Subclass 190 Through SkillSelect: Getting a Nomination

What is the subclass 190 visa?

The subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa is a permanent residence visa for highly skilled workers who are sponsored (nominated) by an Australian state or territory. Unlike the independent subclass 189, the subclass 190 requires you to obtain a nomination from one of the 8 states or territories before lodging the visa application.

In return, being nominated brings you 5 bonus points in the SkillSelect points-based system — a significant competitive advantage in the invitation rounds.

Basic eligibility to lodge a subclass 190 EOI

An occupation on an eligible list

Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) or on a particular state’s occupation list. Each state has its own list of priority occupations for nomination (State Occupation List), usually reflecting local labour needs. You need to check the list of the state you are interested in.

A valid skills assessment

As with the subclass 189, you need a valid skills assessment from the assessing authority appropriate to the ANZSCO code of your nominated occupation. The assessment must remain valid throughout the process of lodging the EOI and the visa application.

English proficiency

The minimum English requirement is the Competent level. However, some states have English requirements above the federal minimum — for example, some states require IELTS 7.0 or above across all 4 bands.

Under 45 years old

The age requirement is the same as for the subclass 189: under 45 years old at the time of receiving an ITA from the Department of Home Affairs.

The nomination and EOI process for subclass 190

Step 1: Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect

Lodge an EOI in the SkillSelect system and indicate that you are interested in the subclass 190. In the EOI, you need to select the states or territories you are willing to be nominated by.

Step 2: Lodge an application with the state

Most states require you to lodge a separate application through their nomination portal (outside SkillSelect). Each state has different requirements, forms, and intake opening times. Some states open continuously, while others open in waves or by invitation.

Step 3: The state reviews and grants the nomination

The state assesses your profile against its own criteria — not just your EOI points but also your ties to the state, local work experience, specific labour needs, and so on. If approved, the state grants the nomination and your EOI points automatically increase by 5 points in SkillSelect.

Step 4: Receive an ITA from the Department of Home Affairs

With the 5 bonus points from the nomination, your EOI ranks higher in the subclass 190 invitation round. The Department of Home Affairs runs separate invitation rounds for the subclass 190 (distinct from the subclass 189). When your score is high enough, you receive an ITA.

Step 5: Lodge the visa application within 60 days

After receiving the ITA, you have 60 days to lodge the formal subclass 190 application with a complete set of documents.

The commitment to live and work in the nominating state

This is an important condition of the subclass 190: when you receive a nomination from a state, you commit to living and working in that state for 2 years after the visa is granted. This is a commitment by law, not merely a recommendation.

That said, the subclass 190 is still PR — you are not barred from moving to another state after fulfilling the 2-year obligation, and as a matter of law the federal government cannot force you to remain in that state forever beyond the commitment period. However, breaking the commitment in the first 2 years may affect the credibility of your migration record.

Subclass 190 compared with subclass 189

The subclass 190 is often easier to achieve than the subclass 189 thanks to the 5 bonus points and a separate, less competitive invitation round. In return, you are geographically restricted for the first 2 years. For applicants with 70–80 points who struggle to reach the subclass 189 cut-off, the subclass 190 is often a much more realistic option.