Skilled · Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
Skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. Each state sets its own criteria, often including where you live or work and a commitment to live in that state.
Key eligibility
- Under 45 when invited, with at least competent English.
- Occupation on the relevant list and a suitable skills assessment.
- At least 65 points (the nomination adds 5).
- Nomination by a state or territory. If the nomination is withdrawn after you lodge, the application becomes invalid.
- If you hold or last held a 491 or 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years.
- Health, character and the Australian values statement.
Add up your points with our PR points calculator, built from the current Home Affairs points table. The redesign of the points test has been announced but is not in force.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
In or outside Australia once invited (not in immigration clearance). In Australia you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C.
Your journey, step by step
Enquiry and state options
Choose target states and check their occupation lists and criteria.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent compares state options honestly.
English test and skills assessment
Book the test and apply to the assessing authority.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent checks the occupation code and evidence.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Expression of Interest and state registration
Lodge an Expression of Interest and, for many states, a separate registration of interest.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent keeps state and federal claims consistent.
Nomination and invitation
If the state nominates you, Home Affairs sends the invitation.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent diarises the 60-day deadline.
Lodge within 60 days
Lodge in ImmiAccount and pay the charge.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent lodges a complete application.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
Decision and permanent residence
Processing follows a Ministerial Direction from 19 September 2026.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains the grant and your commitment to the state.
After grant
Honour your commitment to the state in good faith; Medicare, family sponsorship and citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent plans citizenship timing.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,140 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,535 |
| Second instalment | A$4,885 |
State and territory nomination fees are separate and set by each state.
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Points not proven.
- Nomination withdrawn or not matching the application.
- Misrepresenting your intention to live or work in the nominating state.
- Claims in the state application not matching the visa application.
- Health or character.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
Victoria opened its 2026-27 program for subclass 190 Registrations of Interest on 26 October 2026, with 900 places. Victorian subclass 491 places are not yet finalised and 491 Registrations of Interest are not being accepted.
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
New processing order for skilled visas.
2026-27 State and Territory Nominated places: 35,500.
Points test redesign announced, not in force.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Live in Melbourne: 2026-27 skilled visa nomination program
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.