Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa: Complete 2026 Guide

How the 190 Visa Works

The Subclass 190 follows the same two-stage SkillSelect process as the 189: first you lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect with a target points score, then you wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs (issued in conjunction with a state or territory nomination). The critical difference from the 189 is that you must be nominated by a state or territory government. The nomination adds 5 points to your base SkillSelect score. This 5-point bonus can be decisive — if you are sitting at 75 points (the minimum for most 189 EOIs), state nomination effectively lifts you to 80 points, where invitation rates are significantly higher. You can target multiple states and territories simultaneously for nomination — submitting separate nomination applications to different states that are currently nominating your occupation.

State and Territory Nomination: How It Works

Each of Australia's 8 states and territories runs its own skilled migration program, including its own occupation list (the SONAS or equivalent), its own nomination criteria, and its own priority processing. You apply for nomination directly to the state or territory migration agency (not the Department of Home Affairs). Each state has its own application portal, occupation caps, and requirements. Common state nomination requirements include: you must intend to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years after receiving the visa (this is a condition, not just an application undertaking); you may need to demonstrate a genuine connection to the state (lived there, studied there, have a job offer there); some states require you to have your EOI open in SkillSelect before you can apply for nomination. Once nominated, the state advises the Department and your SkillSelect EOI is updated. The Department then issues an invitation to apply for the 190 visa if your score (including the 5-point nomination bonus) meets the current invitation threshold for that occupation.

Occupation Lists for the 190 Visa

The 190 uses two main occupation lists: the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The 189 (independent) only covers MLTSSL occupations. The 190 covers both — meaning occupations on the STSOL that are not eligible for the 189 can still qualify for the 190 if the relevant state or territory is nominating. This makes the 190 significantly more inclusive. Individual states also publish their own State or Territory Specific Occupation Lists (STSOLs), which may include additional occupations not on the federal lists — particularly occupations with acute local shortages. Check the current occupation lists for each state before determining your eligibility. Lists change frequently — occupations are added and removed based on current labour market conditions. A migration agent can track the current status of your occupation across all states and identify which state is most actively nominating your field.

Points Score for the 190 Visa

The 190 uses the same points test as the 189. Minimum: 65 points to lodge an EOI. In practice, invitation scores are much higher. Recent invitation trends: occupations with strong state nomination programs sometimes receive invitations at 75–85 points. The 5 points for state nomination are automatically added once nominated. Common points sources: Age (under 25: 25pts; 25–32: 30pts; 33–39: 25pts; 40–44: 15pts; 45+: 0pts). English proficiency (Competent: 0 bonus; Proficient: 10pts; Superior: 20pts). Skilled employment overseas: 0–15pts. Skilled employment in Australia: 5–20pts. Educational qualifications: Doctorate 20pts; Bachelor or Masters 15pts; Diploma 10pts. Australian study requirement: 5pts. STEM qualification: 10pts. Credentialled community language: 5pts. Spouse/partner with competent English and skills assessment: 10pts. The points test rewards applicants who have spent time in Australia, studied in Australia, and have high English proficiency. Maximising your English result (Superior IELTS 8.0+ average = 20 points) is often the single highest-yield action available to skilled applicants.

190 vs 189: Which Is Right for You?

The 189 grants full flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia. The 190 nominally ties you to the nominating state for 2 years. In practice, the 190 is often the preferred pathway for applicants whose points score sits in the 70–85 range, because state nomination adds 5 critical points and many states are actively nominating occupations that the 189 program isn't prioritising at current invitation scores. If you have 90+ points, you likely don't need state nomination — apply for both 189 and 190 EOIs simultaneously and take whichever invitation comes first. If you have 70–85 points, the 190 via state nomination is typically your most realistic pathway. If you have an STSOL occupation, the 190 is your only points-tested pathway (the 189 doesn't accept STSOL occupations). A migration agent can calculate your current points score, identify which states are nominating your occupation right now, and advise whether to target 189, 190, or 491 — or all three simultaneously.

Do I have to stay in the nominating state after getting the 190 visa?

You commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least 2 years as a condition of the nomination and visa. The commitment is taken seriously — OMARA and state bodies may follow up. Moving interstate before fulfilling this commitment can jeopardise future visa or citizenship applications.

Can I apply for nomination from overseas?

Yes. Many states accept nomination applications from offshore. Some states give preference to applicants already living in the state, but offshore applications are accepted by most programs. Check the individual state criteria.

What if my occupation is not on any state list?

If your occupation is not currently being nominated by any state under the 190, your options are: the 491 regional visa (separate occupation lists with broader coverage); employer-sponsored pathways (482/186); or waiting for the state lists to change (they are reviewed regularly). A migration agent can monitor when your occupation appears on state lists.

Can I have both a 189 and a 190 EOI open at the same time?

Yes. You can have EOIs open for multiple visa subclasses simultaneously. Many applicants lodge EOIs for 189, 190, and 491 at the same time and take whichever invitation comes first.