What the 190 Visa Offers

• Permanent residence from day one
• Live, work and study anywhere in Australia (after your initial 2-year commitment to your nominating state/territory)
• Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
• Sponsor family members for permanent visas
• 5-year travel facility from grant date (apply for RRV later if not yet a citizen)
• Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you:

• Are nominated by a state or territory government
• Receive an invitation to apply from SkillSelect
• Nominate an eligible skilled occupation
• Hold a suitable skills assessment (valid at invitation, not a 485-only assessment)
• Score at least 65 points on the points test and meet/exceed the score on your invitation
• Are under 45 years old at the time of invitation
• Have Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent test score / eligible passport)
• Meet the health and character requirements
• If you hold/last held a 491 or 494 visa must have held it for 3 years (unless exempt under instrument)

The Application Process

Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Skills Assessment
   Obtain a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI)
   Submit an EOI via SkillSelect. Choose your preferred state/territory or be available for all.
3. Nomination by State/Territory
   Each state/territory has its own skilled occupation list and extra criteria (work experience, residency, English).
4. Invitation to Apply
   If nominated, you’ll be invited to apply for the visa.
5. Visa Application
   Lodge your online application within 60 days, including all supporting evidence.
6. Decision
   Onshore applicants must hold a substantive visa or Bridging A/B/C.
   You can apply from offshore as well.
7. Visa Grant
   Permanent visa granted with 5-year travel facility
   If offshore, you must enter before the date specified

Visa Costs (2025)

• Main applicant: AUD 4,910
• Additional applicant (18+): AUD 2,455
• Additional applicant (<18): AUD 1,230
• Second VAC: AUD 4,890 (if an adult does not show functional English)

Other costs: skills assessment, English tests, medicals, police checks.

Processing Times (Guide)

• 50% of applications: 6–8 months
• 90% of applications: 12–18 months

(Varies depending on occupation demand, nomination quotas, and applicant documents)

Family Members

You can include:

• Your partner (married or de facto)
• Your or your partner’s dependent children or stepchildren

They will have the same permanent residence rights as you.

After the Visa Grant

• Live and work permanently in Australia
• Commitment to your nominating state/territory for at least 2 years

State and Territory Nomination

Each state/territory sets its own occupation lists and nomination criteria.

Examples of extra requirements may include:

• Minimum work experience in your occupation
• Living/working in that state before applying
• Higher English test scores than DOHA’s minimum
• Evidence of settlement funds

Quick Comparison: 189 vs 190 vs 491