Australia continues to be a popular destination for skilled workers from around the world, offering multiple visa pathways for those with in-demand qualifications and experience. One of the most attractive visa options for permanent migration is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), which allows skilled professionals to live and work in Australia as permanent residents after being nominated by a state or territory government.

In this article, we’ll outline the main skilled visa options available and then take a deeper look at the Subclass 190 visa, including how each Australian state and territory manages its nomination process.

Overview of Skilled Migration Visas

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program includes three main visa types:

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
  No state nomination required. Applicants must be invited to apply based on their points score, occupation, and ranking in the SkillSelect system.
• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
  Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. Offers permanent residency.
• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
  Requires nomination by a state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible family member in regional Australia. It is a 5-year provisional visa that may lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 191.

Spotlight on the Subclass 190 Visa

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a popular option for skilled workers who are not able to achieve an invitation through the independent (Subclass 189) pathway. It allows applicants to secure permanent residency with the support of a state or territory government.

Key Features:

• Points-tested (minimum 65 points required).
• Nomination by a state or territory government is mandatory.
• Permanent residency from the outset.
• Must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years.

Each state and territory in Australia has its own list of eligible occupations, criteria, and processes for nomination. Below is a breakdown of the 190 nomination options across Australia:

State and Territory Nomination for Subclass 190

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW targets occupations in demand and invites candidates directly from SkillSelect.
🔗 NSW Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria’s nomination program is focused on STEMM (science, tech, engineering, mathematics, and medical) occupations.
🔗 Live in Melbourne – Skilled Migration

Queensland (QLD)

Managed by Migration Queensland, the 190 visa supports both onshore and offshore applicants depending on occupation and availability.
🔗 Migration Queensland – Subclass 190

South Australia (SA)

South Australia operates a flexible nomination process with options for offshore applicants and a wide range of occupations.
🔗 Move to South Australia – Skilled Nominated Visa

Western Australia (WA)

WA offers both general and graduate streams for nomination, focusing on critical skills needed in the state.
🔗 Migration WA – State Nominated Migration Program

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania provides several pathways to nomination, including graduate, employment, and small business owner streams.
🔗 Migration Tasmania – Subclass 190

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

ACT manages a points-based system called the Canberra Matrix, which scores applicants based on local ties and employability.
🔗 Canberra Your Future – ACT Nomination

Northern Territory (NT)

NT focuses on candidates committed to living and working in the territory long-term, with additional support for international graduates.
🔗 The Territory – Skilled Nominated Visa

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 190 visa is an excellent pathway for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia while contributing to the development of a specific state or territory. With each region tailoring its nomination process to local labor needs, applicants are encouraged to research and align their applications with the criteria of the state they’re interested in.

Before applying, ensure that:

• Your occupation is on the relevant state’s skilled occupation list.
• You meet the minimum points requirement and state-specific criteria.
• You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.

Need Help?
If you’re a skilled professional exploring your options for working and living in Australia, keep an eye on updates from each migration authority or speak with a registered migration agent to guide you through the process.