Australia's Subclass 190 visa provides skilled workers with a state-nominated pathway to permanent residence. Unlike the independent Subclass 189 visa, the 190 requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government, which adds five points to your Expression of Interest score and can make the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting indefinitely. Understanding how state nomination works and what each jurisdiction prioritises is essential for professionals whose occupation appears on state-specific skilled occupation lists.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Visa type | Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa (permanent residence) |
Nomination requirement | Must receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government before applying |
Points bonus | State nomination adds five points to your Expression of Interest score |
Residency commitment | Must live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years after grant |
Governing authority | Department of Home Affairs administers the visa; individual state and territory governments manage nomination programmes |
Current visa fees | Check the current Subclass 190 application charge on the Department of Home Affairs fee schedule |
What is state nomination for the 190 visa
State nomination is a formal endorsement from one of Australia's state or territory governments confirming they want you to settle in their jurisdiction. Each state and territory (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory) operates its own nomination programme with distinct occupation lists, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
The nomination itself is not a visa. It is a prerequisite that allows you to apply for the Subclass 190 visa and adds five points to your SkillSelect Expression of Interest. Those five points often prove decisive for applicants sitting just below the invitation threshold for the independent 189 visa. Once you receive state nomination and a subsequent invitation to apply, you can lodge your Subclass 190 application with the Department of Home Affairs.
How state nomination differs from the 189 visa
The Subclass 189 visa is an independent skilled visa requiring no sponsorship or nomination. Applicants compete solely on their points score, and successful candidates can live anywhere in Australia immediately after grant. The Subclass 190, by contrast, requires state nomination and commits you to living and working in the nominating state or territory for at least the first two years. This commitment is a condition of your visa, and the Department of Home Affairs may request evidence of compliance.
The 190 visa offers a strategic advantage: the five nomination points can elevate your score above the invitation cut-off when your independent score falls short. For professionals whose occupation is in demand in a particular state but not nationally, exploring state nomination pathways may be the most realistic route to permanent residence.
Subclass 190 visa requirements
Before you can receive a state nomination invitation, you must meet the baseline requirements for the Subclass 190 visa. Your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list (either the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List, depending on the state's criteria). You need a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation, and you must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect scoring at least 65 points (including the five points the state nomination will add).
Age, English language ability, and work experience all contribute to your points score. Most states require you to demonstrate at least competent English, though some prioritise applicants with proficient or superior scores. You must also meet health and character requirements as set out in the Department of Home Affairs guidelines, and you must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
State-specific eligibility criteria
Each state and territory sets additional criteria beyond the federal baseline. Some require a minimum period of work experience in the nominating state, while others prioritise applicants with a job offer from a local employer. Certain jurisdictions maintain separate streams for graduates of local universities, offshore applicants, and workers in regional areas.
South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory often have more accessible pathways for applicants willing to commit to regional settlement. Victoria and New South Wales typically have higher competition and may prioritise occupations experiencing acute shortages in their labour markets. Western Australia and Queensland periodically open and close nomination for specific occupations based on economic conditions. The Australian Capital Territory frequently requires Canberra-based employment or a demonstrated connection to the territory.
How to get state sponsorship for the 190 visa
Securing state nomination involves several sequential steps. First, research which states and territories include your occupation on their skilled occupation lists. Each jurisdiction publishes its list on its government migration or skilled migration webpage, and these lists change periodically in response to labour market needs. Identify the states where your occupation is listed and compare their specific requirements.
Second, ensure you meet both the federal Subclass 190 requirements and the additional criteria the target state imposes. Gather evidence of your skills assessment, English test results, employment history, and any state-specific documents such as proof of residence, a job offer letter, or evidence of previous study in the state. Some states require you to register an expression of interest directly with them before they will consider you for nomination.
Submitting your Expression of Interest
Once you have confirmed eligibility, submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. In your EOI, indicate which states or territories you are willing to be nominated by. States can view your EOI if your occupation is on their list and you have selected them as a preferred location. If a state is interested, they will invite you to apply for state nomination.
After receiving a state nomination invitation, you typically have a limited window (often 14 days, though this varies by state) to submit your formal nomination application to the state government. This application requires detailed documentation and, in some cases, a state application fee. The state will assess your application and, if satisfied, issue a nomination approval.
Receiving your visa invitation
Once the state approves your nomination, the Department of Home Affairs will issue an invitation to apply for the Subclass 190 visa through SkillSelect. You then have 60 days to lodge your visa application online, providing all required documents, health examinations, police certificates, and evidence supporting your claims. Processing times vary, so check the Department of Home Affairs website for current timeframes.
Throughout this process, accuracy and completeness are critical. Missing documents or inconsistencies between your EOI, state nomination application, and visa application can result in refusals or delays. Many applicants engage a registered migration agent to navigate the requirements, though this is not mandatory.
Choosing the right state for nomination
Your choice of state should balance occupation demand, your personal circumstances, and your willingness to meet state-specific conditions. If you have already lived or worked in a particular state, or if you hold a qualification from an Australian university in that state, you may have a competitive advantage. Some states award additional points or priority processing to applicants with local connections.
Consider the labour market for your occupation in each state. A state experiencing a shortage of your skillset is more likely to nominate you quickly and may have less stringent additional criteria. Regional states and territories often have lower competition and faster processing times, making them attractive options if you are open to living outside major cities.
Pathways for international students
International graduates of Australian universities often have dedicated state nomination streams. If you completed your degree in Australia, check whether the state where you studied offers a graduate stream with reduced requirements. According to zovrā's verified university catalogue (as of 2026-07-01), Australia's postgraduate programmes span 1,493 offerings across 12 universities, with international tuition fees ranging from AUD 21,700 to AUD 124,700 per year and a median of AUD 52,600. For example, the Graduate Diploma of Reproductive Sciences at Monash University is AUD 52,600 per year, while the Master of Speech Pathology at Griffith University is AUD 52,500 per year. Graduates in health, engineering, and education fields often find strong state nomination prospects, particularly in South Australia, Tasmania, and regional areas of larger states.
Common challenges and how to address them
One frequent challenge is occupation list changes. States update their lists in response to shifting labour needs, and an occupation in demand today may be removed next quarter. Monitor state government websites regularly and be prepared to pivot to another state if your occupation is removed from your preferred list.
Another challenge is meeting state-specific employment or residency requirements. If a state requires six months of local work experience and you are applying from offshore, you may need to enter Australia on a different visa first (such as a Temporary Skill Shortage visa) to build that experience. Alternatively, focus on states with offshore application streams that do not require prior Australian experience.
Points score competition also poses difficulties. Even with state nomination adding five points, you may still fall short of the invitation threshold if your occupation is highly competitive. In such cases, improving your English test score, gaining additional work experience, or pursuing further qualifications in Australia can increase your total points.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for nomination from multiple states at the same time?
Yes, you can indicate interest in multiple states in your SkillSelect Expression of Interest, and some states allow you to submit separate nomination applications concurrently. However, once you accept a nomination invitation from one state, you are generally expected to proceed with that state and withdraw from other processes. Each state has its own rules, so review their guidelines carefully.
What happens if I move to a different state after receiving my 190 visa?
You are required to live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years after your visa is granted. Moving to another state before fulfilling this commitment may breach your visa conditions. The Department of Home Affairs can request evidence of compliance, and failure to meet the condition can have implications for future visa applications and citizenship eligibility.
How long does state nomination take?
Processing times vary significantly by state and occupation. Some states process nominations within a few weeks, while others may take several months, particularly during periods of high demand. Check the relevant state government migration website for current processing timeframes, and ensure all your documentation is complete to avoid delays.
Do I need a job offer to get state nomination for the 190 visa?
Not always. Some states require a job offer, especially for certain occupations or streams, while others nominate based on your skills and potential to contribute to the state's economy without a pre-arranged job. Requirements differ by state and occupation, so consult the specific criteria for your target state.
What is the difference between state nomination and regional sponsorship?
State nomination refers to the Subclass 190 visa, which is a state-nominated permanent residence pathway. Regional sponsorship typically refers to the Subclass 491 visa, a provisional visa requiring nomination from a state or territory government or sponsorship from an eligible family member in a designated regional area. The 491 is a temporary visa with a pathway to permanent residence after meeting residency and income requirements, whereas the 190 grants permanent residence immediately upon approval.
