The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is one of Australia’s most sought-after permanent residency pathways for skilled professionals. Designed for individuals who receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government, this visa allows you as a successful applicant to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
As a Subclass 190 visa holder, you have the option to include eligible family members in your application or sponsor them to join you in Australia later. This allows your loved ones to share the same rights and benefits of permanent residency, including the ability to live, work, and study in Australia.
An eligible family member (also known as a member of the family unit) generally includes:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Your child or your partner’s child who is:
- Under 18 years of age, or
- Aged 18 to 23 years and financially dependent on you or your partner, or
- Aged 23 years or older and dependent due to a physical or mental disability
- The dependent child of any child listed above
It’s important to note that parents are not considered part of the main applicant’s family unit for visa purposes.
As you and your family establish your lives in Australia, you may eventually become eligible for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency and other legal requirements.
What You Can Do With a 190 Visa
Once granted, the Subclass 190 visa gives you the rights and benefits of a permanent resident of Australia, including:
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Study at Australian schools and universities
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsor eligible relatives to migrate to Australia
- Attend free English language classes under the Adult Migrant English Program (if eligible)
- Travel in and out of Australia for five years from the date your visa is granted
- Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the eligibility requirements
Please note that newly arrived residents may have to wait before accessing certain government payments or benefits.
How Long Can You Stay on a 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely.
Your permanent residency begins on the day the visa is granted if you are already in Australia, or on the day you first enter Australia on this visa if you applied from overseas.
If you are in Australia at the time of your application, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A, B, or C. Meanwhile, applicants currently holding a regional provisional visa, such as the Subclass 491 or Subclass 494, must have held that visa for at least three years before becoming eligible to apply for the Subclass 190 visa.
In addition, the visa includes a five-year travel facility, allowing you to travel in and out of Australia freely during that period. After five years, if you wish to travel overseas and return to Australia as a permanent resident, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157).
190 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), you must meet a range of criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs and the nominating state or territory.
Be Invited to Apply
You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If a state or territory government nominates you based on your skills and occupation, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Have a Suitable Skills Assessment
You need a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation at the time of invitation. The assessment must have been issued within the last three years (or within the 60-day invitation period). In addition to your skills assessment, the following requirements apply:
- Medical practitioners must present registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Legal practitioners must present admission to practice law in an Australian state or territory.
Be Nominated by a State or Territory Government
Each state or territory has its own nomination process and requirements. You’ll need to meet both the federal eligibility criteria and the nomination requirements of your chosen jurisdiction.
Be Under 45 Years of Age
You must be younger than 45 years old when you are invited to apply.
Meet the Points Test (Minimum 65 Points)
The Subclass 190 is a points-tested visa. Points are awarded for factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. You must score at least 65 points to be considered, although higher scores may increase your chances of receiving an invitation.
Meet English Language Requirements
You must demonstrate at least Competent English at the time of invitation.
Meet Health and Character Requirements
You and any accompanying family members must pass Australia’s health and character checks.
Repay Any Debts to the Australian Government
Any outstanding debts owed by you or your family to the Australian Government must be repaid or formal repayment arrangements must be made.
Sign the Australian Values Statement
Applicants aged 18 and over must sign an Australian Values Statement, confirming your understanding of and commitment to respecting Australian laws and values.
Need Help with Your 190 Visa Application?
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we guide skilled professionals through every step of the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa process, from providing advice and obtaining a suitable skills assessment, to preparing your EOI, securing state nomination, and lodging a complete visa application once the nomination is approved.
It’s important to understand that the EOI stage is the most critical part of your migration journey. If points are claimed incorrectly or without sufficient evidence, your visa may be refused, even if your state nomination has already been approved.
We’ve assisted clients who initially overclaimed points or lacked supporting documents, and were able to correct their EOIs before receiving an invitation. However, once an invitation is issued, those errors cannot be undone.
Similarly, if you claim points as a single applicant and then get married after receiving an invitation, this change in circumstances can also result in visa refusal.
Even though the process may appear straightforward, a single mistake can lead to serious consequences. That’s why having the right legal guidance from the very beginning is essential.
Contact SALIA Lawyers & Associates today for expert assistance with your skills assessment, EOI preparation, state nomination, and 190 visa application strategy to ensure your case is accurate, compliant, and positioned for success.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
