What is the Australia 190 State Nominated Visa?

The Australia 190 State Nominated Visa is a skilled migration pathway that allows overseas workers to live and work permanently in Australia. Unlike the 189 Independent Skilled Visa, which is points-based and not tied to any location, the 190 visa requires sponsorship from an Australian state or territory. This sponsorship gives you extra points in the points-based system, making it easier to reach the required score for permanent residency.

The 190 visa is designed to address skills shortages in specific regions. Each state and territory maintains its own list of occupations in demand and sets its own criteria for nomination. If you are nominated by a state, you receive 5 additional points towards your points test score. This can be the difference between being invited to apply and being left in the queue.

To be eligible for the 190 visa, you must have an occupation on the relevant state's skilled occupation list, meet the points requirement (typically 65 points or higher), and satisfy health and character requirements. The visa is valid for five years and allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, not just the sponsoring state (though some states may have conditions).

How the 190 Visa Points System Works

The 190 visa uses a points-based assessment system. Your score is calculated based on several factors: age, English language ability, work experience, qualifications, and state sponsorship. The maximum points you can score is 100, but you typically need 65 points to be invited to apply.

Here is how points are allocated across key areas:

  • Age: You receive between 15 and 30 points depending on your age at the time of application. The highest points (30) go to applicants aged 25 to 32 years.
  • English language: Proficiency in English is worth 0 to 20 points. You must take an approved English test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Competent English (typically IELTS 6.0 in each band) is the minimum requirement.
  • Work experience: You can earn 5 to 15 points for skilled work experience in your nominated occupation. Experience is counted in years: 1 to 2 years earns 5 points, 3 to 4 years earns 10 points, and 5 or more years earns 15 points.
  • Qualifications: Your educational credentials are worth 10 to 15 points. An Australian qualification typically earns more points than an overseas qualification.
  • State sponsorship: This is worth 5 points and is the key advantage of the 190 visa.

Many applicants find they are 5 to 10 points short of the 65-point threshold. State sponsorship closes this gap and makes the visa achievable. This is why choosing the right state is critical.

Which States Offer the Best 190 Visa Opportunities?

Each Australian state and territory has different occupation lists and nomination criteria. Some states are more accessible than others, depending on your occupation and experience. Here is an overview of the main options:

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW is the most popular state for 190 visa nominations, particularly for skilled workers in technology, healthcare, and engineering. Sydney is Australia's largest city, with strong job markets and high salaries. However, NSW is also highly competitive. The state typically requires higher points (often 80 or above) and strong work experience in your nominated occupation. NSW has a large skilled occupation list and regularly updates it based on labour market needs.

Victoria

Victoria, particularly Melbourne, is another major destination. The state has strong demand for healthcare professionals, engineers, and IT specialists. Victoria's nomination criteria are slightly less stringent than NSW, making it a good option if you are just below the 65-point threshold. The state also offers pathways for graduates of Victorian universities and workers in regional areas.

Queensland

Queensland offers more accessible pathways, particularly for workers willing to live outside Brisbane. The state has strong demand for healthcare, construction, and skilled trades. Regional Queensland offers faster processing times and lower competition. If you are nominated for a regional area, you may face fewer applications and a higher chance of success.

South Australia

South Australia is known for being more accessible than the larger eastern states. Adelaide offers a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne, and the state has a strong demand for skilled workers in healthcare, engineering, and trades. South Australia's nomination criteria are generally less competitive, making it a good option if you are struggling to meet NSW or Victoria's requirements.

Western Australia

Western Australia, particularly Perth, has strong demand for skilled workers in mining, engineering, and healthcare. The state offers competitive salaries and a lower cost of living than Sydney. However, Western Australia is geographically isolated, which may not suit all applicants. The state's nomination criteria are moderate, and processing times can be longer due to distance.

Tasmania and Northern Territory

Tasmania and the Northern Territory offer the most accessible pathways for 190 visa applicants. Both territories have lower competition and faster processing times. However, job markets are smaller, and salaries may be lower than in major cities. These options are best if you are flexible about location and willing to live in a smaller community.

How to Apply for the 190 Visa: Step-by-Step Process

The 190 visa application process involves several stages. Here is what you need to do:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you apply, confirm that your occupation is on the relevant state's skilled occupation list. Visit the state's migration website and check the current list. Your occupation must match the ANZSCO code listed. If your job title does not match exactly, contact the state's migration office for clarification.

Calculate your points using the official points calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website. Be honest about your English level, work experience, and qualifications. If you are below 65 points, you will not be invited to apply.

Step 2: Create an Expression of Interest (EOI)

You must create an EOI through the SkillSelect system on the Department of Home Affairs website. The EOI is not a formal application but a preliminary statement of your interest in migrating to Australia. You provide basic information about your occupation, qualifications, work experience, and English language ability.

The EOI is free and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Once submitted, your EOI is valid for two years. You can update it at any time if your circumstances change.

Step 3: Apply for State Sponsorship

After submitting your EOI, you must apply directly to the state you wish to be nominated by. Each state has its own application portal and process. You will need to provide detailed information about your work experience, qualifications, and reasons for choosing that state.

State sponsorship applications typically cost between AUD 300 and AUD 500. Processing times vary by state but usually take 4 to 12 weeks. Some states prioritise applications from workers in regional areas or those with Australian qualifications.

Step 4: Receive a State Nomination

If the state approves your application, you will receive a state nomination. This nomination is valid for a set period (usually 12 months) and must be used to lodge your formal visa application.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once you have state sponsorship, you become eligible for an ITA from the Department of Home Affairs. ITAs are issued in rounds based on points and occupation demand. With state sponsorship (5 extra points), you are more likely to receive an ITA in the next round.

Step 6: Lodge Your Formal Visa Application

After receiving an ITA, you have 7 days to lodge your formal 190 visa application. This is where you provide comprehensive documentation: passport copies, birth certificate, police clearance, health examination results, employment references, and qualification certificates.

The visa application fee is currently AUD 3,755 for the primary applicant and AUD 1,877 for each dependent. Processing times are typically 8 to 12 weeks, though complex cases may take longer.

Step 7: Health and Character Checks

As part of your application, you must undergo a health examination by an approved panel doctor and obtain a police clearance from your home country. These checks ensure you meet Australia's health and character requirements. Most applicants pass these checks without issue, but delays can occur if additional medical tests are required.

Key Requirements and Conditions for the 190 Visa

Before applying, understand the key requirements and conditions:

  • Occupation on skilled list: Your occupation must be on the relevant state's skilled occupation list and match the ANZSCO code.
  • Points requirement: You must score at least 65 points in the points test, including the 5 points from state sponsorship.
  • English language: You must demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) at minimum. Higher English levels earn more points.
  • Work experience: You typically need at least 1 year of skilled work experience in your nominated occupation within the past 10 years.
  • Qualifications: Your qualification must be assessed as equivalent to an Australian qualification by the relevant assessing authority.
  • Health and character: You must pass health and character checks. This includes a medical examination and police clearance.
  • Age limit: There is no strict age limit, but points decrease significantly after age 45, making it harder to reach 65 points.
  • Residency requirement: Some states require you to live in that state for a set period (usually 2 years) after visa grant. Check your state's specific conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants make mistakes that delay or derail their applications. Here are the most common ones:

  • Choosing the wrong state: Applying to NSW or Victoria when your points are borderline. Consider less competitive states first.
  • Incorrect occupation code: Submitting an EOI with the wrong ANZSCO code. Your occupation must match exactly.
  • Overstating English ability: Claiming higher English proficiency than you can prove. Take an approved test before applying.
  • Incomplete documentation: Submitting applications without all required documents. Delays occur when the Department requests missing information.
  • Not updating your EOI: If your circumstances change (new job, higher qualification), update your EOI to reflect this.
  • Missing state deadlines: Each state has application windows and deadlines. Missing these means waiting for the next round.

Timeline and Processing Expectations

The entire 190 visa process typically takes 6 to 12 months from start to finish. Here is a realistic timeline:

  • Weeks 1 to 2: Prepare documents and take English test if needed.
  • Weeks 3 to 4: Submit EOI through SkillSelect.
  • Weeks 5 to 8: Apply for state sponsorship.
  • Weeks 9 to 20: State processes your nomination (4 to 12 weeks).
  • Weeks 21 to 24: Receive state nomination and wait for ITA in next SkillSelect round.
  • Weeks 25 to 32: Lodge formal visa application after receiving ITA.
  • Weeks 33 to 44: Department processes visa (8 to 12 weeks).

This timeline assumes no delays or requests for additional information. In practice, processing can be slower, particularly if you need to provide additional documents or if there are issues with your application.

Useful Official Sources

For accurate and up-to-date information about the 190 visa, consult these official sources:

This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.