For many skilled workers, migrating to Australia through the Skilled Migration Program is a life-changing opportunity. While the Subclass 189 Visa offers independence, another highly popular option is the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa.
The key difference is that the Subclass 190 requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. This nomination not only increases your chances of being invited to apply but also gives you additional points toward the required score. For many applicants, this state support makes the 190 visa a more achievable pathway to Australian Permanent Residency (PR).
What is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It is designed to help fill local skills shortages by attracting qualified professionals to specific regions of Australia.
With this visa, you can:
- Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident.
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public health care system.
- Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia.
- Apply for citizenship once residency requirements are met.
One important condition is that applicants must agree to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years after the visa is granted. This ensures that the state benefits from the skills of the people it nominates.
Who Qualifies for the Subclass 190 Visa?
To be eligible for the Subclass 190 visa, applicants must meet both the general requirements of Australia’s skilled migration program and the specific criteria set by the nominating state or territory. The main conditions include:
- State or Territory Nomination
- You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
- Each state/territory has its own occupation list and eligibility criteria.
- Age Requirement
- You must be under 45 years old at the time of receiving an invitation to apply.
- Occupation List
- Your nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) relevant to the state/territory.
- Skills Assessment
- A positive skills assessment from the designated authority for your occupation is required.
- Points Test
- Minimum of 65 points to qualify, with an additional 5 points automatically awarded through state nomination.
- English Language Requirement
- At least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). Higher scores can boost your points.
- Health and Character Requirements
- Applicants must pass medical checks and police clearances.
Meeting these requirements ensures you are eligible to apply once nominated by a state or territory government.
The State Nomination Process
Applying for the Subclass 190 visa involves both the federal system and the state or territory government. The process typically follows these steps:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect, providing details about your occupation, skills, English test, and work experience.
- Apply for State or Territory Nomination
- Each state/territory has its own application process and eligibility requirements.
- Some may prioritize applicants already living, working, or studying in their region.
- Receive Nomination & Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If your profile matches the state’s needs, you’ll be nominated and automatically receive an ITA for the Subclass 190 visa.
- Lodge Your Visa Application
- Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs.
- This includes all supporting documents such as skills assessment, English test results, health checks, and police clearances.
- Obligation to Live in the Nominating State
- After the visa is granted, you are expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.
The nomination step is the key difference from Subclass 189, and it often increases your chance of success, especially if your occupation is in high demand in certain states.
Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa
The Skilled Nominated Visa offers several advantages that make it a strong alternative to the Subclass 189 Visa, especially for applicants who need an extra boost to secure an invitation. Key benefits include:
- Extra 5 Points from State Nomination The additional points can significantly improve your ranking in SkillSelect and increase your chances of receiving an invitation.
- Permanent Residency from the Start You and your family gain the right to live in Australia indefinitely as permanent residents.
- Pathway to Citizenship After meeting residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
- Access to Medicare Enjoy subsidized healthcare under Australia’s public system.
- Education Benefits Children can attend public schools at local tuition rates, and you may be eligible for study assistance programs.
- Family Sponsorship As a permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members to migrate to Australia.
- Opportunities in Regional Areas Many states use this visa to attract skilled workers to regions with high demand, creating more job opportunities.
For many applicants, these benefits make the Subclass 190 visa not just a backup option to the 189, but in some cases, an even more practical pathway to PR.
Common Challenges & Considerations
While the Subclass 190 Visa provides great opportunities, applicants should also be aware of potential challenges:
- Different Criteria for Each State/Territory
- Every state has its own occupation list, priorities, and requirements.
- Some may ask for specific work experience, regional study, or even a job offer.
- Commitment to Live in the Nominating State
- You are expected to live and work in the state that nominated you for at least two years.
- Moving to another state too early could affect your relationship with the migration program.
- Availability of Occupations
- States open and close their nomination lists throughout the year depending on demand.
- Popular occupations may be highly competitive or fill up quickly.
- Higher Competition in Certain States
- Big cities like Sydney and Melbourne often receive more applications, so chances may be lower.
- Regional states may provide faster opportunities but require relocation.
- Application Timing
- Because nomination programs are updated regularly, applicants must keep track of deadlines and changes.
Tip: Planning ahead and choosing the right state/territory based on your occupation and profile is essential for success.
How RACC Indonesia Can Help
The Subclass 190 Visa process can be confusing, especially since every state and territory has different requirements. At RACC Indonesia, we provide personalized support to help you choose the right pathway and maximize your chances of success.
Here’s what we offer:
- Occupation & Eligibility Check: We assess whether your skills and occupation qualify for state nomination.
- State/Territory Guidance: Advice on which state best fits your profile and career goals.
- Application Support: Step-by-step assistance with your Expression of Interest, state nomination application, and visa lodgement.
- English Test & Skills Assessment Preparation: Guidance to help you meet requirements smoothly.
- Migration Strategy: Tailored plans to strengthen your application and increase your invitation chances.
With more than 20 years of experience in Australia and professional advice from Registered Migration Agents, RACC Indonesia has helped many Indonesians achieve their dream of Permanent Residency.
Conclusion
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is one of the most practical pathways to Australian Permanent Residency, especially for applicants who need an extra advantage in the points system. By securing a nomination from a state or territory, you not only gain 5 additional points but also improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
Although this visa comes with the obligation to live in the nominating state for at least two years, the benefits, including permanent residency, Medicare access, education advantages, and a pathway to citizenship, make it a highly valuable option for skilled professionals.
For many Indonesians, the Subclass 190 visa is not just an alternative to the Subclass 189, but often the more achievable choice.
👉 If you’re ready to explore your eligibility and choose the right state for nomination, contact RACC Indonesia today for a free consultation. Let us help you plan your pathway to Australia.
