What are the Subclass 190 requirements? Learn the 2026 points test, state nomination criteria, costs, and processing priorities, plus how Australian Immigration Consultants helps you meet both federal and state conditions.
The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. To qualify, you must meet the Department of Home Affairs' federal criteria and the separate nomination criteria set by the state or territory you're applying to — it's effectively two applications rolled into one pathway.
Here's exactly what's required in 2026, how the dual federal-and-state system works, and how Australian Immigration Consultants helps you meet both sets of criteria.
Every applicant, regardless of which state nominates them, must meet these non-negotiable Department of Home Affairs requirements:
Unlike the Subclass 189, the 190 requires nomination from a state or territory government before Home Affairs will invite you to apply. Think of it as two separate approvals: the federal government sets the universal entry rules, while each state decides who it specifically wants based on its own economy and skill shortages. Your occupation must appear on that state's eligible occupation list, and some states attach additional conditions — such as requiring you to already be living and working in that state.
The Department of Home Affairs currently lists the visa application charge from AUD 6,140 for the main applicant, with a lower cost available for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026. This figure doesn't include your skills assessment fees, English test costs, state nomination fees where applicable, health examinations, police certificates, or translation costs — budget for these separately using the Department's Visa Pricing Estimator.
Not sure which state's occupation list matches your profile, or how many points you'll realistically score? Get a free 190 visa eligibility check from Australian Immigration Consultants before you start your EOI.
Check Your Eligibility →Speak directly with registered migration professionals to evaluate your visa pathways.
From 25 July 2026, Ministerial Direction 119 replaced the previous Ministerial Direction 105 for skilled visa processing priorities, and the Subclass 190 is included under the new framework. This affects the order in which applications move through the queue, so processing expectations based on older guidance may no longer be accurate — always check current Home Affairs guidance rather than relying on outdated blog posts.
While the 190 is a permanent visa, you're expected to live and work in your nominating state for at least the first two years after grant, and to keep the state informed of your address and employment status. This is treated as a moral commitment rather than a strict legal condition, but failing to honour it can affect future visa applications.
Meeting both federal and state requirements at once is where most applicants get tripped up. Australian Immigration Consultants helps 190 visa applicants by:
If you're planning a Subclass 190 application, book a consultation with Australian Immigration Consultants and get clear, current guidance tailored to your occupation and target state.
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