State-Sponsored Permanent Residency in Australia
The Subclass 190 Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Unlike the 189 visa, this pathway requires state nomination, making it ideal for applicants who may not meet the 189 points requirement but have skills needed in specific regions..
Key Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa
✅ Permanent residency from day one
✅ Live and work anywhere in Australia (no regional restrictions)
✅ Lower points requirement than Subclass 189 (due to state nomination bonus)
✅ Access to Medicare & social benefits
✅ Bring eligible family members (partner & dependent children)
✅ Pathway to citizenship after residency requirements
Eligibility Requirements
1. State Nomination
✔ Must be invited by an Australian state/territory
✔ Occupation must be on the state’s skilled occupation list
✔ Must comply with your nominating state or territory’s commitment requirements (usually about 2 years)
2. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
✔ Must be on either:
· Medium & Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
· Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
3. Skills Assessment
✔ Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
4. Points Test (Minimum 65 Points Required)
✔ +5 Points for state nomination (total 65+ required) Points are awarded for:
· Age (max points for 25-32 years)
· English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 minimum)
· Work experience (Australian or overseas)
· Education qualifications
· Australian study requirement (if applicable)
5. Age Limit
✔ Must be under 45 years at time of invitation
6. English Language Requirement
✔ Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
✔ Higher scores (Proficient/Superior) grant extra points
7. Health & Character Checks
✔ Must pass medical examinations
✔ Must provide police clearance certificates
How the 190 Visa Process Works
1. Check Eligibility – Confirm occupation is on a state’s list
2. Skills Assessment – Get assessed by the relevant authority
3. Submit EOI (Expression of Interest) – Via SkillSelect
4. Receive State Nomination – Apply directly to a state/territory
5. Get Invited to Apply – By Home Affairs
6. Lodge Visa Application – Within 60 days of invitation
7. Visa Grant – processing times vary; check the Home Affairs processing time guide
Why Choose the Subclass 190 Visa?
🔹 Higher chance of invitation (due to state nomination bonus)
🔹 Permanent residency without employer sponsorship
🔹 Flexibility to move anywhere after 2 years
🔹 Family inclusion – Spouse & children can be included
🔹 Citizenship eligibility after 4 years
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ State Nomination Strategy – Match you with the best state for your occupation
✅ Skills Assessment Support – Liaise with assessing bodies
✅ EOI & Visa Application – Maximize points & avoid refusals
✅ Post-Visa Settlement Assistance – Help with relocation, Medicare, etc.
Ready to Apply for Permanent Residency?
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Official Resources: Home Affairs –
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa?
The subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Nomination adds points to your score and is the practical difference between subclass 190 and the independent subclass 189. You must be invited to apply through SkillSelect before lodging.
How do I get state nomination for a subclass 190 visa?
Each state and territory publishes its own nomination criteria, occupation lists and application process, and these change during the program year. Requirements commonly include an occupation on that state’s list, a minimum points score, relevant work experience, and in many cases a genuine commitment to live and work in that state.
Do I have to live in the nominating state?
Subclass 190 holders are expected to live and work in the nominating state or territory, usually for two years, and most states ask you to commit to this when you seek nomination. The visa itself is permanent and does not carry a legally enforceable location condition, but the commitment to the nominating state is taken seriously.
Is subclass 190 easier to get than subclass 189?
Neither is easier in the abstract. State nomination adds points, which can lift a score that is not competitive for an independent invitation, but it adds a separate application with its own criteria and its own timing. Which is more realistic depends on your occupation, your score and which states are nominating it.
What happens if my occupation is not on a state’s list?
Lists differ between states and are revised each program year, so an occupation absent from one list may appear on another. If no state nominates your occupation, employer sponsorship under subclass 482 or subclass 186, or a regional pathway, is usually the more productive line of enquiry.
Related pages: Subclass 189 Skilled Independent · Permanent residence visas · Employer sponsored visas · Book a consultation
This information is general in nature and was checked against Department of Home Affairs sources on 15 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice. Charges, thresholds and requirements change. Complex circumstances need advice from a registered migration agent about your own situation.