Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): State-Sponsored PR Guide 2026

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): State-Sponsored PR Guide 2026

The Subclass 190 is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It works exactly like the Subclass 189 points test, but with a crucial bonus: state nomination adds 5 points to your score, making PR accessible to applicants who fall short of the 189's competitive thresholds. The trade-off is a commitment to live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years. It costs $4,640 AUD and grants the same permanent residency rights as the 189.

Quick Facts

How the 190 Differs from the 189

The 190 is essentially the Subclass 189 with a state sponsor. The core mechanics — points test, SkillSelect, skills assessment, English requirement — are identical. The key differences are:

1. +5 bonus points for state nomination
2. State must nominate you (separate application to the state)
3. Obligation to live in the nominating state for approximately 2 years after visa grant
4. Each state has its own occupation list and nomination criteria
5. Each state has its own allocation (limited nomination spots per year)

Once granted, the 190 gives you exactly the same permanent residency rights as a 189. After fulfilling your state obligation, you're free to move anywhere in Australia.

State and Territory Nomination Programs

Each state and territory runs its own nomination program with different occupation lists, requirements, and selection criteria. Here's an overview.

New South Wales (NSW)

• Program: NSW Skilled Nominated (190)
• Focus occupations: ICT, engineering, healthcare, accounting
• Requirements: Typically 90+ points for competitive occupations; NSW invites candidates directly from SkillSelect based on their EOI
• No separate application — NSW selects from the SkillSelect pool

Victoria (VIC)

• Program: Victorian Skilled Nominated (190)
• Focus: Healthcare, engineering, IT, education, social work
• Requirements: Must register interest through the Victoria Government website; preference for candidates already living and working in Victoria
• Strong preference for onshore applicants

Queensland (QLD)

• Program: Queensland Skilled Migration Program
• Focus: Healthcare, trades, engineering, IT, education
• Requirements: Must commit to living in Queensland; separate application through Migration Queensland
• Regional Queensland candidates may have additional advantages

South Australia (SA)

• Program: South Australia Skilled Nominated
• Focus: Broad — SA has one of the longest occupation lists
• Requirements: SA has its own points matrix in addition to the federal points test
• Known for nominating occupations other states don't

Western Australia (WA)

• Program: WA State Nominated Migration Program
• Focus: Mining, engineering, healthcare, trades
• Requirements: Occupation must be on WA's occupation list; separate application through WA government
• Strong focus on FIFO and resources sector occupations

Tasmania (TAS)

• Program: Tasmanian Skilled Nominated
• Focus: Broad occupation list, emphasis on candidates already in Tasmania
• Requirements: Preference for applicants who have studied or worked in Tasmania
• One of the more accessible state nomination programs

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Program: ACT Skilled Nominated
• Focus: Public sector roles, IT, healthcare, education
• Requirements: Own points matrix (Canberra Matrix); must live in Canberra
• Selection based on ACT matrix score, not just federal points

Northern Territory (NT)

• Program: NT Skilled Nominated
• Focus: Broad, with emphasis on trade and healthcare roles
• Requirements: Must demonstrate genuine commitment to living in the NT
• Smaller allocation but less competitive

The Application Process

Getting a 190 visa involves two stages: state nomination and the federal visa application.

Stage 1: State Nomination

Step 1: Check state occupation lists. Each state publishes its own list — your occupation must appear on the list of the state you want to apply to. An occupation may be on NSW's list but not Victoria's.

Step 2: Meet state-specific criteria. Beyond the federal requirements, states may require:

• Minimum work experience in the state
• A job offer in the state
• Previous study in the state
• Specific English scores above the federal minimum
• Additional points on the state's own assessment matrix

Step 3: Apply to the state. Most states have their own online application portal. You submit evidence of your occupation, skills assessment, English score, and connection to the state.

Step 4: Receive state nomination. Processing takes 4–12 weeks depending on the state. If approved, the state nominates you through SkillSelect, which adds 5 points to your EOI.

Stage 2: Federal Visa Application

Step 5: Receive a SkillSelect invitation. With your state nomination registered, you'll receive an invitation to apply (usually in the next round).

Step 6: Lodge visa application within 60 days. Complete your application through ImmiAccount with:

• Skills assessment
• English test results (less than 3 years old)
• Employment evidence
• Qualifications
• Police clearances
• Health examinations
• Passport
• State nomination confirmation

Step 7: Await decision. Processing: 5–12 months.

The State Obligation

When you accept a 190 visa, you commit to living and working in the nominating state for approximately 2 years. This isn't a formal visa condition — it's a commitment you make to the state during the nomination process.

What "commitment" means in practice:

• You should genuinely reside in the state
• States may follow up to verify your location
• Moving interstate within the first 2 years can result in your nomination being noted as not honoured
• This doesn't affect your PR status but may impact any future visa applications (e.g., for family sponsorship)

After 2 years, you're free to live anywhere in Australia. Many 190 holders do move to other states after fulfilling their commitment, though plenty stay because they've built a life in the nominating state.

Points Strategy for the 190

Since the 190 gives you 5 bonus points, your effective minimum without nomination is 60 points (60 + 5 = 65). But in practice, states nominate candidates with higher scores.

Competitive 190 points thresholds (2025–2026):

NSW and Victoria are the most competitive because everyone wants to live in Sydney and Melbourne. Tasmania and the Northern Territory are the most accessible — lower points thresholds and broader occupation lists.

Strategy: If you can't get a 189, the 190 through a less competitive state can be significantly faster. Living in Adelaide or Hobart for 2 years in exchange for PR is a trade many applicants are happy to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to multiple states simultaneously?

Most states require you to only have one active nomination application at a time. Some states explicitly ask if you've applied elsewhere and will refuse nominations from applicants who are "shopping" across states. Choose the state where you have the strongest case and commit to that application.

What happens if I move interstate before 2 years?

Your PR visa won't be cancelled — the state commitment is not a formal visa condition. However, the state government may record your non-compliance, which could affect future visa sponsorship applications. More importantly, it undermines the trust-based nomination system. We recommend honouring your commitment.

Is the 190 quicker than the 189?

Often yes. Because states have dedicated nomination allocations, 190 applicants in less competitive states can receive invitations much faster than 189 applicants with the same or higher points. A 75-point applicant in South Australia might get a 190 in 3 months, while waiting 18+ months for a 189 invitation.

Can I apply for a 190 from outside Australia?

Yes. Many states accept offshore applications, though some (particularly Victoria and Tasmania) strongly prefer applicants already living in the state. Being onshore gives you a significant advantage for most state nominations.

Do I need a job offer for state nomination?

It depends on the state. Some states (like NSW for certain occupations) require a job offer in the state. Others (like South Australia) have pathways for applicants without a job offer but with strong points scores and skills assessment. Check the specific requirements of your target state.