Migrating to Australia has always been a dream for skilled professionals seeking exceptional career opportunities, a high standard of living, and global exposure. Among the many visa pathways, the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa stands out as one of the better and more sought-after options in 2025. This visa not only grants permanent residency but also allows applicants to benefit from state or territory sponsorship, making it a more attainable pathway compared to independent visas.
In this blog, we’ll jot down the crucial aspects of Subclass 190, how state nomination works in 2026, and what you need to know before applying.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are approved by an Australian state or territory government. Unlike the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), which does not require sponsorship, the 190 visa relies on state nomination. This nomination not only improves your chances of receiving an invitation to apply but also adds 5 additional points to your overall points score.
Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa
1. Permanent Residency – Grants you and your family the right to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
2. State/Territory Support – Increases chances of securing an invitation compared to the Subclass 189.
3. Access to Medicare – Public healthcare services are available upon visa grant.
4. Pathway to Citizenship – Once you meet the residency requirements, you may apply to become an Australian citizen.
5. Family Sponsorship – Allows you to sponsor and assist family members in obtaining permanent residency.
6. Various Opportunities – Different occupational categories in each state enable higher-qualified professionals to apply.
The Major Characteristics of State Nomination in 2026
1. Professional List of Occupations – Every state issues a list of high-demand occupations based on local skills shortages and labor requirements. Healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and trade occupations are some of the popular fields in 2026.
2. Residency and Work Requirements – Some states prefer applicants likely to spend the anticipated time living, studying, or working in the state, while others offer pathways to offshore applicants in high-demand jobs.
3. Commitment to State – By accepting state nomination, you are bound to reside and work in that state for at least two years upon receiving your visa.
4. Additional Criteria – States may impose higher English requirements, recent work experience, or minimum points standards above the base 65 points.
The Subclass 190 Process in 2025: Step-by-Step
1. Check Eligibility – Be under 45 years of age, have a legitimate occupational classification under the Skilled Occupation List, meet the English language requirement, and achieve a minimum score of 65 points prior to state nomination.
2. Skills Assessment – Obtain a favorable skills assessment by the relevant authority.
3. Place Expression of Interest (EOI) – Register your EOI and select states/territories of interest using SkillSelect.
4. Apply for State Nomination – Fill out a nomination form for the state or territory as required.
5. Receive Invitation – Upon nomination, you will have an opportunity to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa.
6. Lodge Visa Application – Submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
Understanding State Nomination in 2026
State nomination is crucial for a successful Subclass 190 application. In 2026, each Australian state and territory sets its own eligibility criteria, occupational lists, and invitation priorities. Meeting the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requirements alone is not enough—you must also satisfy the specific requirements of your chosen state or territory.
Baseline of 65 points is required.
What’s New in 2026?
· Targeted Occupational Categories: States focus on critical skills shortages, especially in healthcare (nurses, doctors, aged care professionals), IT (cybersecurity, software engineers), and construction trades.
· Flexible Pathways: Additional states are reopening offshore nomination programs due to Australia’s increasing demand for global talent.
· Digital Applications: The nomination process is faster with streamlined online portals across states.
· Regional Incentives: Regional areas provide additional opportunities for quicker nominations to attract skilled migrants outside major cities.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa remains one of the best permanent residency pathways in 2025 for skilled professionals who may not score high enough for a Subclass 189 but are in demand by specific states. The additional 5 points from state nomination can make a significant difference in receiving an invitation.
If you’re planning to apply, the key is to:
· Monitor state occupation lists regularly.
· Stay updated on changing eligibility requirements.
· Prepare documentation in advance to avoid missing nomination windows.
With careful planning and accurate guidance, the Subclass 190 visa can open pathways to a rewarding life and advanced career in Australia.
Don’t forget to check your eligibility if you are interested as the assessment is absolutely free of cost. Please fill out the assessment form and one of our Expert Immigration Consultants will get back to you at the earliest.
Migrating to Australia has always been a dream for skilled professionals seeking exceptional career opportunities, a high standard of living, and global exposure. Among the many visa pathways, the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa stands out as one of the better and more sought-after options in 2025. This visa not only grants permanent residency but also allows applicants to benefit from state or territory sponsorship, making it a more attainable pathway compared to independent visas.
In this blog, we’ll jot down the crucial aspects of Subclass 190, how state nomination works in 2026, and what you need to know before applying.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are approved by an Australian state or territory government. Unlike the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), which does not require sponsorship, the 190 visa relies on state nomination. This nomination not only improves your chances of receiving an invitation to apply but also adds 5 additional points to your overall points score.
Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa
1. Permanent Residency – Grants you and your family the right to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
2. State/Territory Support – Increases chances of securing an invitation compared to the Subclass 189.
3. Access to Medicare – Public healthcare services are available upon visa grant.
4. Pathway to Citizenship – Once you meet the residency requirements, you may apply to become an Australian citizen.
5. Family Sponsorship – Allows you to sponsor and assist family members in obtaining permanent residency.
6. Various Opportunities – Different occupational categories in each state enable higher-qualified professionals to apply.
The Major Characteristics of State Nomination in 2026
1. Professional List of Occupations – Every state issues a list of high-demand occupations based on local skills shortages and labor requirements. Healthcare, IT, engineering, education, and trade occupations are some of the popular fields in 2026.
2. Residency and Work Requirements – Some states prefer applicants likely to spend the anticipated time living, studying, or working in the state, while others offer pathways to offshore applicants in high-demand jobs.
3. Commitment to State – By accepting state nomination, you are bound to reside and work in that state for at least two years upon receiving your visa.
4. Additional Criteria – States may impose higher English requirements, recent work experience, or minimum points standards above the base 65 points.
The Subclass 190 Process in 2025: Step-by-Step
1. Check Eligibility – Be under 45 years of age, have a legitimate occupational classification under the Skilled Occupation List, meet the English language requirement, and achieve a minimum score of 65 points prior to state nomination.
2. Skills Assessment – Obtain a favorable skills assessment by the relevant authority.
3. Place Expression of Interest (EOI) – Register your EOI and select states/territories of interest using SkillSelect.
4. Apply for State Nomination – Fill out a nomination form for the state or territory as required.
5. Receive Invitation – Upon nomination, you will have an opportunity to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa.
6. Lodge Visa Application – Submit your application to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
Understanding State Nomination in 2026
State nomination is crucial for a successful Subclass 190 application. In 2026, each Australian state and territory sets its own eligibility criteria, occupational lists, and invitation priorities. Meeting the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requirements alone is not enough—you must also satisfy the specific requirements of your chosen state or territory.
Baseline of 65 points is required.
What’s New in 2026?
· Targeted Occupational Categories: States focus on critical skills shortages, especially in healthcare (nurses, doctors, aged care professionals), IT (cybersecurity, software engineers), and construction trades.
· Flexible Pathways: Additional states are reopening offshore nomination programs due to Australia’s increasing demand for global talent.
· Digital Applications: The nomination process is faster with streamlined online portals across states.
· Regional Incentives: Regional areas provide additional opportunities for quicker nominations to attract skilled migrants outside major cities.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa remains one of the best permanent residency pathways in 2025 for skilled professionals who may not score high enough for a Subclass 189 but are in demand by specific states. The additional 5 points from state nomination can make a significant difference in receiving an invitation.
If you’re planning to apply, the key is to:
· Monitor state occupation lists regularly.
· Stay updated on changing eligibility requirements.
· Prepare documentation in advance to avoid missing nomination windows.
With careful planning and accurate guidance, the Subclass 190 visa can open pathways to a rewarding life and advanced career in Australia.
Don’t forget to check your eligibility if you are interested as the assessment is absolutely free of cost. Please fill out the assessment form and one of our Expert Immigration Consultants will get back to you at the earliest.
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