Subclass 190 State Nominated Visa: Permanent residency with state sponsorship

The Subclass 190 State Nominated Visa is a points-tested pathway to permanent residency that combines SkillSelect points with nomination by an Australian state or territory. Unlike the Subclass 189 (which requires high points and no sponsor), the 190 typically requires lower points — and states often have occupational priorities and incentives that make you more competitive. For international graduates, the 190 is often more achievable than the 189, particularly if you have state connections (studied or worked there) or your occupation aligns with state priorities.

What is Subclass 190?

The Subclass 190 State Nominated Visa is a permanent residency visa granted on a points-based system via SkillSelect, combined with nomination by an Australian state or territory. Once you accumulate points and are nominated by a state, you are invited to apply for the 190 visa; upon approval, you become a permanent resident.

Key features of 190:

• Permanent residency: No expiry; indefinite stay in Australia.
• State nomination required: A state/territory must nominate you (in addition to points).
• Points-based: Lower points required than 189 (typically 60–70 points vs. 85–95+ for 189, depending on state and occupation).
• State-dependent: Each state sets its own occupation lists, points requirements, and nomination criteria.
• Unrestricted work: Once granted, work in any occupation, any employer.
• Regional focus: Many states prioritise regional work, regional study, or regional settlement.

How 190 nomination works

Step 1: Check state nomination criteria

Each Australian state and territory has its own State Sponsorship Program with:

• Occupation list: Which occupations each state will nominate.
• Points requirements: Minimum SkillSelect points for nomination (often 60–70, vs. 189’s ~85–95).
• Additional criteria: Work experience in that state, study in that state, job offer in that state, residency commitment, or English proficiency.
• Application process: How to apply for state nomination.
• Processing times: How long state assessment takes (typically 4–12 weeks).

Step 2: Apply for state nomination

You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the state’s nomination program. The state reviews your qualifications, work experience, and whether you meet their criteria.

Processing time: 4–12 weeks (or longer, depending on state demand).

Step 3: State invites you to apply

If the state approves your nomination, they issue a nomination approval. You then have a deadline (typically 60 days) to lodge your 190 SkillSelect EOI or formal visa application.

Step 4: SkillSelect invitation and visa application

Once nominated, you enter the SkillSelect pool with the state nomination bonus (typically +5 points). The Department invites you to apply for the visa. You then submit your full 190 visa application.

Processing time: 4–12 weeks from application.

Step 5: 190 granted

Upon approval, you are a permanent resident.

Total timeline: State nomination (4–12 weeks) + SkillSelect invite (usually faster once nominated) + visa processing (4–12 weeks) = 3–6 months, often faster than 189.

Points required for 190

The points requirements for 190 vary significantly by state and occupation. As a general rule:

State nomination bonus: Once nominated by a state, you typically receive a +5 points bonus in SkillSelect, which significantly improves your competitiveness.

Example: Points advantage of state nomination

Scenario: You are a 28-year-old Chemical Engineer with 3 years of Australian work experience, Proficient English, and a Bachelor’s degree.

• For 189: 60 points is below the practical invitation threshold (80–90 for engineers). You are unlikely to be invited.
• For 190 with state nomination: 60 + 5 (state bonus) = 65 points. Many states would nominate you; you become more competitive.

Australian states and their nomination programs

Each state has distinct priorities and occupation lists. Here is an overview:

New South Wales (NSW)

Victoria (VIC)

Queensland (QLD)

Western Australia (WA)

South Australia (SA)

Tasmania (TAS)

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Northern Territory (NT)

Eligibility requirements for 190

To be eligible for state nomination and 190 visa, you must:

1. Occupation on state list: Your occupation must be on the nominating state’s occupation list (different from CSOL; each state sets its own).
2. Points score: You must meet the state’s minimum points requirement (typically 60–70 points, or lower for regional applicants).
3. Skills assessment: Positive skills assessment from your occupation’s assessing body.
4. English language: Usually Functional English minimum (IELTS 4.5) to Proficient (IELTS 6.5+), depending on state.
5. State connection (varies by state):
   • Study in that state (some states).
   • Work in that state (many states).
   • Job offer in that state (some states).
   • Residency commitment (some states require 2–5 year commitment to reside in the state).
6. Health and character: Pass health checks and character requirements.

How to apply for state nomination

Step 1: Identify eligible states

Check each state’s occupation list to see which states nominate your occupation. If your occupation is not on a state’s list, that state cannot nominate you.

Example: You are a Data Analyst.

• NSW: Includes Data Analyst on occupation list — eligible.
• Victoria: Includes Data Analyst — eligible.
• Tasmania: Does not include Data Analyst on current list — ineligible for TAS (for now).

Step 2: Review state-specific criteria

Even if your occupation is listed, check the state’s additional criteria:

• Do you meet the points threshold?
• Do you have the required work experience in that state (if applicable)?
• Have you studied in that state (if required)?
• Are you willing to commit to residing in that state for a specified period?

Step 3: Lodge state nomination EOI

Each state has its own online portal (separate from federal SkillSelect). You lodge an Expression of Interest with the state, providing:

• Personal details.
• Occupation and work experience.
• Educational qualifications.
• English language evidence (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
• Proof of state connection (if required) — work letters, study transcripts, etc.

Cost: Most states charge a nomination fee (typically AUD $200–$400).

Step 4: State assesses

The state’s migration team assesses your application against their criteria. Processing times vary (4–12+ weeks).

Step 5: State nominates

If approved, the state issues a State Nomination Approval (or invitation to apply for SkillSelect). You then have a deadline (typically 60 days) to lodge your SkillSelect EOI or federal 190 visa application.

Step 6: Federal processing

Once nominated, you are invited through SkillSelect and apply for the federal 190 visa. The Department processes your application (4–12 weeks) and grants the visa if approved.

Advantages of 190 over 189

For most graduates, 190 is more achievable than 189 because:

• Points threshold is lower.
• State nomination bonus (typically +5 points) helps you reach the threshold.
• States often have occupational priorities and willingness to nominate suitable applicants.

Conditions on 190 visa

Some states require a residency commitment: You must agree to live in that state for a specified period (often 2–5 years). If you fail to meet this commitment, the state may report you to the Department, which could affect your visa status.

Check your state’s conditions: Confirm what residency commitment (if any) is required before applying.

Timeline from graduation to 190 PR

Realistic timeline:

1. Year 0: Graduate and secure 485 visa.
2. Year 1–2: Work in that state (e.g. NSW, QLD, VIC) or undertake further study in that state to establish state connection.
3. Year 2–3: Apply for state nomination (state assessment: 4–12 weeks).
4. Year 2–3: Receive state nomination and lodge federal 190 application (visa processing: 4–12 weeks).
5. Year 3: 190 visa granted; permanent residency achieved.
6. Total: 3 years from graduation to PR (faster than 189, slower than 482 → 186 with early sponsorship).

Regional migration incentives

Most states prioritise regional applicants, offering:

• Lower points thresholds: Regional applicants may need only 55–65 points vs. capital city applicants at 65–75.
• Faster processing: Some states expedite regional applications.
• Occupational priorities: Regional occupations (nurses, teachers, skilled trades) are often prioritised.

If you are willing to live and work in a regional area, your 190 prospects improve significantly.

Life after 190 grant

Once you hold a 190 (PR), you have:

• Permanent residency: No visa expiry; indefinite stay.
• Unrestricted work: Work in any occupation, any employer (the state connection ceases to matter once visa is granted).
• Travel freedom: Overseas travel and return permitted.
• Pathway to citizenship: After 4 years of PR residence, apply for Australian citizenship.
• Family sponsorship: Sponsor family members to join you.

Key points to remember

• Lower points than 189: State nomination reduces the points burden.
• State-dependent: Each state has its own occupation list and criteria.
• State connection helpful: Study or work in that state improves your chances.
• Faster than 189: Often 3–6 months from application to PR (vs. 6–12+ months for 189).
• Regional advantage: Regional areas within states offer better odds.
• Points bonus for nomination: Typically +5 points in SkillSelect.
• May have residency conditions: Check if your state requires a 2–5 year residency commitment.
• Permanent residency: Once granted, unrestricted rights (state tie ends).

FAQ

Q: Can I apply for state nomination from overseas? A: Yes. You do not need to be in Australia to apply for state nomination. However, some states prefer applicants with state connections (prior study or work). Apply from overseas if you are eligible; if nominated, you can then apply for the federal visa.

Q: What if I am nominated by one state but want to live in another state? A: Once your 190 is granted, the state connection is fulfilled, and you can live and work anywhere in Australia. However, some states have residency commitments (2–5 years) that you must satisfy. If you fail to meet the commitment, the state may report you.

Q: Can I apply for 190 to multiple states at once? A: Yes. You can apply for state nomination to multiple states simultaneously. If nominated by multiple states, you can choose which state nomination to accept.

Q: What is the difference between 190 and 491? A: 190 grants permanent residency immediately upon approval. 491 grants a 5-year provisional visa; after 5 years of regional work / residency, you can transition to 191 (permanent residency). 190 is usually faster to PR, while 491 is often easier to obtain initially (lower points, more flexibility).

Q: Do I need a job offer to be nominated for 190? A: Depends on the state. Some states require a job offer; others do not. Check your state’s criteria. If a job offer is not required, strong work experience and points are usually sufficient.

Q: How long does state nomination processing take? A: Typically 4–12 weeks, depending on the state and application complexity. Some states are faster; some take longer. Plan for 6–8 weeks as a realistic estimate.

Q: Can my 485 visa be extended while I wait for state nomination? A: No. The 485 is not extendable. If you apply for state nomination near the end of your 485 and the processing extends beyond your visa expiry, you would need a bridging visa to remain in Australia legally while awaiting a decision. Consult a migration agent if timing is tight.

Sources

• Subclass 190 State Nominated Visa
• State Sponsorship Programs (all states)
• SkillSelect

Last reviewed: April 2026. Migration rules and occupation lists change frequently — always verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and the relevant assessing body before acting.