite offshore applicants in priority occupations. The Australian Government sets a fixed number of State/Territory Nominated places each program year, and each state receives its own share. Programs can open, pause or close at short notice, so check your target state's official migration website before applying.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis, the world’s leading overseas immigration consultancy, offers expert guidance for applicants planning to migrate to Australia through the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa. Our services are designed to match each client’s profile, goals, and state nomination requirements.

Our services for Subclass 190 visa include:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Australia Subclass 190 visa?
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The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is points-tested, so you must reach the pass mark of 65 points, including the 5 points state nomination adds. Visa holders can live, work and study in Australia permanently, enrol in Medicare and travel freely for 5 years. The Department of Home Affairs manages the visa, and all applications are lodged online.
Who is eligible for the Subclass 190 visa?
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You may be eligible if you are under 45 when invited, have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and hold a positive skills assessment for that occupation. You also need at least Competent English, a score of 65 points or more and a nomination from a state or territory. You must submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and be invited to apply. All applicants must meet health and character requirements.
How many points do I need for the Subclass 190 visa?
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You need at least 65 points, and the 5 points from state nomination count towards this total. Reaching 65 points does not guarantee nomination. States often invite candidates with higher scores, especially in popular occupations. Your points are assessed as they stand on the day you are invited, and you must prove every claim with documents. Claiming points you cannot prove can lead to refusal, and the visa fee is not refunded.
How are points calculated for the Subclass 190 visa?
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Points come from age, English, education, skilled work experience and other factors. Applicants aged 25 to 32 receive 30 points. Proficient English earns 10 points and Superior English earns 20 points. A bachelor’s or master’s degree earns 15 points and a doctorate earns 20 points. Overseas skilled employment of 8 years or more earns up to 15 points. State nomination adds 5 points. A points calculator, such as the Y-Axis Australia Points Calculator, gives you an estimate before you submit an EOI.
How does state nomination work for the Subclass 190 visa?
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Each state and territory runs its own nomination program, with its own occupation lists, points cut-offs and residency rules. After you submit an EOI in SkillSelect, a state may invite you or ask you to apply for nomination directly. Some states require a separate registration of interest and charge a nomination fee. Each state receives a fixed number of nomination places every program year, so programs can open, pause or close at short notice.
What is the 2-year state commitment for Subclass 190 visa holders?
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When a state or territory nominates you, you commit to living and working there for at least the first 2 years after you arrive in Australia. States set this as a nomination condition and may contact you to confirm where you live. Moving early can affect your standing with the state and future applications. After meeting this commitment, you can live and work anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident.
What is the Subclass 190 visa fee?
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The visa application charge is AUD 6,140 for the main applicant. Each additional applicant aged 18 or over pays AUD 3,070, and each additional applicant under 18 pays AUD 1,535. The charge is paid online when you lodge your application and is generally non-refundable. You should also budget for a skills assessment, English test, medical exams, police certificates, translations and any state nomination fee. Check the official Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Does the Subclass 190 visa fee change every year?
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Yes. Australia reviews visa application charges every year, and new charges usually take effect on 1 July. The charge that applies to you depends on the date Home Affairs receives your application, not the date you were invited. If your lodgement date is close to 1 July, check the Visa Pricing Estimator on the Home Affairs website first. Allow for a possible increase in your budget if your timeline crosses 1 July.
How long does the Subclass 190 visa take to process?
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Processing times change every month. Home Affairs recently reported that 50% of Subclass 190 applications were decided within 4 months and 90% within 16 months. These figures cover only the visa stage after you lodge your application. Skills assessment, EOI and state nomination take extra time before you can apply. Check the official Visa Processing Times guide for the latest figures, and avoid fixing resignation or relocation dates until your visa is granted.
Why do Subclass 190 processing times vary between applicants?
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Home Affairs processes skilled visa applications in a priority order set by a Ministerial Direction, so some applicants are processed sooner than others. Complete applications with all documents, health checks and police certificates usually move faster. Requests for more information, character checks and high application volumes can cause delays. Responding quickly to any request from Home Affairs helps you avoid adding extra time to your application.
What is SkillSelect and how do I submit an EOI?
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SkillSelect is the online system run by the Department of Home Affairs where you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled visas. Submitting an EOI is free. You enter details of your occupation, skills assessment, English score, education and work history, and choose the states you are interested in. An EOI stays valid for 2 years and can be updated if your points change. States use EOIs to select candidates for nomination.
What happens after I receive an Invitation to Apply?
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After you are invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application online through ImmiAccount, the official Home Affairs portal. This deadline cannot be extended. You must upload documents such as your passport, skills assessment, English test results and proof of work experience. Home Affairs will also ask you to complete health examinations and provide police certificates. Every claim in your application must match the details in your EOI.
Do I need a job offer in Australia to apply for the Subclass 190 visa?
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No. You do not need a job offer in Australia to apply for the Subclass 190 visa. Selection is based on your points score, occupation, skills assessment and state nomination. However, some states give priority to applicants who already live or work in that state, or who hold a job offer in a priority sector. Nomination rules differ between states, so check the criteria of your chosen state before applying.
Which occupations are eligible for the Subclass 190 visa?
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Your occupation must appear on a relevant skilled occupation list, such as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and on the nominating state’s own list. Each state publishes the occupations it will nominate, and these lists change often. You must also hold a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation. Check both the Home Affairs occupation list and your target state’s list before paying for a skills assessment.
Is there an age limit for the Subclass 190 visa?
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Yes. You must be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply. If you turn 45 after receiving the invitation, you can still lodge within the 60-day window. Age also affects your points score. Applicants aged 25 to 32 receive the maximum 30 points, while applicants aged 40 to 44 receive 15 points. Applicants aged 45 or over cannot be invited for this visa.
Can I include my family in my Subclass 190 visa application?
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Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in the same application. Each family member must meet health and character requirements and pays an additional visa charge. Once the visa is granted, your family members also become Australian permanent residents. They can live, work and study in Australia and enrol in Medicare. A skilled partner can also add points to your score.
Is the Subclass 190 visa permanent?
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Yes. The Subclass 190 is a permanent residence visa. You can stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study, and enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system. The visa includes a travel facility for 5 years, so you can leave and re-enter Australia freely during that time. After 5 years, you need a Resident Return Visa or Australian citizenship to keep travelling in and out as a permanent resident.
What is the difference between the Subclass 190, 189 and 491 visas?
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The Subclass 189 visa is permanent and does not need state nomination, but invitations usually need higher points. The Subclass 190 is also permanent, needs state nomination, adds 5 points and comes with a 2-year state commitment. The Subclass 491 is a 5-year provisional regional visa that adds 15 points. After 3 years of living and working in a regional area, 491 holders can apply for permanent residence through the Subclass 191.
Can I apply for Australian citizenship after getting a Subclass 190 visa?
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Yes. You can usually apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of living in Australia on a valid visa, including at least 1 year as a permanent resident. You must also meet limits on time spent outside Australia, pass the citizenship test and show good character. India does not allow dual citizenship, so becoming an Australian citizen means giving up Indian citizenship. Former Indian citizens may then apply for an OCI card.
How can I check whether a migration agent is registered?
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In Australia, only registered migration agents or legal practitioners can give immigration assistance for a fee. Registered agents must follow a Code of Conduct. You can check an agent’s registration on the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) register at mara.gov.au, using their name or registration number. Always confirm registration before sharing personal documents or paying any fees for Australian visa advice.