Subclass 190 Visa Permanent Residency in Australia

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent residency visa designed for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa allows holders to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is points-tested, meaning applicants must score at least 65 points on the Australian points test to be eligible.

This visa is ideal for individuals who have skills in high demand within specific states or territories in Australia. The state nomination provides an advantage, as it increases the chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) through Australia’s SkillSelect system.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa

1. Permanent Residency: Allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
2. State Nomination Priority: As this visa is nominated by a state or territory, it provides better chances of receiving an ITA compared to the Subclass 189 Visa.
3. Access to Medicare: Enjoy Australia’s public healthcare system.
4. Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
5. Family Sponsorship: You can include eligible family members, such as a spouse/partner and dependent children, in your application.
6. Work and Study Rights: No restrictions on where you can work or study in Australia.
7. Travel Rights: The visa allows five years of travel in and out of Australia. After five years, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or Australian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

Your occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List for the state or territory you are applying to. Each state has its own demand list, so checking the state-specific occupation list is crucial.

2. Skills Assessment

• A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required.
• The assessment must confirm that your qualifications and work experience match the required Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

3. State or Territory Nomination

• Each state and territory government has its own specific requirements for nomination.
• Some require work experience in the state, while others require a job offer or a commitment to reside in the state for a certain period.
• Applicants must apply for state nomination before they can receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

4. Points Test (Minimum 65 Points Required)

To qualify, applicants must score at least 65 points in the points test. Points are awarded based on:

• Age (maximum 30 points)
• English language proficiency (up to 20 points)
• Skilled work experience (up to 20 points)
• Educational qualifications (up to 20 points)
• Australian study experience (up to 5 points)
• State nomination (5 points bonus for Subclass 190)

5. Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

• You must submit an EOI through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation from a state or territory government.
• Your EOI should reflect your eligibility based on points, occupation, and nomination status.

6. Age Limit

• You must be under 45 years old at the time of receiving the invitation.

7. English Language Proficiency

• You must meet Competent English requirements:
  • IELTS: 6.0 in each band
  • PTE Academic: 50 in each band
  • TOEFL iBT: Equivalent scores

Higher scores can increase points in the test.

8. Health & Character Requirements

• You must pass health examinations and character checks (police clearance certificates are required).

Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Ensure your occupation is on the state’s skilled occupation list.
• Obtain a positive skills assessment.
• Check if you meet the points test requirement (minimum 65 points).

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Create an EOI in SkillSelect and indicate your state preferences.
• You will be placed in a pool and states may invite you based on demand.

Step 3: Apply for State or Territory Nomination

• Apply for nomination through the state government website.
• Each state has different criteria (some require job offers or work experience).
• If selected, you receive 5 extra points for state nomination.

Step 4: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• If your EOI is selected, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa.

Step 5: Lodge Your Visa Application

• Apply within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
• Submit required documents (passport, skills assessment, nomination approval, English test results, etc.).

Step 6: Health & Character Checks

• Undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates.

Step 7: Visa Grant & Move to Australia

• If approved, you receive your visa grant and can move to Australia.

Processing Time & Costs

Processing Time

• 6-12 months (varies based on individual circumstances).

Cost

• AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant.
• Additional charges apply for dependents:
  • Adult dependent: AUD 2,320
  • Child dependent: AUD 1,160

Other costs include:

• Skills assessment fees (varies by assessing authority).
• English test fees (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
• Health and police checks.

State/Territory Nomination Requirements

Each state and territory has different nomination requirements.

1. New South Wales (NSW)

   • High-demand occupations in healthcare, engineering, and IT.
   • Preference for applicants with strong work experience.

2. Victoria (VIC)

   • Focuses on health, IT, and engineering professionals.
   • Requires a commitment to work and live in Victoria.

3. Queensland (QLD)

   • Offers pathways for offshore and onshore applicants.
   • Prioritizes those with job offers in Queensland.

4. South Australia (SA)

   • Provides options for graduates, skilled workers, and offshore applicants.

5. Western Australia (WA)

   • Has its own skilled occupation list.
   • Prefers candidates with employment offers in WA.

6. Tasmania (TAS)

   • Welcomes graduates and offshore skilled workers.

7. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

   • Uses a points-based nomination system.

8. Northern Territory (NT)

   • Prefers applicants willing to work in regional areas.

Conclusion

The Subclass 190 Visa is an excellent pathway for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia. By securing state nomination, applicants increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). With clear eligibility criteria, a structured application process, and state-specific requirements, this visa remains a popular option for skilled migrants looking to settle in Australia.

Would you like help with state-specific nomination processes or a points test assessment?