The subclass 190 visa offers eligible skilled workers a pathway to Australian permanent residency through state or territory nomination. It is points-tested, and each jurisdiction selects applicants under its own program settings.
There is no single national nomination list or state process. Your best next step depends on your occupation, evidence, circumstances and preferred destination.
What is the subclass 190 visa?
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa. You need a state or territory government to nominate you before Home Affairs can invite you to apply.
State nomination contributes points to your SkillSelect score. It does not guarantee an invitation or a visa grant. Home Affairs assesses the visa application separately.
Applicants generally need a suitable skills assessment, an eligible occupation, the required English level and a points score that meets the applicable threshold. Other requirements apply. Check the current Home Affairs subclass 190 requirements before acting.
Nomination also comes with a commitment to live and work in the nominating state or territory. The expected period is often around the first two years after visa grant, but check the terms that apply to your nomination.
How does state nomination work?
The pathway usually follows these steps. A state or territory may add its own process.
1. Check your occupation and skills assessment
Identify the occupation you may nominate and the assessing authority responsible for it. Check the federal occupation requirements and the authority’s assessment criteria.
A skills assessment can take preparation. Review the evidence you may need before lodging. Our guide explains which authority assesses your occupation.
2. Submit your SkillSelect EOI
Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. Include details about your occupation, skills assessment, English results, qualifications, work experience and other relevant factors.
Keep your claims accurate and evidence-based. You can update your EOI before an invitation if your circumstances change. Read the Home Affairs EOI guidance.
3. Follow the state’s separate process
An EOI may not be enough. A jurisdiction may ask you to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI), complete a state application, or wait for the government to select your EOI.
For example, South Australia’s process may involve an ROI for onshore applicants. NSW uses an invitation-based process and does not accept direct nomination applications. Other states and territories have their own steps.
4. Wait for selection and nomination
A state reviews candidates against its current criteria and workforce needs. If selected, you may need to provide further documents or complete a nomination application by a deadline.
Selection is not automatic. Meeting basic eligibility does not mean a state will nominate you.
5. Respond to the Home Affairs invitation
If the state nominates you, Home Affairs may issue an invitation to apply for the visa. Follow the invitation instructions and deadline. Prepare the supporting documents and lodge through ImmiAccount.
The invitation is a federal step. State nomination alone is not a visa grant.
How do states differ?
Each state and territory sets its own occupation priorities, streams and selection approach. These can change between program years.
South Australia may assess applicants through streams shaped by local occupation demand and applicant circumstances. NSW publishes its own skills requirements and selects candidates through invitations. Victoria and other jurisdictions also operate distinct nomination processes.
An occupation appearing on one State Nomination Occupation List does not mean it will be available under another state’s program. Check the relevant live criteria before deciding where to submit an EOI or ROI.
Review South Australia’s skilled migration guidance, the NSW subclass 190 page, and the Victorian skilled migration information.
Program-year settings change. Occupation lists, streams, nomination criteria, intake arrangements and selection priorities may be updated. Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and the migration website of the state or territory you are considering. Confirm current requirements directly before submitting an EOI, ROI or nomination application.
What can make an applicant competitive?
There is no guaranteed score or profile. A strong federal points score does not ensure state nomination.
Review these areas before submitting:
- Points: Check each claim against the current Home Affairs points test. Meeting the minimum threshold is not a promise of selection.
- English: Higher English proficiency may increase your points where the rules allow. Check that your test result is valid for your intended application.
- Skilled work: Relevant employment may support your profile. Confirm that your duties, dates and evidence meet the applicable requirements.
- Occupation demand: States may prioritise occupations linked to local workforce needs. Demand varies by jurisdiction and program year.
- Onshore circumstances: Your location or work history may matter under a state stream or current processing settings. Onshore status alone does not guarantee nomination or priority.
- Evidence quality: Keep employment references, qualifications, English results and skills assessment documents consistent with your EOI claims.
Your circumstances matter. Check the current rules before claiming points or choosing a state. For guidance with South Australia skilled migration and SA 190 nomination, speak with our team.
Subclass 190 vs subclass 491 vs subclass 189
| Visa | Nomination | Main difference |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 190 | State or territory nomination required | Permanent visa. Applicants commit to living and working in the nominating jurisdiction. |
| Subclass 491 | State or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship may apply | The subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for eligible regional applicants. It has regional conditions and may provide a pathway to a permanent visa if requirements are met. |
| Subclass 189 | No state nomination | Points-tested permanent visa under the independent skilled pathway. |
The subclass 491 visa is also known as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa. The skilled work regional visa 491 is not the same as the permanent subclass 190 visa. Compare the conditions and eligibility carefully. Check Home Affairs for current details about any pathway to permanent residency Australia.
How Skillage Nimbus can help
Skillage Nimbus is based in South Australia and assists clients with state nomination across Australia. Australian skilled migration programs reward preparation, and we can help review your occupation, skills assessment, points claims, EOI, state-specific options and supporting documents.
Our credentials are Australian Registered Migration Agent, MARN 2217972, and New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser, IAA 202503676.
If you are comparing SA 190 nomination with another state, get advice based on your circumstances. We can help you understand the practical steps and identify what to verify before lodging. Explore our migration services or call +61 8 9131 6011.
Learn More
Book a consultation with Skillage Nimbus to discuss your options. You can also review our migration services or call +61 8 9131 6011.
General information disclaimer: This article provides general information, not migration advice. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. State and territory programs can change, and no nomination, invitation or visa outcome is guaranteed. Confirm current information on Home Affairs and the relevant official state migration website. If you need tailored advice, contact a registered migration agent Adelaide or a suitably qualified professional. Skillage Nimbus provides Australian skilled migration assistance. “Immigration lawyer Adelaide” is a search term; check an adviser’s credentials and scope of practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the subclass 190 visa permanent?
Yes. The subclass 190 is a permanent visa. Applicants are nominated by a state or territory and are expected to commit to living and working there. Check the current state nomination terms.
Do I need state nomination before lodging my visa application?
Yes. State or territory nomination is part of the subclass 190 pathway. You generally submit an EOI first, follow the jurisdiction’s process, and then wait for nomination and a Home Affairs invitation.
Does meeting the points threshold guarantee nomination?
No. Meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee state selection, nomination or an invitation. States may apply additional criteria and select candidates according to current program priorities.
Can I apply to more than one state?
State processes and rules differ. Check the current conditions for each jurisdiction and ensure your EOI and any state submissions are accurate and consistent. Do not assume one state’s requirements apply to another.
What is the difference between subclass 190 and subclass 491?
The subclass 190 is permanent. The subclass 491 is a provisional regional visa with specific conditions. Compare current eligibility, nomination rules, visa conditions and any later pathway requirements on Home Affairs.
Can Skillage Nimbus help if I am not based in South Australia?
Yes. Skillage Nimbus is based in South Australia and assists with state nomination and migration matters across Australia. Advice depends on your circumstances and the current requirements of the state you are considering.