State Sponsored Visas (Subclass 190): How to Get Nominated

If you're a skilled worker looking to migrate to Australia, the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa might be your pathway to permanent residency. Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, the 190 requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government, but it comes with a significant advantage: an extra 5 points toward your points test. This can make the difference between getting an invitation and waiting indefinitely. Here's everything you need to know about securing state sponsorship and making your Australian migration dream a reality.

What Is the Subclass 190 Visa?

The Subclass 190 is a permanent residency visa designed for skilled workers who've been nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia once you've been granted the visa. The key difference from other skilled migration visas is the nomination requirement—but this also means you get those valuable extra 5 points toward your points test.

One important commitment: if you accept a state nomination, you must live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years from the date your Australian visa is granted. This commitment is a condition of your nomination, so it's worth considering which state aligns with your career goals and lifestyle.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Age and Points

You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. The Department of Home Affairs sets a minimum threshold of 65 points, which includes the 5 points for state nomination. However, individual states may require higher English language scores, recent work experience, or even a higher minimum points score, so check your preferred state's specific requirements.

Occupation and Skills Assessment

Your occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupations List. You'll also need a valid skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority in your field. For Victoria, your skills assessment must have at least 12 weeks validity remaining when you submit your nomination application. If you're a health professional, your occupation must align with your Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration.

English Language Proficiency

You'll need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or PTE. States may have their own English language requirements on top of the federal minimum.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting State Nominated

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you do anything else, verify that you meet both the visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs and your preferred state's nomination criteria. This includes confirming your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and that you have a valid skills assessment.

Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment

Get a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This document is essential—without it, you can't proceed. Make sure the occupation in your skills assessment matches what you'll claim in your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI).

Step 3: Sit English Language Tests

Complete an English language test such as IELTS or PTE. Your score will contribute to your points calculation and may affect your chances of nomination, depending on the state.

Step 4: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect and select your preferred state or territory. This is a free step. In your EOI, you'll provide details about your occupation, work experience, education, and English language ability. Every claim you make in your EOI must be supported by valid documents later.

Step 5: Apply for State Nomination

If required by your state, apply directly to the relevant state or territory government for nomination. Some states have their own application portals. For example, Tasmania requires applicants to register in the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway. There's typically a nomination application fee—around $370 to $407 including GST.

Step 6: Wait for an Invitation to Apply

States review EOIs and prioritise based on their economic needs and available seats. Invitation rounds occur throughout the financial year, but there are no predetermined or publicly announced dates—NSW, for instance, doesn't publish specific invitation round schedules. When you're invited, you'll typically have 14 days to respond, and this window won't be extended.

States consider multiple factors when selecting EOIs, including age, English language proficiency, education, points score, and total years of skilled work experience. Being invited is at the sole discretion of the state government.

Step 7: Lodge Your Visa Application with Department of Home Affairs

Once nominated, you must submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days of receiving your invitation. This is a critical deadline—if you miss it or if there are errors in your SkillSelect EOI information at the time of nomination, the state cannot nominate you again in that financial year.

State-Specific Considerations

Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination program with different requirements and priorities. Here's what you should know:

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW considers multiple factors including age, English language proficiency, education, points score, and years of skilled work experience. Your nominated occupation must fall within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW Skills List. Applications are typically assessed within six weeks after payment.

Victoria

Victoria's 2025-26 skilled visa nomination program is now open. Your skills assessment must have at least 12 weeks validity remaining when you apply. If nominated, you must commit to living and working in Victoria for at least two years. Victoria also requires you to complete surveys about your experience and settlement in the state—these are a condition of nomination but don't affect your visa.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT has specific occupation lists for nomination. If you're a 457/482 visa holder, you may qualify if you've worked in Canberra in your nominated occupation for the last six months.

Tasmania

Anyone seeking Tasmanian nomination must first register in the Migration Tasmania Application Gateway. Check Tasmania's eligibility requirements carefully before submitting your application.

South Australia

Skilled migrants can support their visa application by applying for South Australian state nomination.

Key Obligations After Nomination

Once you're nominated, you have important responsibilities:

• Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving your invitation from the state
• Live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years from the date your visa is granted
• Keep your contact details up to date so the state can reach you with important information
• Complete surveys if requested by the state (particularly in Victoria)
• Maintain valid documents—ensure all claims in your EOI are supported by non-expired documentation

Processing Times and Costs

Processing times vary, but standard processing typically takes 15–30 days. State nomination applications usually cost around $370 to $407 including GST, while your initial EOI submission through SkillSelect is free.

Why Choose the 190 Over Other Visas?

The 190 visa offers a unique advantage: those extra 5 points from state nomination can make the difference between securing permanent residency and waiting years for an invitation. Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, which is entirely points-based without state nomination, the 190 gives you a pathway even if you're slightly below the competitive points threshold. The trade-off is the 2-year state commitment, but for many skilled workers, that's a worthwhile investment in securing permanent residency.

Common Questions About State Sponsored Visas

Can I apply to multiple states at the same time?

Yes, you can submit your EOI and apply for nomination to multiple states simultaneously. This increases your chances of receiving an invitation. However, once you're nominated by one state, you'll need to proceed with that nomination.

What happens if I'm not invited in the first round?

If you're not invited, your EOI remains active in SkillSelect. States conduct invitation rounds throughout the financial year based on their needs. You can update your EOI if your circumstances change (though the date of submission or amendment doesn't affect your likelihood of being invited).

Can I change states after being nominated?

No. Once you accept a state nomination, you're committed to that state. You must live and work there for at least 2 years from the date your visa is granted.

What if my skills assessment expires before I'm invited?

You'll need to obtain a new skills assessment. For Victoria specifically, your skills assessment must have at least 12 weeks validity when you submit your nomination application. Check your state's requirements, as they may vary.

How long does the entire process take?

The timeline varies considerably. From submitting your EOI to receiving an invitation can take weeks to months, depending on the state and the demand for your occupation. Once invited, you have 14 days to apply for nomination, and state assessment typically takes around six weeks. Standard visa processing takes 15–30 days. Overall, expect the process to take several months.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the 190 visa?

No, a job offer isn't required for the 190 visa. However, having relevant recent work experience in your nominated occupation strengthens your application and contributes to your points score.

Next Steps: Getting Started on Your Application

Ready to pursue the 190 visa? Here's what to do now:

1. Research your occupation on the Skilled Occupations List and identify which states have demand for your field
2. Arrange a skills assessment with the relevant assessing authority
3. Sit an English language test (IELTS or PTE)
4. Create your SkillSelect account and prepare your EOI
5. Review your preferred state's specific nomination requirements
6. Submit your EOI and state nomination applications
7. Monitor your SkillSelect account for invitation rounds
8. Respond promptly if you receive an invitation

The Subclass 190 visa is a realistic pathway to Australian permanent residency for skilled workers. While the process requires careful planning and attention to detail, thousands of skilled migrants have successfully used this visa to build new lives in Australia. By understanding the requirements, meeting the deadlines, and choosing the right state for your circumstances, you can significantly improve your chances of securing that all-important nomination.