At a glance
- Visa type
- Permanent residenceFrom the day it is granted
- What is different
- State or territory nominationWorth additional points
- Commitment
- To live and work in the nominating stateTake this seriously, not as a formality
- Points threshold
- At least 65, including nomination pointsStill ranked against other applicants
- Our fee
- On quoteAfter a consultation, fixed in writing
Subclass 190
When nomination is the sensible route
The 190 exists for people whose profile is solid but not quite competitive for a 189, and whose occupation is wanted by a particular state. Each state runs its own list, its own criteria and its own timing, and they change — so the strategy question is which state, not just whether.
Scores just short of competitive
The nomination points can be the difference between sitting in the pool indefinitely and being invited.
Occupations a state specifically wants
State lists differ from each other and from the Commonwealth lists. An occupation that is going nowhere federally can be in demand somewhere specific.
People already settled in a state
If you are studying or working somewhere and intend to stay, the commitment the state asks for is one you were going to honour anyway.
Applicants who need certainty sooner
A realistic nomination pathway usually beats waiting for a 189 invitation that your score will not attract.
Eligibility
What the Department and the state both require
A 190 has two gatekeepers. The state decides whether to nominate you against its own criteria; the Department then assesses the visa. Satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
- 01
Nomination by a state or territory
Each has its own occupation list, eligibility rules, and often its own application process and fee.
- 02
An invitation to apply
Issued after nomination. You cannot lodge without it.
- 03
A nominated occupation on the relevant list
For this visa, and for the nominating state.
- 04
A positive skills assessment
From the assessing authority for that occupation.
- 05
At least 65 points
Nomination points count towards this total.
- 06
Age, English, health and character
Generally under 45 at invitation, at least competent English, plus health examinations and police certificates.
- 07
A genuine commitment to the state
This is a substantive expectation, not a box to tick. Treat it as one.
How we work
What we actually do for you
You should know whether an application is viable before you spend money on it. If it is not yet, we say so and set out what would change that.
- 01
Work out which state
Based on your occupation, your score, where you already have ties, and what each state is currently asking for.
- 02
Skills assessment
From the correct assessing authority for the occupation you will nominate.
- 03
Expression of interest, and the state application
Often two separate processes with different evidence requirements.
- 04
Nomination, invitation, then the visa application
Each has its own deadline. Missing one restarts the sequence.
- 05
Through to the decision
We respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated.
Where it goes wrong
Why these applications fail
Refusals are rarely a surprise in hindsight. These are the patterns we see most, and all four are avoidable with advice before lodgement rather than after a decision.
Applying to the wrong state
Chasing whichever list looks easiest, with no real connection to the place and no intention of staying. States assess commitment, and the obligation follows you after grant.
Assuming state criteria are stable
They are revised, paused and closed. A plan built on last year's list can evaporate mid-process.
Counting nomination points before you have the nomination
The points only exist once the state actually nominates you.
Evidence that satisfies the state but not the Department
Two assessors, two standards. Both have to be met with the same set of facts.
Fees
What we charge
General information, not personal advice. This page explains how the visa works in general terms. It is not immigration assistance for your circumstances, and reading it does not create a client relationship.
Requirements, thresholds and processing priorities change. The Department of Home Affairs is the authority on current settings, and we confirm them against your case in a consultation. Reviewed August 2026.
Advice on this page is provided by a MARA-registered migration agent, MARN 1793706. In Australia only registered agents may lawfully give immigration assistance for a fee.
Migration agent consultation
60 minutes, in person or online
Full assessment of your options with customised advice. Credited towards your visa professional fee if you proceed.
AUD 150Free for Scholar Hub students
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Our professional fee
Document preparation, drafting and lodgement, and responses to the Department through to a decision.
On quoteFixed in writing after your consultation
Our professional fees only. They exclude Department of Home Affairs visa application charges, skills assessment fees, English test fees and medical examinations.
See the full pricing page for other services.
Related pathways
Other visas we advise on
Most people are choosing between two or three of these. The immigration services page compares them side by side.
Skilled Independent
189Points-tested permanent residence with no employer and no state involved.
Employer Nomination
186Permanent residence nominated by an employer, in one of three streams.
Skills in Demand
482Employer-sponsored temporary work, and the usual route into a 186.
Skills assessment
Step oneThe mandatory first step for most skilled visas. Get the occupation right.
Questions
What people ask about the 190
General guidance only, and policy changes. Your own circumstances are assessed in a consultation.