Visas
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
The 190 adds state nomination to the 189 framework — 5 extra points, often a wider occupation list, and a 2-year commitment to live and work in the nominating state.
Published 17 May 2026 · Last reviewed 17 May 2026
The 190 is the 189's nominated cousin. A state or territory government nominates you, which adds 5 points to your EOI and usually opens a wider list of eligible occupations than the 189 list. Each state runs its own program — different occupation lists, different eligibility (Australian work experience, current residence in state, salary thresholds), different commitments.
The state nomination layer
- You submit an EOI in SkillSelect and indicate willingness to be nominated by a specific state.
- You then apply to the state's nomination program. Some states ask for a separate EOI on their own system (NSW Live in NSW, Victoria Live in Victoria, Queensland Skilled Visa Program, etc).
- Each state weighs candidates differently. NSW often gives weight to current NSW residence and employment. Victoria has been favouring health, education, tech, advanced manufacturing. Queensland favours offshore applicants and regional workers. WA has its own Graduate stream.
- Once nominated, you can lodge the 190 visa application.
- The visa is permanent, but you commit to living and working in the nominating state for 2 years.
State differences (broad strokes, as of May 2026 — verify on each state's site)
- NSW — Live in NSW pathways. Stream 1 favours those with NSW employment offers; Stream 2 favours those settled in NSW; Stream 3 supports specific occupations.
- VIC — Tightly targeted occupation lists in priority sectors. Verifies you'll live and work in Victoria.
- QLD — Streams for onshore (working in Queensland), offshore (with offer), and small business.
- SA — Long history of welcoming a wider range of occupations; works with universities for graduate pathways.
- WA — Graduate stream for WA university grads; General Stream for occupations in demand.
- TAS — Smaller program with categories for graduates, employment in Tasmania, and overseas applicants.
- ACT — Uses a Matrix system, different from points, scored across factors like ACT residence, study and employment.
- NT — Smaller program, with onshore and offshore streams.
Common gotchas
- Some applicants accept nominations they don't intend to honour ("nominated by SA, plan to move to Sydney"). This is reviewed at the citizenship stage and can affect future migration outcomes. Honour the commitment.
- State requirements change without much notice. The list of occupations and the priority sectors are updated multiple times a year.
- A state nomination has its own application fee on top of the visa charge.
Where to read more
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
- State and territory migration links: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/state-territory-visa-nomination