03/05/2025
Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled workers worldwide, and the Visa 190 Australia provides a direct pathway to permanent residency. This visa is designed for skilled professionals nominated by an Australian state or territory government. If you are a skilled worker dreaming of building a life in Australia, the Australia Subclass 190 visa could be your ideal option. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Subclass 190 Australia visa, including the benefits, 190 visa requirements, application process, and frequently asked questions.
The Visa 190 Australia, also known as the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa for Australia, is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by a specific Australian state or territory. This visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia, provided you meet the 190 visa Australia requirements.
The Subclass 190 Australia visa is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. This program is designed to address skill shortages in the country by inviting highly qualified and experienced professionals from around the world. Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, the 190 visa requires a state or territory government nomination. Each state or territory has its own occupation list and specific requirements, which means your eligibility for the visa may depend on the needs of the particular region.
Once nominated and granted the visa, you are expected to commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory for a certain period, usually two years. Afterward, you gain the flexibility to move and settle anywhere in Australia.
The key features of the Australia Skilled Nominated Visa include:
State or Territory Nomination: Applicants must be invited and nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Points-Based Selection: Eligibility is determined through a points test where you must score a minimum of 65 points.
Permanent Residency: Once approved, the visa grants you permanent residency status with full rights to live, work, and study in Australia.
Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your application, allowing them to enjoy the same benefits.
Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting the residency requirements, you may apply for Australian citizenship.
The Visa 190 Australia opens the door to numerous opportunities for skilled workers and their families, offering a stable and prosperous life in one of the world’s most developed nations.
Before applying for the Subclass 190 Australia visa, you must ensure you meet the following 190 visa requirements:
Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. Each Australian state and territory has its own list of in-demand occupations. It’s essential to check the list for the state or territory you wish to apply for to ensure your occupation is eligible.
Skills Assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority for your occupation. This assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards.
Points Test: You need to score a minimum of 65 points on the Australian immigration points test. Points are awarded based on factors like age, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, educational qualifications, and state nomination.
State or Territory Nomination: The 190 visa is a state-nominated visa, meaning you must receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each state has its own criteria and processes for nomination, often based on local labor market needs.
Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive an invitation to apply for the visa. If you turn 45 after submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) but before receiving an invitation, you will no longer be eligible.
English Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum English language requirements, typically demonstrated through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Higher scores can earn you more points on the points test.
Health and Character: You and any family members included in your application must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This includes medical examinations and police clearance certificates from any country you’ve lived in for more than 12 months over the past 10 years.
Applying for the Subclass 190 Australia visa involves several steps. Here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown:
The first step is to ensure your occupation is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list of the Australian state or territory you wish to apply for. Each state or territory has its own list of in-demand occupations, so it’s essential to verify that your profession qualifies.
You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated authority for your occupation. This assessment validates that your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards for your profession. The requirements and processing times for skills assessments vary by occupation and assessing body, so be sure to check their specific guidelines.
The next step is to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. In your EOI, you’ll provide detailed information about your skills, work experience, education, and language proficiency. You’ll also need to indicate your interest in the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa for Australia and select the states or territories where you’d be willing to live and work.
To apply for the Subclass 190 Australia visa, you must receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each state has its own criteria for nomination, including specific occupation lists, work experience requirements, and residency commitments. You may need to submit additional documentation directly to the state or territory and demonstrate your ability to contribute to their local economy.
Once nominated, you will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for the Subclass 190 Visa Australia through the SkillSelect system. Invitations are issued based on your EOI ranking and the number of available spots for your occupation. It’s important to keep your EOI up to date to maximize your chances of receiving an ITA.
After receiving your ITA, you have 60 days to submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure all required documents are included, such as your skills assessment, nomination approval, proof of English proficiency, and personal identification. Incomplete applications can lead to delays or refusals.
As part of the visa application process, you and any included family members must undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates. These checks ensure you meet Australia’s health and character requirements for permanent residency.
Once your application and supporting documents have been submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will review your case. Processing times vary, typically taking between 5 and 8 months. You may be asked to provide additional information during this period.
When applying for the Subclass 190 Australia visa, understanding the processing time and costs involved is crucial for proper planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
The processing time for the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa for Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your application and the demand for your specific occupation. On average, the processing times are as follows:
75% of applications: Processed within 5 months
90% of applications: Finalized within 8 months
However, delays can occur due to additional document requests, verification processes, or health and character checks.
Factors affecting processing time:
Accuracy of Application: Ensure all required documents are submitted correctly.
Skills Assessment Timing: Delays in getting your skills assessment can slow down the entire process.
State Nomination Response: Each state has its processing time for nominations.
Health and Character Checks: Completing these checks early can prevent additional waiting time.
The cost of the Subclass 190 Australia visa depends on the number of applicants included in your application:
Primary Applicant: AUD 4,240
Additional Applicant (18 years and over): AUD 2,120
Additional Applicant (Under 18 years): AUD 1,060
Additional costs may include:
Skills Assessment Fee: Varies by assessing authority
English Language Test: AUD 300–400 depending on the test provider
Medical Examination: AUD 350–500 per applicant
Police Clearance Certificates: AUD 50–100 per country
It’s essential to budget for these additional costs when preparing your application for the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa for Australia.
By understanding the processing time and cost involved, you can better plan your journey toward permanent residency in Australia.
The processing time for the 190 visa Australia typically ranges from 5 to 8 months.
Yes, you can include eligible family members in your application.
Visa 190 requires state nomination, while Visa 189 is an independent skilled visa without state sponsorship.
While it’s not mandatory, hiring a Migration Agent Australia can help streamline your application and avoid common mistakes.
Although the visa allows you to live anywhere in Australia, it’s recommended to reside in the nominating state for at least two years.
The Visa 190 Australia offers a fantastic opportunity for skilled professionals to secure permanent residency in Australia. By meeting the 190 visa requirements and following the application process diligently, you can take the first step toward building a fulfilling life in Australia.
If you need assistance with your application, consider consulting a migration agent Australia to improve your chances of success. Good luck on your journey to becoming a permanent resident of Australia!
