Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

About this visa

The Australian Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) enables nominated skilled professionals to reside and work in Australia. This visa follows a points-based assessment, and skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government are eligible to apply for the Subclass 190 visa. Each State or Territory Government releases a list of occupations that require workers with diverse skill sets. The State Nominated visa extends invitations to nominated skilled workers, offering them the opportunity to establish permanent residency in Australia while contributing their skills to the workforce.

Eligibility

  • Age
    Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation.
  • Points Test
    A minimum score of 65 points on the skilled points test.
  • Skills Assessment
    Positive skills assessment in an skilled occupation.
  • English Proficiency
    Must demonstrate competent English through approved tests or holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries.
  • Health and Character
    Fulfill health and character requirements.
  • Expression of Interest (EOI)
    Submission of an EOI and receiving an invitation to apply.

Process

Step 1

Submit the EOI

Through the SkillSelect online system, including information about qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, etc.

Step 2

Receive an Invitation

After submitting the EOI, it will be ranked based on the points score, if a state or territory agency nominates you the applicant will receive an invitation to apply.

Step 3

Visa Application

Applicants have 60 days to submit a visa application after receiving an invitation​.

Cost

Visa Application Fee
Primary Applicant: AUD $4,640
Secondary Applicants  (18 and over) : AUD $2,320
Dependent Children (under 18) : AUD $1,160

The visa fee is subject to the latest pricing set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Processing time

50% processed in 11 months
90% processed in 12 months

The Australian Department of Home Affairs handles visa applications, and it’s essential to provide all required documents with your application. Please note that incomplete applications may result in longer processing times than the estimated duration. Additionally, processing times are subject to change and should be used as a general reference only.

Benefits

  • Stay in Australia permanently.
  • Work and study in Australia.
  • Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.
  • Sponsor qualifying relatives for permanent residency in Australia.
  • Enjoy multiple travels to and from Australia for five years.
  • Apply for permanent residence in Australia if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Stay Period

This is a permanent visa. It lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. The visa has a travel component that expires 5 years after the date of visa grant.

You attain permanent resident status on the day when:

  • The visa is granted if you are in Australia.
  • You enter Australia on this visa if you are outside the country.

For the purpose of Australian citizenship eligibility, your permanent residency commences on the day:

  • The visa is granted if you are in Australia.
  • You arrive in Australia on this visa if you are currently outside the country.

Family

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 190) allows you to include the following family members in your visa application:

  1. Spouse or Partner: This includes your legally married spouse or de facto partner (opposite-sex or same-sex).
  2. Dependent Children: You can include your dependent children in the application. Dependent children are generally unmarried and under the age of 18. In some cases, dependent children over 18 but financially dependent on you may also be eligible.
  3. Other Dependent Relatives: In certain circumstances, other dependent relatives can be included in the application, such as elderly parents or financially dependent siblings. However, specific requirements and limitations may apply.

It’s important to note that all family members included in the application must meet the eligibility criteria and provide the necessary documentation to support their inclusion. Additionally, each family member must be listed in the visa application form, and their details and relationship to the primary applicant must be accurately declared.

If your application does not include your partner or dependent children, kindly provide the reason for their exclusion. For instance, if they already possess Australian citizenship or hold permanent residency, please specify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the minimum points requirement for the Subclass 190 Visa? 
A: To be eligible for the Subclass 190 Visa, you need to score a minimum of 65 points. This visa category operates on a points-based system to assess the eligibility of applicants.

Q: How are points calculated for the Subclass 190 Visa?
A: When you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, you will receive an indicative points score based on the information you provide. The points are allocated based on factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other criteria.

Q: What happens if I do not score 65 points in my EOI?
A: If your EOI does not reach a minimum of 65 points, you will not receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa.

Q: What evidence do I need to provide to support my claims?
A: When lodging your visa application, you must provide evidence supporting the claims you made in your EOI. This may include documents related to your age, work experience, education, English language proficiency, and other relevant factors.

Q: Can I still apply if I turn 45 after receiving the invitation?
A: Yes, you can still submit your application for the visa if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation to apply.

Q: What happens if I turn 45 after submitting my Expression of Interest (EOI) but before receiving an invitation?
A: If you turn 45 after submitting your EOI but before receiving an invitation to apply, unfortunately, you will not be invited to apply for the visa. The age requirement is assessed at the time of the invitation.

Q: How do I prove my English proficiency for this visa?
A: You must demonstrate at least Competent English, with additional points awarded for Proficient or Superior English levels.

Q: Can I be in Australia during the decision-making process for my visa application?
A: Yes, you can be either inside or outside Australia when the Department of Home Affairs assesses your visa application. However, you should not be in immigration clearance at the time of the decision.

Q: Is the application charge refundable if my visa is refused?
A: No, the application charge will not be refunded in the event of a visa refusal. It’s important to carefully consider the eligibility criteria and submit a thorough application to enhance the chances of a successful outcome.

Q: Can I check the status of my application online?
A: Yes, you can use the online portal to check the status of your visa application. The Department’s online system provides updates on the progress of your application.

Q: What is the cost of the Subclass 190 Visa?
The visa costs AUD4,640.00 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate the specific costs for your situation.

Q: What is the cost of the Subclass 190 Visa?
A: The visa costs AUD4,640.00 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate the specific costs for your situation.