What is the 190 Visa Australia?

The 190 visa Australia is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. Unlike the independent pathway, this visa requires state sponsorship, which adds additional points and improves your chances of receiving an invitation.

The 190 visa Australia allows you to live and work in Australia permanently, with access to Medicare and a clear pathway to citizenship once residency requirements are met.

190 Visa Australia Requirements

• Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Positive skills assessment
• Minimum 65 points (higher in reality for invitations)
• English language requirements met
• State nomination approval
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

How State Nomination Works

State nomination is the key difference in the 190 visa Australia pathway. Each state sets its own criteria based on workforce needs. This may include work experience, qualifications, or connections to the state.

Some states prioritise applicants already working in that state, while others invite offshore applicants in high-demand occupations.

190 Visa Australia Points Explained

The points system determines eligibility, but invitation levels are often much higher than the minimum. Age, qualifications, work experience, and English test results all contribute to your total score.

State nomination adds 5 additional points, which can be the difference between receiving an invitation or remaining in the pool.

If your points are not competitive, the 491 visa Australia is often a more realistic pathway.

How to Apply for the 190 Visa Australia

1. Obtain a skills assessment
2. Complete an English test
3. Calculate your points score
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
5. Apply for state nomination
6. Receive invitation and lodge your visa application

190 Visa vs 189 Visa

The 190 visa Australia requires state nomination, while the 189 visa does not. However, the additional 5 points from state nomination can make the 190 pathway more realistic for many applicants.

For a full comparison, see our guide to 189 visa Australia.

190 Visa Australia Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on application complexity and demand. Most applications are processed within several months after lodgement, but delays can occur where additional information is required.

Common Mistakes with the 190 Visa

• Applying to the wrong state
• Assuming 65 points is enough
• Incorrect skills assessment strategy
• Submitting an EOI without a competitive score

External Resource

For official information, see the Department of Home Affairs 190 visa page.

Check Your Eligibility

If you want a clear answer on whether you qualify for the 190 visa Australia, you can complete a quick eligibility assessment here:

Check your eligibility

Which States Offer the 190 Visa?

Each Australian state and territory manages its own nomination program under the 190 visa Australia pathway. This means requirements can vary significantly depending on where you apply.

Some states prioritise applicants already living and working locally, while others invite offshore candidates in occupations experiencing shortages. Understanding which state aligns with your profile is a key part of a successful 190 visa strategy.

Is the 190 Visa Australia a Good Option?

The 190 visa Australia is often a more realistic pathway than the independent visa for many applicants. While it requires state nomination, the additional 5 points and access to state-based invitation pathways can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

However, competition remains strong, and applicants need to present a well-planned strategy to maximise their points and meet state-specific requirements.

Compare Other Skilled Visa Options

• • 189 visa Australia if you do not require state nomination
  • 491 visa Australia if your points are not competitive for 190
  • 482 visa Australia if you are considering employer sponsorship

See all Australian visa pathways in our Visa Information Hub