Why Apply for the Australia Subclass 190 Visa?

Thinking about settling down in Australia? The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa could be the right choice for you. This visa is perfect for skilled professionals who want to build a better future in Australia for themselves and their families. Here's what makes it so popular:

• Live and work in Australia for an infinite period with subclass 190 visa
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship
• Get yourself enrolled in the Australian healthcare program
• Travel throughout Australia without any restrictions
• Sponsor close relatives What is a Subclass 190 visa
• High demand for skilled workers in 2025

Note: Australia is actively inviting professionals in fields like IT, healthcare, engineering, education, and trade occupations. If you belong to one of these in-demand categories, this is the right time to apply!

What is a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?

The Subclass 190 visa is a skilled nominated visa for the skilled workforce per the Australian government’s requirement. The visa is provided to a person who fulfils the eligibility requirements and to whom a state Government awards a skilled nominated subclass 190. To obtain this visa, one has to score a minimum of 65 points in the skill assessment.

A skilled nominated visa subclass 190 is very different from a skilled independent visa. In order to obtain 190 skilled nominated subclass, even after becoming eligible for the skilled occupation, holders must qualify under various categories.

State Nomination Process (Subclass 190)

Each state/territory runs its own Subclass 190 nomination program, sets its own criteria, and may open/close intake during the program year. A nomination adds +5 points to your GSM score. 

The table below provides an overview of the state nomination process for the Subclass 190 visa, including the states and territories, how nominations work, and what applicants need to know:

State / Territory	How It Works	Key Things to Know
New South Wales (NSW)	Apply directly if your job is on their list.	Needs a valid Expression of Interest (EOI). Popular and competitive.
Victoria (VIC)	Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) before they invite you.	They focus on skills needed in Victoria.
Queensland (QLD)	Send an Expression of Interest (EOI) and then a Registration of Interest (ROI).	Only certain occupations are accepted each year.
South Australia (SA)	Apply through their state nomination website.	Large list of occupations; requirements differ by job.
Western Australia (WA)	Choose an occupation from their skilled list and apply.	They often prefer people already living in WA.
Tasmania (TAS)	Use the “Gateway” system to check if you’re eligible.	Special pathways for Tasmanian graduates and workers.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	Fill in the “Canberra Matrix” points system.	Gives priority to workers already in Canberra.
Northern Territory (NT)	Apply if your job is on their occupation list.	Must show strong commitment to living and working in NT.

Subclass 190 Visa Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Workers 

We have prepared a list of the eligibility criteria for applying for the Australian Subclass 190 Visa.

• The applicant must be proficient in English to obtain a Subclass 190 visa.
• Applicant must have a relevant work experience just as in the required skillset of Australia
• The candidate's age must be between 18 and 44 years for the Skilled Nominated Visa.
• Must choose an occupation from the Australian 190 subclass visa nomination occupation list
• Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points
• Possess a good character certificate
• Applicant must not have any critical or chronic illness
• Must Submit the Expression of Interest (EOI)

Subclass 190 Visa Documents Checklist 

After you receive a nomination for visa subclass 190 from the state, you must submit the below list of documents within 60 days of the receipt:

• Candidate’s identity proof
• IELTS or PTE test reports showing your command of English
• Age certificate, preferably birth certificate or passport
• Employment documents
• Applicant’s skill report assessed by a recognized authority.
• Two most recent sized and colored passport-size photographs
• Australian educational certificates
• Educational documents
• Employment reference letters
• A certificate proving that the applicant possesses a good character
• Application form
• Health documents
• Proof of skills of your partner/ spouse
• Proof of relationship with your partner/ spouse: Provide a marriage certificate if you are married. If you are in a de-facto relationship, you must present a document proving your relationship. And, in case you are divorced or widower, divorce or death certificate of the spouse.

How to Increase Your Points for Subclass 190 Visa?

There are many ways an applicant can improve the chances of getting maximum points. We have listed a few of them below:

• Age: Applicants falling in the age group of 25 to 33 years score the maximum points of 30. And the candidates who are above 40 years get the least points, that is 15.

Age	Points
At least 18 but less than 25 years	25
At least 25 but less than 33 years	30
At least 33 but less than 40 years	25
At least 40 but less than 45 years	15

 

• Levels of English: Proficiency in English is categorized into Competent English, Proficient English, and Superior English. Applicants at the Competent level do not receive any points, while those with Superior English receive a maximum of 20 points for the Skilled Nominated Visa.

English	Points
Competent English	0
Proficient English	10
Superior English	20

• Employment experience: The work experience has also been divided into two categories work experience from outside Australia and work experience in Australia. The below two tables show the points earned depending upon Overseas skilled employment and Australian skilled employment.

Overseas skilled employment – (outside Australia)

Number of years	Points
Less than 3 years	0
At least 3 but less than 5 years	5
At least 5 but less than 8 years	10
At least 8 years	15

Australian skilled employment – (inside Australia)

Number of years	Points
Less than 1 year	0
At least 1 but less than 3 years	5
At least 3 but less than 5 years	10
At least 5 but less than 8 years	15
At least 8 years	20

The maximum number of points that can be awarded for overseas skilled employment (outside Australia) is 15, and for Australian skilled employment (in Australia), it is 20.

• Educational points: The applicants get a maximum point of 20 if they hold a Doctorate from an Australian Institute or a well-recognized from anywhere in the world. And if the applicant has any qualification that makes them skilled for the relevant occupation, get a minimum point of 10.
   

Requirement	Points
A Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard.	20
At least a Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or at least a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard.	15
A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution.	10
Attained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation.	10

 

• Educational qualification from Australian Institution: An academic degree from any Australian institute that meets the study requirement for Australia may earn a maximum of 5 points.
• Professional Year: Completing a professional year in Australia by the time you get the invitation to apply can get you at most 5 points.
• Community Language: Applicants are awarded 5 points for having a community language accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
• Skills of spouse/ partner: Candidates may earn 5 points when nominated by any Australian state/ province.
   

Requirement	Points
Your spouse or de facto partner must also be an applicant for this visa and meet age, English and skill criteria	10
Your spouse or de facto partner must also be an applicant for this visa and has competent English	5
You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident	10

• Nomination: Candidates may earn 5 points when they have been nominated by any Australian state/ province.

Requirement	Points
You were invited to apply for a Subclass 190 (Skilled — Nominated) visa and the nominating State or Territory government agency has not withdrawn the nomination	5

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Subclass 190 Visa Australia

Step 1: Check if your occupation is on the skilled list and get a positive skills assessment.

Step 2: Meet the English language requirement (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge).

Step 3: Lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

Step 4: Apply for nomination with your chosen state or territory.

Step 5: Receive state or territory nomination (+5 points added).

Step 6: Wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 7: Lodge your visa application in ImmiAccount within 60 days.

Step 8: Complete health and character checks.

Step 9: Await your visa decision.

Subclass 190 Visa Cost – Fees and Other Expenses

The visa fees vary with the age of the applicants. The below table shows the current visa fees:

Immigrant	Fees in AUD
Main Visa Applicant	4115
Additional Applicant who is more than 18 years	$2055
Additional Applicant who is less than 18 years	$1030

There can be a few additional charges as well like debit or credit card transaction fees.

 

Processing Time for Subclass 190 Visa

Australian Subclass 190 processing time takes seven months for 75% of visa applications. And it takes nine months for 90% of visa applications.

Below are the factors that impact the Subclass 190 processing time:

• Incomplete documentation
• The number of visa applications received
• Inquiry on the candidate’s application
• The time it takes by you to submit documents
   

Subclass 189 vs 190 Comparison 

Feature	Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)	Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
Nomination required	No nomination required	Yes – nomination by a state/territory government (adds +5 points)
Where you can live & work	Anywhere in Australia	Expected to live and work in the nominating state/territory under program commitments
Points test	Minimum 65 points	Minimum 65 points (nomination adds 5 extra points)
Occupation list	Must be on the Skilled Occupation List (DHA)	Must be on DHA’s skilled list and meet state/territory occupation list/priority requirements
Who issues invitation?	Department of Home Affairs through SkillSelect invitation rounds	State/territory nominates → Department of Home Affairs issues the invitation
Visa type	Permanent residence	Permanent residence

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

With an experience of over twenty years, Y-Axis has been assisting applicants in getting various kinds of visas, including Subclass 190 visa Australia.

• We help you to prepare a checklist of the required documents
• We provide coaching services for IELTS or PTE
• Y-Axis’ professional guidance is remarkable
• We will still be in contact with you even after you move to Australia to check on you post landing services

 

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