Skilled Nominated Visa

The 190 visa allows skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.

With this visa you can:

• Work and study anywhere in Australia (you must live in the nominating state/ territory for the first two years after the grant of the visa)
• sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
• enrol in Medicare
• travel to and from Australia for 5 years.
• if eligible, you may apply for Australian citizenship

The points-based system

As of July 1, 2018, the minimum score to apply for this visa is 65 points. The more points you have, the more likely you are to obtain an invitation to apply for a visa to live and work in Australia. Points are awarded based on a number of factors, including:

• your age
• your proficiency in English
• the length of time you have been employed in your occupation overseas and/or in Australia
• your education levels
• your marital status
• your partner’s skills

To check how points can be awarded refer to the points calculator.

Some of the specific criteria to apply for the 190 visas

Currently, you must be under the age of 45 to apply for the visa. Other criteria that will affect your eligibility include:

• having an occupation on the 190-visa occupation list and have a full positive skills assessment
• be competent in English
• meet health and character requirements
• be able to score 65 points or more
• lodge an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited to apply
• be nominated by an Australian state or territory government
• not having a visa cancelled or a previous application refused
• pay or arrange to pay back all debts to the Australian government, if you or any family members (including those who do not apply for the visa with you) owe the Australian government money

The process for applying for a 190 visa

Before you apply:

• check that your occupation is on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa.
• get your skills accessed
• check your points
• check that you meet the eligibility criteria

After determining that your occupation is in demand, you will then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that details your qualifications, skills, and occupation to Skill Select. You will be given an indicative point score based on the information provided in your application.

If you obtain the required score, a state or territory may decide to nominate you. Once you are nominated, gather your documents and apply for the visa within the 60 days of receiving an invitation. The 190 visa takes anywhere from 11 to 14 months to process.

Travel while I am living in Australia

You can travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted. After 5 years, you’ll need a Resident Return (RRV) visa (subclasses 155 or 157) to continue travelling to and from Australia as a permanent resident. To see when the 5 years ends, use VEVO.

The cost of the 190 visa is about AUD 4,045. Visa fees