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Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

Updated 22 July 2026

This is general information, not migration advice. Visa rules, fees and eligibility change often — always confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website, and speak to a registered migration agent about your own situation.

Overview

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa that lets nominated skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents. Unlike the subclass 189, it requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government agency: you submit an expression of interest in SkillSelect, a state or territory agency may nominate you, and only then will the Department invite you to apply. With this visa you can stay in Australia permanently, work and study anywhere in Australia, enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence and, if eligible, become an Australian citizen. This visa has a single set of criteria rather than separate streams. How long you can stay: Permanently. Home Affairs states: "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 become a permanent resident on the day the visa is granted. After 5 years you need a Resident Return (RRV) visa (subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Step 1 - Before you apply: submit an expression of interest (EOI) through SkillSelect to let the Department know you want to apply for this visa; check your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and obtain a suitable skills assessment.

  2. Step 2: Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency. State and territory agencies can see your completed EOI and may nominate you. Each agency sets its own nomination criteria, so contact the relevant state or territory directly. You will only be invited to apply if you are nominated.

  3. Step 3: Step 2 - Gather your documents: collect the documents that support the claims you made in your EOI and show you meet the other visa criteria (identity, skills assessment, English, relationship, dependants, character documents).

  4. Step 4: Step 3 - Apply for the visa: when you have your invitation you can apply online, in or outside Australia, within 60 days of the date of your invitation. Log in to SkillSelect and click 'Apply for visa' to go to ImmiAccount, log in or create an ImmiAccount, attach your documents, pay the application charge (your application is not processed until the first instalment is paid) and note your transaction reference number (TRN).

  5. Step 5: Step 4 - After you apply: the Department confirms receipt; complete health examinations and biometrics if requested, attach any further information through ImmiAccount, and tell the Department if your circumstances change.

  6. Step 6: Step 5 - Visa outcome: you can be in or outside Australia when the decision is made, but not in immigration clearance. The Department tells you its decision in writing, including your visa grant number if granted.

Eligibility & requirements

  • You must be nominated for this visa by an Australian state or territory government agency. Each agency has its own criteria for deciding who it will nominate - contact the agency directly. If the nominating agency withdraws your nomination after you have applied, your application becomes invalid.
  • You must be invited to apply. You can only apply if the Department invites you, and it will only invite you if you have been nominated after submitting an EOI in SkillSelect.
  • 'Be able to score 65 points or more'. Home Affairs states the subclass 190 is a points-tested visa and that if you do not obtain a score of 65 points you will not be invited to apply; your invitation will state the number of points you must score at assessment (which may be higher than 65 depending on your EOI claims). Use the official points calculator to check how points are awarded.
  • You must be aged under 45 when the Department invites you to apply. You can still apply if you turn 45 after the invitation is issued.
  • Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you must declare a suitable skills assessment for that occupation at the time of invitation (obtained in the 3 years before the invitation date).
  • You must have at least competent English (English language requirement as set out on the eligibility page).
  • If you are in Australia when you apply you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A (010), B (020) or C (030).
  • You and any family who apply with you must meet the health and character requirements (character applies to family members aged 16 and over), you must have repaid or arranged to repay any Australian Government debt, and if you are 18 or older you must sign the Australian values statement.

Costs

ItemIndicative cost
Application charge (main applicant)From AUD6,140.00 (concessions apply in limited circumstances)
Second instalment charge for family members (less than functional English, aged 18+)AUD4,885
Cost concession for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste applicantsFrom 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid visa application (exact lower amount not published on the visa page)

Key links

Contacts

Registered migration agent (MARA)
For advice about your own circumstances, use a registered migration agent or a legal service. This page is general information only.