Skilled Nominated visa

Overview

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Because a state backs your application, it can be a strong pathway if your occupation is needed there, and nomination adds points to your score. In return, you are generally expected to live and work in the nominating state or territory, at least at first.

How the pathway works

The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.

What this visa lets you do

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Live, work and study in the nominating state or territory
• Enrol in Medicare
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the grant date
• Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the requirements

Who can apply

To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.

Nomination by a state or territory

You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory. Each runs its own program, with its own occupation lists, priorities and extra criteria, which change through the year. Your occupation and profile need to match what that state is currently seeking.

Your occupation and skills assessment

Your occupation must be on the relevant list for the nominating state, and you need a suitable skills assessment from the assessing authority for that occupation.

English language

At least competent English is required, and higher levels earn more points.

Age

You must be under 45 years of age at the time you are invited to apply.

The points test

The visa is points-tested. State nomination adds points to your score, which can make the difference in being invited, but you must still reach the pass mark.

Health, character and commitment

You and your family must meet health and character requirements. You should also be genuinely committed to living in the nominating state or territory.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check which state or territory lists your occupation and is currently open to nomination.
2. Get a positive skills assessment from the correct assessing authority.
3. Sit an English test if you are not exempt.
4. Submit an EOI and apply for state nomination following that state's process, which varies.
5. If nominated, you receive an invitation to apply.
6. Lodge your visa application with full evidence within the timeframe.
7. Respond to any requests and await the decision.

Costs and processing

A visa application charge applies, payable to the Department of Home Affairs. Some states also charge a nomination fee, and there are separate costs for skills assessments, English tests, health examinations and police checks. Figures and processing times change, so we confirm current amounts for your case.

When you have the visa

As a permanent resident you can live in Australia indefinitely. You are generally expected to live and work in the nominating state or territory, and some states ask you to keep them updated on your circumstances. The five-year travel facility applies as with other permanent skilled visas.