Australia Skilled Nominated Visa 190: Complete Guide 2026
Australia Skilled Nominated Visa 190: Complete Guide 2026
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is one of Australia’s most sought-after pathways to Permanent Residency (PR). Unlike the Subclass 189 (Independent) visa, which relies solely on your individual points, the 190 visa requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
For professionals from the MENA region—including engineers, IT specialists, healthcare workers, and educators—the 190 visa offers a strategic advantage. By securing state nomination, you not only receive an additional 5 points toward your score but also gain access to a wider range of occupations that may not be available on the federal independent list.
In this guide, we break down every aspect of the Subclass 190 visa for the 2026 program year, ensuring you have the most up-to-date information to plan your hijraah to Australia.
1. Subclass 190 Visa At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency (PR) |
| Stay Period | Indefinitely |
| State Nomination | Mandatory |
| Application Fee | AUD 4,910 (~USD 3,290) |
| Processing Time | Approx. 60 Days (Priority sectors) |
| Minimum Points | 65 (including state boost) |
| Age Limit | Under 45 at time of invitation |
2. Subclass 189 vs. Subclass 190: What’s the Difference?
While both visas grant the same Permanent Residency rights, the path to obtaining them differs significantly:
| Factor | Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination | No nomination required | Must be nominated by a State/Territory |
| Occupation List | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) | MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL (depending on state) |
| Point Boost | No extra points | +5 points from the state |
| Residency Obligation | Can live/work anywhere in Australia | Expected to live/work in the nominating state for 2 years |
| Competition | Extremely high points required | Lower points often accepted for in-demand roles |
3. Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 190 visa in 2026, you must meet the following core criteria:
A. Skilled Occupation & Skills Assessment
Your occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List for the state you are applying to. Australia maintains several lists:
- MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List): High-demand roles like Civil Engineers, Nurses, and Software Programmers.
- STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List): Roles with local shortages like Marketing Specialists or Cafe Managers.
- ROL (Regional Occupation List): Roles specific to regional areas.
For a 190 visa, you can often apply if your role is on the STSOL, which is not possible for the 189 visa. Furthermore, you must obtain a suitable skills assessment from the designated authority:
- Engineers Australia (EA): For all engineering disciplines.
- Australian Computer Society (ACS): For IT and ICT professionals.
- VETASSESS: For general professional occupations like Marketing, HR, and Management.
- AHPRA/ANMAC: For healthcare and nursing professionals.
This assessment is a rigorous review of your university transcripts and work experience to ensure you are truly "skilled" by Australian standards.
B. State Nomination: The Golden Ticket
You cannot apply for this visa without being invited by an Australian State or Territory government. Each state (NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and ACT) has its own unique economic needs and selection criteria.
State nomination is competitive because it provides the final 5 points needed for many candidates to hit the 65-point minimum or to become more competitive in the federal pool.
C. The Points Test: Your Scorecard for Success
You must score at least 65 points on the Australian Points Test to be legally eligible. However, because invitations are issued on a "highest-rank" basis, most successful applicants in 2026 are aiming for scores between 85 and 95. This total includes the 5 points granted by the state nomination.
D. Age Requirement: The 45-Year Window
Australia prioritizes younger migrants who can contribute to the economy for a longer period. You must be under 45 years of age on the day you are invited to apply. If you turn 45 after receiving the invitation but before lodging the visa, you are still eligible. However, if you turn 45 before the invitation is issued, your EOI will expire.
E. English Language Proficiency: More Than Just a Requirement
You must demonstrate at least Competent English. This is defined as:
- IELTS: 6.0 in each of the four components.
- PTE Academic: 50 in each of the four components.
- OET: At least B in each component (for healthcare professionals).
While "Competent" is the minimum for eligibility, it awards 0 points. In the competitive landscape of 2026, securing Superior English (IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79) is often the "make or break" factor, as it adds a massive 20 points to your total.
4. The 2026 Points System: A Deep Dive
The points system is the heart of your application. Let's break down exactly how you can calculate and maximize your score.
1. Age (Max 30 Points)
| Age at Invitation | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
Tip: If you are approaching 33 or 40, your points will drop. It is critical to lodge your EOI as early as possible.
2. English Proficiency (Max 20 Points)
| Category | Score | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | IELTS 6 / PTE 50 | 0 |
| Proficient | IELTS 7 / PTE 65 | 10 |
| Superior | IELTS 8 / PTE 79 | 20 |
MENA Context: Most professionals in the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan find the PTE Academic test more predictable and faster to get results compared to the IELTS.
3. Skilled Employment (Max 20 Points)
You can claim points for work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related one.
Outside Australia (International Experience):
| Experience in Last 10 Years | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3–4 years | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 |
| 8–10 years | 15 |
Inside Australia (Local Experience):
| Experience in Last 10 Years | Points |
|---|---|
| 1–2 years | 5 |
| 3–4 years | 10 |
| 5–7 years | 15 |
| 8+ years | 20 |
Note: You can combine points from both, but the maximum total is capped at 20.
4. Educational Qualifications (Max 20 Points)
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) from a recognized institution | 20 |
| Bachelor or Master Degree | 15 |
| Diploma or Trade Qualification (assessed) | 10 |
| Award or qualification recognized by assessment authority | 10 |
5. Partner Factors (Max 10 Points)
Your family structure plays a big role in your score.
- Single: 10 points.
- Partner is Australian Citizen/PR: 10 points.
- Partner has Skills Assessment & Competent English: 10 points.
- Partner has Competent English only: 5 points.
- Partner has neither: 0 points.
6. Additional "Bonus" Points
- State Nomination (Subclass 190): +5 points.
- Study in Regional Australia: +5 points (requires living and studying in a designated regional area).
- NAATI Credentialed Community Language: +5 points (if you pass a translation/interpretation test in a language like Arabic).
- Professional Year: +5 points (for IT, Engineering, or Accounting graduates who complete a 1-year program in Australia).
5. Understanding the State Nomination Process in Detail
State nomination isn't just a checkbox; it's a separate application process with its own fees and timelines.
Step 1: The Federal EOI (SkillSelect)
You start by telling the Australian Government you want to move. In your EOI, you must be 100% accurate. If you claim 80 points but can only prove 75, your visa will be refused, and you may face a ban.
Step 2: The State ROI (Registration of Interest)
States like Victoria and NSW often require you to "apply for an invite." This is called an ROI. You submit your EOI number to the state's portal and wait for them to pick you from the crowd.
Step 3: The State Nomination Application
If the state selects you, you will receive an email inviting you to apply for nomination. You usually have 14 to 28 days to submit a full package of documents, including:
- Proof of residency (if you are already in Australia).
- A "Commitment Statement" explaining why you want to live in that specific state.
- Detailed employment records.
Step 4: The Visa Invitation
Once the state approves your nomination, your EOI status changes to "Invited." You then have 60 days to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
6. Where Should You Go? A Guide for MENA Professionals
Selecting the right state is a strategic decision. Here is a deeper look at the top destinations for migrants from the Middle East.
New South Wales (NSW) - The Financial Powerhouse
NSW is the most popular choice for professionals in Banking, Fintech, and large-scale Infrastructure.
- For MENA Applicants: If you have experience in the booming construction sectors of Riyadh or Dubai, NSW’s massive infrastructure projects (like the Western Sydney Airport) offer high-paying opportunities for Civil Engineers and Project Managers.
- The Catch: Competition is the highest in Australia. You often need 95+ points for non-priority roles.
Victoria (VIC) - The Tech & Innovation Hub
Melbourne is consistently voted one of the world's most livable cities. It has a strong focus on Digital Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Renewable Energy.
- For MENA Applicants: Victoria has a very streamlined ROI process. If you are a Software Engineer or a Healthcare professional, your chances here are excellent.
- The Catch: They prioritize candidates who are already living and working in Victoria, though they still invite high-caliber offshore candidates.
Western Australia (WA) - The Land of Opportunity
WA is currently experiencing a massive labor shortage in Mining, Energy, and Skilled Trades.
- For MENA Applicants: WA is often the "easiest" state for offshore applicants (those applying from outside Australia). Their occupation list is vast, and they often waive the "job offer" requirement for priority health and construction sectors.
- The Catch: It is geographically isolated (a 5-hour flight from Sydney), but it offers a high standard of living and high wages.
South Australia (SA) - The Regional PR Gateway
SA is perfect for those looking for a slightly slower pace of life with excellent PR prospects.
- For MENA Applicants: SA is very welcoming to "High Performers" (those with very high GPA or research backgrounds) and those with specific skilled work experience.
- The Catch: The job market is smaller than Sydney or Melbourne.
7. The Documentation Phase: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The #1 reason for visa delays or refusals is "Insufficient Evidence." For MENA applicants, this often involves work experience documentation.
The "Perfect" Work Reference Letter
Australian case officers expect to see:
- Company Letterhead: Full contact details of the employer.
- Dates of Employment: Exact start and end dates.
- Role Type: Full-time or Part-time (and hours per week).
- Salary: Mentioning your annual base salary.
- Duties: At least 5–8 bullet points describing your daily tasks. These must match the ANZSCO description for your occupation.
Attestations and Translations
All documents not in English must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator or a recognized professional translation service in your home country. For degrees from countries like Egypt or Pakistan, ensuring your university is "Section 1" or "Section 2" in the Australian Country Education Profiles (CEP) is vital.
8. Costs: How Much Should You Budget?
Migration is an investment. Here is the realistic cost breakdown for a single applicant vs. a family of four (all prices in AUD).
| Item | Single Applicant | Family (2 Adults + 2 Kids) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | $4,910 | $9,825 |
| Skills Assessment | $500 - $1,200 | $500 - $1,200 |
| English Test (PTE) | $410 | $820 (if spouse takes it) |
| Medical Exams | $350 | $1,200 |
| Police Clearances | $100 | $200 |
| State Nomination Fee | $300 | $300 |
| TOTAL (Estimated) | ~$6,500 AUD | ~$13,000+ AUD |
9. Life as a Permanent Resident: What to Expect
Medicare and Healthcare
As a 190 visa holder, you have immediate access to Medicare. This covers:
- Free treatment as a public patient in a public hospital.
- Subsidized medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
- Subsidized visits to General Practitioners (GPs).
Education for Children
Your children can attend Australian Public Schools for free (the same as Australian citizens). This is a massive saving compared to the high cost of international schools in the MENA region.
The Path to Citizenship
You can apply for an Australian Passport after:
- Living in Australia for 4 years on a valid visa.
- Being a Permanent Resident for the last 12 months.
- Not being absent from Australia for more than 12 months total in the 4 years.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I move to another state after I get my 190 visa?
Legally, a 190 visa is a Permanent Visa with no "hard" travel restrictions within Australia. However, you signed a moral obligation to live in your nominating state for 2 years. Moving too early could potentially affect your future citizenship application if the state reports you for "misleading conduct," though this is rare. It is best to stick to your commitment.
2. Is there a "Social Security" or "Unemployment" benefit?
As a PR, you generally have to wait 4 years (the Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period) before you can access most Centerlink (welfare) payments. You must be self-sufficient during your first few years.
3. What if I am over 45?
If you are 45 or older, the 190 visa is not an option. You may look into the Subclass 482 (Employer Sponsored) visa or the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858), which has age waivers for exceptional candidates.
4. How many points are "safe" for IT professionals?
For Software Engineers and Developers, 90-95 points (including state points) is currently considered the safe zone for an invitation in 2026.
11. Why Use Hijraah for Your Australia Migration?
The Australian migration system is dynamic. A rule that applies today might change tomorrow. Hijraah's platform gives you the edge:
- Real-Time Points Tracking: Our AI updates your score as you gain more experience or better test results.
- State Nomination Intelligence: We track which states are currently inviting your specific occupation.
- Bilingual Support: Navigate the entire process in Arabic or English, ensuring you never miss a technical detail.
- Document Vault: Keep your police clearances, skills assessments, and references in one secure place with automated expiry reminders.
Your future in Australia starts with a single step. Calculate your points now →