Australia 190 Visa Occupation List: Complete Guide for NSW and Victoria [2024-2025]

Are you planning to move to Australia through the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)? Understanding the occupation lists for New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria is crucial for your success. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Australia 190 visa occupation list, including eligibility criteria, state-specific requirements, and strategic application tips.

A Software Engineer's Journey: From Confusion to Clarity

Rajesh, a 33-year-old software engineer from Bangalore with 8 years of experience, faced a common dilemma. He wanted to migrate to Australia and was considering South Australia as his destination, but struggled to understand the differences between the 190 and 491 visa pathways.

"I spent weeks going back and forth between the Department of Home Affairs website and various state government pages," Rajesh explained. "The information was fragmented, and I couldn't get a clear picture of which occupation list I should be looking at, or whether my occupation had better chances with the 190 or 491 visa."

Rajesh received quotes from several migration agents, but the fees were substantial – ranging from AUD 4,000 to 7,000 – with no guarantee of success. The conflicting advice he received left him more confused than ever.

That's when he discovered NovenAI. Within minutes, he received a comprehensive assessment of his occupation's standing on both the 190 and 491 lists across different states, along with a clear strategy tailored to his circumstances.

"What would have taken me months to research and thousands of dollars in consultation fees was available instantly and at a fraction of the cost," Rajesh shared. "I finally had clarity on which pathway offered the best chances for my specific situation."

Rajesh's experience is not unique. Many skilled professionals struggle to navigate Australia's complex visa system. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to the 190 visa occupation list, with special focus on NSW and Victoria – two of the most popular destinations for skilled migrants.

What is the 190 Visa Occupation List?

The 190 visa occupation list determines which skilled occupations are eligible for state nomination and permanent residency in Australia. Unlike other skilled visas, the 190 visa requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government, with each having its own priorities and requirements.

The 190 visa offers several advantages:

• Permanent residency status upon visa grant

• No regional living requirements

• Full work rights anywhere in Australia

• Access to healthcare and social services

• Pathway to Australian citizenship

To be eligible, your occupation must be on either the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Additionally, it must also appear on the specific occupation list of the state or territory you're seeking nomination from.

NSW 190 Visa Occupation List

New South Wales is Australia's most populous state and economic powerhouse, making it a highly competitive destination for skilled migrants. The NSW 190 visa program targets skilled workers who can contribute to the state's economic development.

NSW 190 Visa Requirements

To be eligible for NSW nomination for a 190 visa, you must:

• Have an occupation on the NSW 190 Priority Skilled Occupation List

• Meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the 190 visa

• Achieve a minimum points score of 65 on the DHA points test

• Demonstrate genuine intention to live and work in NSW

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

• Receive an invitation to apply for NSW nomination

NSW Priority Occupation List Analysis

NSW regularly updates its priority occupation list based on labor market needs. The current list focuses on these key sectors:

Industry Sector	Priority Level	Sample Occupations	ANZSCO Codes
Healthcare	Very High	Registered Nurse, Medical Diagnostic Radiographer	254499, 251211
Information Technology	High	Software Engineer, ICT Business Analyst	261313, 261111
Engineering	High	Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer	233211, 233311
Education	Medium-High	Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary School Teacher	241111, 241411
Finance	Medium	Accountant, Financial Investment Adviser	221111, 222311

NSW tends to prioritize applicants with:

• Higher points scores (typically 90+ points)

• Strong English language proficiency

• Relevant work experience in their nominated occupation

• Australian qualifications

For the most current occupation list and detailed requirements, visit the official NSW migration portal.

Victoria 190 Visa Occupation List

Victoria, with Melbourne as its capital, is Australia's second-most populous state and a major economic center. The Victorian government has its own unique approach to skilled migration through the 190 visa program.

Victoria 190 Visa Requirements

To be eligible for Victorian nomination for a 190 visa, you must:

• Have an occupation on the Victorian Skilled Occupation List

• Meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the 190 visa

• Achieve a minimum points score of 65 on the DHA points test

• Demonstrate genuine commitment to settling in Victoria

• Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) through Victoria's portal

• Receive an invitation to apply for Victorian nomination

Victoria Priority Occupation List Analysis

Victoria's occupation list reflects the state's diverse economy and strategic priorities:

Industry Sector	Priority Level	Sample Occupations	ANZSCO Codes
Healthcare	Very High	Medical Laboratory Scientist, Hospital Pharmacist	234611, 251511
Digital Technology	Very High	Software Engineer, Computer Network Professional	261313, 263111
Construction	High	Civil Engineer, Construction Project Manager	233211, 133111
Education	Medium-High	University Lecturer, Primary School Teacher	242111, 241213
Professional Services	Medium	Management Consultant, Actuary	224711, 224111

Victoria places strong emphasis on:

• Connection to the state (living, studying, or working in Victoria)

• Industry experience and professional expertise

• Potential economic contribution

• Commitment to settling in Victoria long-term

For the most up-to-date information on Victoria's occupation list and nomination criteria, visit the Live in Melbourne website.

Key Differences Between NSW and Victoria 190 Programs

While both states offer pathways to permanent residency through the 190 visa, there are important differences in their approaches:

Feature	NSW	Victoria
Selection Approach	Points-focused on occupation priorities	Holistic assessment of candidate's profile
Minimum Points	Competitive (typically 90+)	Lower threshold but comprehensive review
Processing Speed	Generally faster for high-point applicants	More thorough review process
Occupation Priorities	More focused on specific occupations	Broader range with industry focus
Living Requirements	Must be living in NSW if onshore	Must be living in Victoria if onshore
Economic Contribution	Emphasizes skills and experience	Greater focus on potential economic benefits

How NovenAI Can Help with Your 190 Visa Application

At NovenAI, we understand that navigating state nomination for a 190 visa can be complex. Our AI-powered platform offers specialized assistance:

1. Occupation Eligibility Assessment

   1. Instant verification of your occupation across MLTSSL, STSOL, and state lists

   2. Analysis of occupation ceiling trends

   3. State nomination likelihood prediction

2. State-Specific Strategy Development

   1. Tailored approach for NSW or Victoria nomination

   2. Points optimization recommendations

   3. Profile enhancement suggestions

3. Documentation Preparation

   1. Customized document checklists

   2. State nomination application guidance

   3. Quality assurance reviews

Our platform leverages insights from 680+ successful cases and applies the latest occupation list data to provide recommendations that are 49% more accurate than general AI models. For comprehensive guidance on navigating Australia's skills lists, check our guide on using occupation lists effectively.

Application Process for 190 Visa State Nomination

The process for obtaining state nomination varies slightly between NSW and Victoria, but the general steps include:

For NSW Nomination:

4. Check Eligibility

   1. Verify your occupation is on NSW's 190 list

   2. Ensure you meet minimum requirements

5. Submit EOI in SkillSelect

   1. Select NSW as your preferred state

   2. Provide accurate information about qualifications and experience

6. Receive NSW Invitation

   1. Wait for NSW to select your EOI (highly competitive)

   2. Invitation to apply for state nomination

7. Apply for NSW Nomination

   1. Submit required documents

   2. Pay application fee

8. If Nominated, Apply for 190 Visa

   1. Receive SkillSelect invitation from DHA

   2. Lodge visa application with full documentation

For Victoria Nomination:

9. Check Eligibility

   1. Verify your occupation is on Victoria's 190 list

   2. Ensure you meet minimum requirements

10. Submit Registration of Interest (ROI)

    1. Through Victoria's dedicated portal

    2. Complete comprehensive profile information

11. Receive Victorian Invitation

    1. Selected ROIs receive invitation to apply

    2. Based on Victoria's selection criteria

12. Apply for Victorian Nomination

    1. Submit detailed application

    2. Provide evidence of commitment to Victoria

13. If Nominated, Apply for 190 Visa

    1. Receive SkillSelect invitation from DHA

    2. Lodge visa application with full documentation

For detailed information about the application process, refer to the Department of Home Affairs official website.

Strategic Tips for 190 Visa Applicants

For NSW Applicants:

14. Maximize Points

    1. NSW typically selects highest-ranking EOIs first

    2. Focus on increasing points through English, experience, or qualifications

15. Target Priority Occupations

    1. Research NSW's current focus areas

    2. Emphasize skills relevant to NSW economy

16. Demonstrate NSW Connection

    1. Highlight any study, work, or family connections to NSW

    2. Show commitment to contributing to the state

For Victoria Applicants:

17. Showcase Victorian Experience

    1. Emphasize any Victorian study, work, or professional connections

    2. Demonstrate understanding of local industry

18. Highlight Unique Skills

    1. Victoria values specialized expertise

    2. Detail how your skills address specific Victorian needs

19. Demonstrate Commitment

    1. Explain why you want to live and work in Victoria specifically

    2. Show research into Victorian communities and lifestyle

Recent Changes and Future Trends

The Australian skilled migration landscape continues to evolve. Some recent and anticipated developments include:

20. Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) Implementation

    1. The new CSOL will affect various visa programs from December 7, 2024

    2. May impact state nomination priorities

    3. For more information, see our guide on the Core Skills Occupation List

21. Increased Focus on Critical Skills

    1. Healthcare professionals

    2. Digital technology specialists

    3. Engineering and construction experts

22. Enhanced Regional Migration Incentives

    1. Comparison between 190 and regional visas

    2. Strategic considerations for choosing pathway

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for nominations from multiple states simultaneously?

A: Yes, technically you can select "Any" state in your EOI, but it's generally recommended to focus on one state at a time and demonstrate genuine commitment to that state.

Q: How long does it take to receive state nomination?

A: Processing times vary significantly. NSW can be as quick as a few weeks for high-priority occupations, while Victoria typically takes 12-16 weeks to assess applications.

Q: What happens if my occupation is removed from a state's list after I submit my EOI?

A: If your occupation is removed before you receive an invitation, you may no longer be eligible for that state's nomination. This is why timing and strategic planning are crucial.

Q: Do I need a job offer to apply for state nomination?

A: Generally, no. While having a job offer can strengthen your application, most states don't require it as a mandatory condition for 190 visa nominations.

Q: How much work experience do I need for state nomination?

A: Requirements vary by state and occupation. NSW typically values more experience (3+ years), while Victoria may consider candidates with less experience in priority occupations.

Comparing 190 Visa with Other Skilled Migration Pathways

Feature	190 Visa	189 Visa	491 Visa
Visa Type	Permanent	Permanent	Provisional (leads to PR)
State Nomination	Required	Not required	Required
Location Restriction	No restriction after visa grant	No restriction	Must live in a regional area
Minimum Points	65 (competitive scores much higher)	65 (extremely competitive)	65 (competitive scores lower)
Processing Priority	Medium-High	Low	High
Pathway to PR	Immediate	Immediate	After 3 years in the regional area

Take Action with NovenAI

Ready to begin your journey toward an Australian 190 visa? NovenAI offers:

• Free initial 190 visa eligibility assessment

• State nomination strategy development

• Personalized document preparation guidance

• Application timeline optimization

Our AI platform combines immigration expertise with data from 680+ successful cases to provide guidance that's tailored to your unique situation.

Start your Australian migration journey today and take the first step toward your new life in Australia.