Top 190 Skilled Visa Occupations [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Discover the complete 2025-2026 Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for Australian visas. Learn which 190 skilled visa jobs are in demand, how to get state nomination, and boost your points for a successful application.

Slug: top-190-skilled-visa-occupations-guide

TL;DR
The 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. To be eligible, your occupation must be on the relevant state’s skilled occupation list, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), receive an invitation, and meet points, health, and character requirements. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the 190 visa grants full work and study rights, access to Medicare, and a pathway to citizenship.

What is the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa?

The 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a permanent residence visa for invited skilled workers. It’s a points-tested visa where you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. 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. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, this visa is designed to help states address specific skill shortages in their local labour markets. Once granted, it provides the same full rights as other permanent visas.

• Permanent Residency: The 190 visa grants you permanent resident status from day one.
• State Nomination: You must be nominated; you cannot apply for this visa directly without an invitation.
• Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on the skilled migration points test, though competitive scores are often much higher.
• Commitment: You sign a declaration to live in your nominating state, which is a serious commitment monitored by the state authorities.

How Do I Find My Occupation on the 190 Skilled Occupation List?

Your occupation must be on both the federal Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the specific skilled occupation list of the state that nominates you. States tailor their lists based on their unique economic needs, so an occupation open in Victoria may be closed in Western Australia. The first step is to check your ANZSCO code against the federal lists on the Home Affairs website, then research each state’s migration program.

• ANZSCO Code: Every eligible job has a 4-digit ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code. You must find your exact code.
• State Lists Change Frequently: State occupation lists are updated throughout the year, often without warning, in response to demand.
• Extra Requirements: States can add extra criteria like job offers, specific work experience, or higher English scores for certain occupations.
• Proactive Research: Don’t just rely on the federal list; always check the latest updates on the official website of the state you’re targeting, such as NSW Migration or Victoria’s Skilled Migration page.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the 190 Visa?

Beyond having a nominated occupation, you must meet several core eligibility criteria set by Home Affairs. These include age, skills assessment, English language ability, and health and character checks. The process is strict, and missing one requirement can lead to a refused application, forfeiting your application fee.

• Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time you are invited to apply.
• Skills Assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS).
• Competent English: At a minimum, you must demonstrate Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in all four bands). Many states require higher scores (Proficient or Superior English) for nomination.
• Points Test: Achieve a minimum of 65 points. Use a reliable tool like the NovenAI EOI Points Calculator to get an accurate, up-to-date assessment of your score based on the latest regulations.

How Does the State Nomination Process Work?

The state nomination process is the critical differentiator for the 190 visa. Each state and territory runs its own migration program with unique application windows, documentation requirements, and selection processes. Some states use a “first-come, first-served” model, while others run invitation rounds based on points and other factors. You must apply directly to the state for nomination before you can receive an invitation from Home Affairs.

• Direct Application: You typically submit a separate application for nomination directly to your chosen state via their migration portal.
• Evidence of Commitment: You must provide a compelling commitment statement explaining your genuine intention to live and work in that state.
• Varying Fees: Some states charge a fee for the nomination application, while others do not.
• Nomination Validity: If a state nominates you, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application with Home Affairs. A tool like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor can help you understand how different state nomination strategies might impact your overall chances.

How Can I Maximise My Points for a 190 Visa Invitation?

With the 190 visa being highly competitive, scoring just 65 points is rarely enough to secure an invitation. Successful candidates actively work to boost their scores. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience (in Australia and overseas), educational qualifications, and other factors like partner skills or study in regional Australia.

• Superior English: Scoring IELTS 8.0 or equivalent can give you a crucial 20-point boost instead of just 10 for Proficient English.
• Skilled Employment: Documenting 3-5 or 8+ years of relevant work experience significantly increases your points. Ensure your employment references meet assessing authority standards.
• Partner Skills: If your partner has competent English and a suitable skills assessment, you can claim 5 points.
• Professional Year: Completing a Professional Year in Australia in accounting, IT, or engineering adds 5 points.
• Community Language: NAATI accreditation for a community language can add 5 points. For a detailed breakdown of how to improve your English score, see our English Level Guide.

What Are the Most In-Demand Occupations for the 190 Visa?

Demand shifts based on national and state economic priorities. Traditionally, sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and education feature prominently. However, the specific “in-demand” list is dynamic. For the most accurate picture, you should consult the latest skilled occupation lists published by states like Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania, which often detail their current priority sectors.

• Healthcare & Social Assistance: Registered Nurses, Medical Laboratory Scientists, and Social Workers are consistently needed nationwide.
• Information Technology: Software Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, and Developers are high-priority roles in tech-focused states like NSW and Victoria.
• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers are commonly listed, especially in states with major infrastructure projects.
• Education: Secondary School Teachers and Early Childhood Teachers are on many state lists.
• Trades: Some states nominate specific trades like Motor Mechanic or Chef where local shortages exist.

What Happens After I Get My 190 Visa?

Once your 190 visa is granted, you become a permanent resident of Australia. You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely, though you made a commitment to your nominating state. You have access to Medicare and certain social security benefits. After a period of time (usually four years, including at least one as a permanent resident), you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

• Initial Commitment: While you are legally a permanent resident nationwide, not fulfilling your state commitment could impact future sponsorship applications or state government assistance.
• Travel Facility: The visa includes a 5-year travel facility. To travel internationally after this expires, you’ll need to apply for a Resident Return Visa.
• Sponsoring Family: You can include eligible family members in your initial application or sponsor them for permanent visas later.
• Pathway to Citizenship: The 190 visa is a direct pathway, provided you meet the residence and other requirements for citizenship.

Navigating the 190 skilled visa pathway requires precision, patience, and up-to-date information. From ensuring your occupation is listed to crafting a winning state nomination application and maximising your points, every step counts. Traditional research can leave you scrambling with last-minute policy changes.

This is where modern solutions like NovenAI stand out. Unlike static guides or expensive lawyers with long wait times, NovenAI provides a 24/7 AI migration mentor powered by a continuously updated 18 GB+ knowledge base of Home Affairs and ANZSCO data. It delivers instant policy alerts, accurate points calculations, and personalised strategy advice to keep you ahead of the competition. By leveraging such a tool, you transform a complex, stressful process into a clear, managed journey toward your life in Australia.

Ready to take the next step with confidence? Let NovenAI guide your 190 visa journey from start to finish. Start your free assessment today.