Top 10 190 Visa Requirements [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Your complete guide to the 10 key requirements for the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa. Learn about points, skills assessment, state nomination, and how to prepare a successful application for Australian permanent residency.

Slug: 190-visa-requirements

TL;DR
To qualify for the 190 visa, you must secure a nomination from an Australian state or territory government and meet core requirements including an invitation through SkillSelect, a positive skills assessment, competent English, and a minimum of 65 points. Success hinges on aligning your profile with a state’s specific occupation and nomination criteria, which can be complex and competitive. Using tools like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor can help you assess your chances and build a strategic application before engaging with states or migration agents.

What is the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) Visa?

The Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. It’s a points-tested visa designed to fill specific skill shortages in regional economies. Unlike the independent 189 visa, the 190 requires you to commit to living and working in your nominating state for at least your first two years in Australia. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, this visa is part of the permanent SkillSelect migration program, which manages applications for skilled migrants. The nomination adds 5 crucial points to your SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI), significantly boosting your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

What Are the 10 Key Requirements for the 190 Visa?

Meeting the 190 visa requirements is a multi-step process. Here are the 10 essential criteria you must satisfy for a successful application.

1. Receive an Invitation to Apply
You must be invited to apply for the visa through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. You cannot apply for the 190 visa without first submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and then receiving a formal invitation. The invitation is issued after a state or territory nominates your EOI.

• Key Facts:
  • Your EOI must be accurate and up-to-date.
  • You must lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
  • The invitation is specific to the occupation and state you were nominated for.

2. Secure a State or Territory Nomination
This is the defining requirement of the 190 visa. You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government (e.g., New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia). Each state has its own occupation lists, eligibility criteria, and application processes, which are often more detailed than the federal requirements.

• Key Facts:
  • You must research and apply directly to your chosen state’s migration program.
  • State nomination criteria can include specific work experience, job offers, or commitment to living in regional areas.
  • A state nomination grants you 5 extra points in SkillSelect.

3. Have a Suitable Occupation on a Relevant List
Your nominated occupation must be on the federal Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and, critically, on the specific skilled occupation list of the state that nominates you. States tailor their lists based on local economic needs.

• Key Facts:
  • Check the combined list of eligible skilled occupations on the Department of Home Affairs website.
  • Always verify your occupation’s status on your target state’s official migration website, as lists change frequently.
  • Your skills assessment must be for this exact occupation.

4. Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
You must get a formal skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation. This assessment proves that your skills, qualifications, and work experience meet Australian standards for that job.

• Key Facts:
  • The assessment must be valid at the time of your visa application.
  • Each authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, VETASSESS for many trades) has its own criteria.
  • The assessment outcome is a mandatory document for your EOI and visa application.

5. Score at Least 65 Points on the Points Test
You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an EOI. However, due to high competition, the actual “pass mark” for receiving an invitation is often much higher. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, skilled employment, qualifications, and other factors. Use a precise tool like the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator to get an accurate, real-time score based on the latest regulations.

• Key Facts:
  • Points are self-assessed in your EOI but must be proven with documents later.
  • State nomination adds 5 points.
  • Strategic planning can help you maximize points in areas like superior English or skilled overseas employment.

6. Meet the Age Requirement
You must be under 45 years of age at the time you are invited to apply for the visa. Your age is locked in from the date of your invitation, not when you submit your EOI or later lodge the visa application.

• Key Facts:
  • This is a strict requirement with very few exemptions.
  • Points for age are awarded based on your age at invitation.
  • Plan your application timeline carefully if you are approaching an age bracket threshold.

7. Demonstrate Competent English Language Ability
At a minimum, you must have Competent English, which is typically an IELTS score of 6.0 in each band (or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge English). Some states or occupations may require higher scores (Proficient or Superior English).

• Key Facts:
  • English test results are usually valid for three years for visa purposes.
  • Superior English (e.g., IELTS 8.0) awards 20 points, a significant boost.
  • Understanding the precise requirements for your pathway is easier with a dedicated resource like our English Level Guide.

8. Meet Health and Character Requirements
All applicants and dependent family members must undergo health examinations by approved panel doctors and provide police clearance certificates from every country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

• Key Facts:
  • These are mandatory and non-negotiable “public interest criteria.”
  • Health examinations can only be done after you receive an invitation.
  • Start gathering police checks early, as they can take time to procure.

9. Lodge a Valid Visa Application
Once invited, you must lodge a complete visa application within the 60-day deadline, paying the associated visa application charge and providing all required documents to support the claims in your EOI.

• Key Facts:
  • The application is lodged online via your ImmiAccount.
  • Incomplete applications or failure to provide documents can lead to refusal.
  • Application charges are significant and generally non-refundable.

10. Sign the Australian Values Statement
You must sign a statement confirming you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws. This is a formal part of the visa application process for all adult applicants.

• Key Facts:
  • This is a declaration made as part of your online application.
  • It underscores the commitment to Australian society expected of permanent residents.

How Do I Start the 190 Visa Process?

The process is sequential and requires careful planning. Start by confirming your occupation is on a state list and getting your skills assessment. Next, take an English test to confirm your points. Then, calculate your exact points using a reliable calculator—NovenAI’s tool is updated with the latest points rules, giving you a more dependable figure than generic online calculators. With your points score, skills assessment, and English results in hand, you can submit a detailed EOI in SkillSelect and simultaneously research and apply for nomination from your chosen state or territory.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for 190 Visa Refusal?

Applications are most commonly refused due to failing to provide evidence for points claimed in the EOI, submitting an incorrect skills assessment, not meeting state-specific nomination criteria, or lodging the application after the 60-day invitation period expires. Another pitfall is not declaring all family members or providing incomplete health and character documents. To avoid these issues, many applicants use a service like NovenAI’s Visa Success Predictor, which cross-references your profile against official grant data and common refusal reasons, offering a clear, data-driven assessment of your application’s strengths and risks before you invest time and money.

How Can I Improve My Chances for a 190 Visa?

To stand out, focus on maximizing your points score and thoroughly aligning with a state’s nomination strategy. Aim for Superior English, accredit any extra qualifications, and ensure your skilled employment evidence is robust and well-documented. Research states actively seeking your occupation—some smaller states may have higher nomination chances for in-demand roles. Stay agile; policy changes are frequent. Subscribing to a service that provides instant policy alerts, like NovenAI, ensures you never miss a crucial update about occupation list changes or state nomination openings, allowing you to adapt your strategy in real-time.

Navigating the 190 visa requirements is a detailed journey that rewards preparation and precision. By methodically meeting each criterion, from the skills assessment to the state nomination, you build a compelling case for your permanent residency. Remember, this visa offers not just a pathway to live in Australia, but the opportunity to contribute your skills to a specific community that has chosen to nominate you. Ready to see where you stand and build your personalised strategy?

Start your journey with confidence. Explore your options with NovenAI today.