What Is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent Australian residency visa that requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government. In exchange for committing to live in that state initially, you receive 5 bonus points added to your total score.
Key features:
- Permanent residency from day one of visa grant
- 5 bonus points for state or territory nomination
- Generally lower invitation thresholds than the Subclass 189
- Commitment to live in the nominating state for approximately 2 years
- Freedom to live anywhere in Australia after meeting the state commitment
How State Nomination Works
Each Australian state and territory runs its own skilled migration nomination program. States nominate workers based on their specific labour market needs. The process typically involves:
- Checking the state's current nomination requirements and eligible occupation list
- Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the state's portal
- Being selected for nomination (not all EOIs are successful)
- Receiving a formal nomination letter from the state
- Updating your SkillSelect EOI to reflect the nomination (+5 points)
- Waiting for a visa invitation from the Department of Home Affairs
State nomination programs open and close frequently. Monitoring multiple states simultaneously is advisable.
Which States Nominate Engineers?
The following states and territories have historically nominated engineers under the 190 program:
- Victoria — Strong demand for civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers linked to major infrastructure projects
- New South Wales — Active nomination program for many engineering disciplines
- Queensland — Regular nomination of engineers, particularly for resources and construction sectors
- South Australia — Active defence, technology, and infrastructure engineering nominations
- Western Australia — Strong resources sector driving engineering demand
- Tasmania — Smaller program but often lower point thresholds
- ACT — Federal government projects driving engineering demand
Eligibility Requirements
- Be under 45 years of age at time of invitation
- Have a nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Have a positive skills assessment for your occupation
- Achieve at least Competent English
- Score at least 65 points (with nomination adding 5 points)
- Receive a formal nomination from a state or territory
Getting Your Skills Assessment First
Before applying for state nomination, you need a positive skills assessment. For engineers, this means an Engineers Australia CDR assessment. For ICT professionals, an ACS skills assessment is required. Assessment Abroad specialises in preparing these assessments with a 98% first-attempt approval rate.
Is the 190 the Right Visa for You?
Book a free consultation. We'll calculate your points score (with and without state nomination), review state nomination options for your occupation, and outline the fastest pathway to your invitation.
Book Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Subclass 190 visa?
A permanent Australian residency visa requiring nomination from a state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 bonus points and often enables invitations at lower thresholds than the 189.
Which states offer 190 nomination for engineers?
Victoria, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and ACT all have 190 nomination programs. Eligible occupations and criteria vary by state.
Do I have to live in the nominating state after getting the 190 visa?
Yes — most states require approximately 2 years in their state. This is a condition of nomination, though you can ultimately live anywhere in Australia after fulfilling it.
What is the difference between the 190 and 189 visa?
Both are permanent visas. The 190 requires state nomination (+5 points) and usually has lower invitation thresholds. The 189 requires no sponsorship but has a higher points competition.
Related: 189 vs 190 vs 491 Visa Comparison | Subclass 189 Visa | Subclass 491 Visa