A New Beginning Awaits
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine standing under a sky so vast it feels endless—golden beaches stretching for miles, world-class cities buzzing with opportunity, and a lifestyle that balances ambition with peace.
For thousands of skilled professionals worldwide, this vision isn’t just a dream. Life begins with one crucial step: applying for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190.
This visa offers permanent residency in Australia, granting you the right to live, work, and study in one of the most progressive and welcoming countries in the world. It’s more than a visa—it’s your pathway to security, growth, and belonging.
But like any important journey, the path requires understanding. Before you apply, knowing the eligibility rules, nomination process, and points system can make all the difference between a smooth success story and unnecessary delays.
So, let’s walk through this journey together—step by step—and help you prepare for one of the most exciting chapters of your life.
What Is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
The Skilled Nominated Visa is designed for qualified professionals who have skills in demand in Australia. Unlike temporary work visas, the Subclass 190 is a permanent visa, meaning you can stay in Australia indefinitely once approved.
To be eligible, you must first receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government, which invites you to live and work in that specific region. Each state has its own list of in-demand occupations, based on local labour needs.
In short, the Skilled Nominated Visa isn’t just a permission slip to enter—it’s a mutual commitment between you and Australia: your skills for their opportunities, your ambition for their growth.
Why Choose the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?
There are many pathways to Australian residency, but the Subclass 190 visa offers a unique balance of permanence, flexibility, and opportunity.
With this visa, you can:
- Live in Australia permanently and work in your chosen occupation.
- Study at any Australian institution to advance your career.
- Access Medicare, Australia’s universal healthcare system.
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
- Travel freely for up to five years using the visa’s travel facility.
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible, after meeting the residency requirements.
You’ll also have access to free English language classes under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)—a valuable support for those settling in a new country.
Simply put, this visa provides the foundation to build a secure and fulfilling future in a country that values your expertise. Find more about this at https://immivisa.com.au/
How Long Can You Stay?
One of the most comforting parts of the Subclass 190 visa is that it’s permanent.
Once granted, you can live in Australia indefinitely. If you’re already in Australia when the visa is granted, your permanent residency starts immediately. For applicants applying from overseas, the process begins the moment you enter Australia using your visa.
It also includes a five-year travel component, allowing you to leave and re-enter Australia multiple times. After five years, you can renew your travel facility or, if you meet the criteria, apply for citizenship—turning your Australian dream into a lifelong reality.
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
Before you apply, it’s important to confirm you meet the visa’s key requirements. To be eligible for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), you must:
- Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) relevant to your qualifications and experience.
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for that occupation from the relevant assessing authority.
- Be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Be nominated by a state or territory government in Australia.
- Score at least 65 points on the points test (though higher scores increase your chances of being invited).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.).
- Satisfy health and character requirements.
Each of these steps might seem straightforward, but together they form the backbone of your application. Missing or misunderstanding even one can delay or derail your visa process—so preparation is key.
The Points Test: How You’re Assessed
The Australian immigration system uses a points-based system to evaluate your eligibility for skilled migration. Your total points depend on factors such as:
- Age (maximum points for ages 25–32)
- English proficiency
- Work experience (both overseas and Australian)
- Educational qualifications
- State nomination (adds 5 points)
- Partner’s skills or single applicant advantage
- Australian study experience or specialist education
The higher your points, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. It’s a competitive system, so boosting your points through improved English test scores, additional qualifications, or regional experience can make a significant difference.
The Nomination Process: Getting State Support
Since the Skilled Nominated Visa requires state or territory nomination, understanding how this works is essential.
Each Australian state and territory has its own occupation list, eligibility criteria, and nomination process. For example:
- New South Wales may prioritise IT and engineering professionals.
- Victoria might focus on healthcare and education roles.
- South Australia often nominates trades and regional development occupations.
To apply for nomination, you’ll typically need to submit:
- A completed Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- Evidence of your skills assessment and qualifications.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Work experience records and financial capacity statements.
Once nominated, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the visa—a crucial milestone in your migration journey.
Bringing Your Family with You
Moving to a new country is exciting, but it’s even more rewarding when you can share it with your loved ones.
The Skilled Nominated Visa allows you to include:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your dependent children
You can include them in your application or add them later, as long as it’s before the final decision. Each family member must meet health and character requirements, even if they’re not accompanying you immediately.
This ensures your entire family is ready to enjoy the benefits of life in Australia—from healthcare and education to community belonging.
Processing Time: Patience Pays Off
The waiting period after submission can feel long, but it’s worth it.
Processing times vary depending on:
- The completeness of your application
- The accuracy of your documents
- How quickly you respond to additional requests
- External verification processes
Generally, well-prepared, decision-ready applications are processed more efficiently. Delays often occur due to incomplete paperwork, unclear evidence, or pending background checks.
At ImmiVisa, we help clients prepare error-free, compliant applications that are ready for assessment, minimising the waiting time wherever possible.
Where You Can Apply From
You can apply for the Subclass 190 visa either inside or outside Australia.
If applying within Australia, you must hold:
- A substantive visa, or
- A Bridging Visa A (010), B (020), or C (030)
This flexibility ensures that skilled professionals worldwide can start their Australian journey from wherever they are—without unnecessary barriers.
Your Road to Australian Citizenship
One of the most exciting aspects of the Subclass 190 visa is that it’s not just a work permit; it’s a pathway to permanent residence and ultimately, citizenship.
After a few years of residence and fulfilling the eligibility requirements, you can apply to become an Australian citizen. This opens a world of additional benefits, including the right to vote, access to government jobs, and a passport that ranks among the strongest globally.
Your journey doesn’t end with visa approval.
Final Thoughts: Turning Your Australian Dream into Reality
Every migration story begins with the courage to take a step toward a new life.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) represents that step. It’s an invitation to skilled professionals to bring their talent, ambition, and dreams to Australia—a country built on innovation, inclusivity, and opportunity.
At Immi Visa, we understand that navigating the visa process can be overwhelming. That’s why we guide you at every stage—assessing eligibility, gathering documents, preparing your EOI, and submitting a strong, decision-ready application.
With our experience and attention to detail, we ensure that your Australian journey starts on the right note—smooth, confident, and successful.
Because your dream of living and thriving in Australia isn’t just possible—it’s waiting for you to begin.
