Australian Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): 2026 Guide

What is the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa?

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent residence pathway for skilled workers who receive state or territory government nomination. This points-tested visa allows successful applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently, though you must initially live and work in the nominating state or territory.

Unlike the independent Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), the Subclass 190 requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government, which adds 5 points to your overall points score. This makes it an attractive option for skilled workers who may fall short of the high points requirements for other permanent residence visas.

Who is this visa for?

The Subclass 190 visa targets skilled workers whose occupations appear on the relevant skilled occupation lists and who can demonstrate skills needed by specific Australian states or territories. In 2026, this visa continues to be particularly valuable for:

• Skilled workers with occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
• Professionals who meet specific state or territory labour market needs
• Applicants aged under 45 with relevant work experience and English proficiency
• Workers in regional areas seeking permanent residence pathways

Each state and territory maintains its own nomination criteria, occupation lists, and application processes, making research into specific state requirements essential.

Key requirements

To be eligible for a Subclass 190 visa in 2026, you must meet several key criteria:

Points test: Score at least 65 points on the points test, though competitive invitation rounds typically require higher scores. State nomination adds 5 points to your total.

Age: Be under 45 years when you receive your invitation to apply.

Skills assessment: Hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

English proficiency: Demonstrate competent English or higher through approved tests (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or others).

State nomination: Receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government for your nominated occupation.

Character requirements: Meet health and character requirements, including police clearances and medical examinations.

Expression of Interest: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.

If you're exploring different permanent residence options, the Visafold pathway checker can help you understand which visas might suit your circumstances.

Typical documents required

The Subclass 190 application requires comprehensive documentation to support your claims:

Identity and personal documents: Passport, birth certificate, change of name documents (if applicable), and character documents including police clearances from all countries where you've lived for 12+ months since turning 16.

Skills and qualifications: Skills assessment, educational qualifications, employment references, and evidence of work experience including employment contracts, payslips, and reference letters.

English proficiency: Test results from approved English language tests demonstrating at least competent English.

Health requirements: Medical examinations from approved panel physicians and health insurance evidence.

State nomination: Evidence of state or territory nomination and any state-specific requirements.

Financial capacity: Evidence you can support yourself and family members during initial settlement.

Document requirements can be complex and vary by individual circumstances. Using a Visafold document checklist can help ensure you gather all necessary paperwork systematically.

Processing time

Processing times for Subclass 190 visas vary significantly based on individual circumstances, document completeness, and current application volumes. In 2026, factors affecting processing times include:

• Complexity of your case and completeness of documentation
• Time required for health and character checks
• Current Home Affairs workload and priority processing arrangements
• Whether additional information is requested during assessment

Home Affairs publishes indicative processing times on their website, but these represent statistical ranges rather than guarantees. Complete applications with all required documents typically process faster than those requiring additional information.

For current processing time estimates specific to your situation, check the Visafold processing time tracker alongside official Home Affairs updates.

How to track and organise your application

Managing a Subclass 190 application requires careful organisation:

Before applying: Research state nomination requirements thoroughly, as each jurisdiction has different criteria, occupation lists, and application processes. Ensure your skills assessment remains valid and gather all supporting documents systematically.

During processing: Monitor your ImmiAccount regularly for updates and respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Keep copies of all submitted documents and maintain communication records.

Application tracking: Use your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) to track progress through ImmiAccount and track your application on Visafold for additional organisation tools.

Stay informed: Subscribe to Home Affairs updates and monitor any changes to visa requirements or processing procedures throughout 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can I include family members? Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application, provided they meet health and character requirements.

What if my state nomination expires? State nominations typically have validity periods. If yours expires before you receive an invitation, you'll need to reapply for nomination.

Can I change my nominated occupation? Generally no, once you've received an invitation based on a specific occupation and state nomination, you cannot change these without withdrawing and starting again.

Must I live in the nominating state permanently? Initially yes, but after meeting any state-specific residence requirements, you can move freely within Australia.

--- Information only, not migration advice. Visafold is an independent information and organisation platform and is not affiliated with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, OMARA, or the Australian Government. Always verify visa requirements directly with Home Affairs or speak with a registered migration agent before making decisions.