For long, the world has considered moving to Australia a dream into reality, especially for professionals looking for growth prospects, quality life and global recognition. One of these is the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa, and it is particularly popular in 2026 as there are many other visas to enter the crowded pool. Not only is this visa a PR visa, but it also offers applicants state or territory sponsorship, so really the bar is set lower compared to independent visas.
In this blog, we will dissect the Subclass 190 in general and what does State Nomination mean in 2026 with various categories to make it easier and simpler for you before applying.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 Visa is a permanent residency visa, where points are awarded to skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Unlike the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), which is un-sponsored, the 190 visa is state sponsored. It not only makes you more likely to be invited to apply, it also gives you 5 points towards your score.
Pros of having the Subclass 190 Visa
Permanent Residency – Allows you to live, work and study in Australia permanently, including your family members.
State/Territory Sponsorship – Higher opportunity to receive an invitation than the Subclass 189.
Access to Medicare – No gap period for public healthcare access once the visa is granted.
Pathway to Citizenship – Once you have satisfied the residence requirement, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
Sponsor Family – You can apply to sponsor family members for permanent residence.
Variety of Jobs – Each state has its own occupation list, meaning more experienced candidates can apply.
Understanding State Nomination in 2026
The state nomination is the secret sauce to a successful Subclass 190 application. Still in 2026, Australia’s states and territories set their own eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and invitation priorities. That means that simply meeting the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) benchmark is not sufficient — you also need to meet your chosen state’s specific requirements.
Key Overview of the State Nomination in 2026
Occupation Lists
Every state has a list of in-demand occupations based on local skills gaps and labour market demand. In 2026, high-demand jobs are mainly in health, IT, engineering, teaching, and trades.
Residency and Work Requirements
Some states give preference to applicants already living, studying, or working in the state. Others create pathways for offshore applicants in occupations that are in high demand.
Commitment to State
When 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.
Additional Criteria
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) minimum threshold is 65 points. However, states may require a higher English language score, recent work experience, or a higher minimum points score.
Step by Step Process for Subclass 190 in 2026
Check Eligibility
Be under 45 years of age.
Have an eligible occupation on the Skilled Occupations List.
Meet the English language requirement.
Achieve a minimum of 65 points (prior to state nomination).
Skills Assessment – Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) – Submit your EOI through SkillSelect and select your preferred states or territories.
Apply for State Nomination – Apply directly to the relevant state or territory (if required).
Receive Invitation – If nominated, you will be invited to apply for the Subclass 190 visa.
Lodge Visa Application – Submit your visa application to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days of receiving your invitation.
What’s New in 2026?
Targeted Occupations: States are prioritizing occupations experiencing critical skill shortages, particularly in healthcare (nurses, doctors, aged care workers), IT (cybersecurity and software engineers), and construction trades.
Adjustable Pathways: States are expanding offshore nomination programs to attract global talent as demand in Australia grows.
Digital Usage: The nomination process is faster due to simplified online portals in various states.
Regionalized Incentives: Regional areas continue to offer quicker visas and nominations to encourage skilled migrants to settle outside major cities.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is one of the best permanent residency pathways in 2026 for skilled applicants who may not qualify with sufficient points for a Subclass 189 but are in demand by a particular state or territory. The extra 5 points from state nomination can be a game-changer in receiving an invitation.
If you’re considering applying, the secret is to:
Monitor state occupation lists regularly.
Keep abreast of the evolving eligibility criteria.
Get your documents ready early to avoid missing any nomination window.
The Subclass 190 can be the path to a fulfilling life in Australia personally and professionally with proper support and preparation.
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.
How to Get Subclass 190 State Nomination in 2026
For long, the world has considered moving to Australia a dream into reality, especially for professionals looking for growth prospects, quality life and global recognition. One of these is the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa, and it is particularly popular in 2026 as there are many other visas to enter the crowded pool. Not only is this visa a PR visa, but it also offers applicants state or territory sponsorship, so really the bar is set lower compared to independent visas.
In this blog, we will dissect the Subclass 190 in general and what does State Nomination mean in 2026 with various categories to make it easier and simpler for you before applying.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 Visa is a permanent residency visa, where points are awarded to skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Unlike the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), which is un-sponsored, the 190 visa is state sponsored. It not only makes you more likely to be invited to apply, it also gives you 5 points towards your score.
Pros of having the Subclass 190 Visa
Understanding State Nomination in 2026
The state nomination is the secret sauce to a successful Subclass 190 application. Still in 2026, Australia’s states and territories set their own eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and invitation priorities. That means that simply meeting the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) benchmark is not sufficient — you also need to meet your chosen state’s specific requirements.
Key Overview of the State Nomination in 2026
Occupation Lists
Every state has a list of in-demand occupations based on local skills gaps and labour market demand. In 2026, high-demand jobs are mainly in health, IT, engineering, teaching, and trades.
Residency and Work Requirements
Some states give preference to applicants already living, studying, or working in the state. Others create pathways for offshore applicants in occupations that are in high demand.
Commitment to State
When 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.
Additional Criteria
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) minimum threshold is 65 points. However, states may require a higher English language score, recent work experience, or a higher minimum points score.
Step by Step Process for Subclass 190 in 2026
What’s New in 2026?
Targeted Occupations: States are prioritizing occupations experiencing critical skill shortages, particularly in healthcare (nurses, doctors, aged care workers), IT (cybersecurity and software engineers), and construction trades.
Adjustable Pathways: States are expanding offshore nomination programs to attract global talent as demand in Australia grows.
Digital Usage: The nomination process is faster due to simplified online portals in various states.
Regionalized Incentives: Regional areas continue to offer quicker visas and nominations to encourage skilled migrants to settle outside major cities.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is one of the best permanent residency pathways in 2026 for skilled applicants who may not qualify with sufficient points for a Subclass 189 but are in demand by a particular state or territory. The extra 5 points from state nomination can be a game-changer in receiving an invitation.
If you’re considering applying, the secret is to:
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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