The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa requires you to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. State nomination adds 5 points to your points test score. Once a state nominates you, Home Affairs invites you to apply. Most states also ask you to commit to living (and usually working) in that state for at least 2 years after your visa is granted — a state requirement, not a visa condition.
State nomination is not guaranteed — each state has its own occupation lists, requirements, and invitation rounds
You do not need a job offer in the state, but some states prefer or require applicants with a job offer or prior connection to that state
After 2 years, you are free to move anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident
+5
Bonus points from state nomination (Subclass 190)
2 yrs
Typical state commitment to live & work in the nominating state
65
Minimum points to be invited (nomination points count)
Subclass 190 Points Calculator
State nomination is pre-selected (+5 pts). Adjust the remaining factors to see your total score.
Your Subclass 190 Total Points
5
points
State/Territory Nomination: +5 pts (locked)
You meet the minimum. Scores around 65–79 may only receive invitations in lower-demand occupations. Consider boosting your English or Australian employment.
Age at Time of Invitation 0 pts
English Language Ability 0 pts
Overseas Skilled Employment 0 pts
Australian Skilled Employment 0 pts
Overseas and Australian employment together are capped at 20 pts.
Educational Qualifications 0 pts
Additional Points 0 pts
Partner / Relationship Points 10 pts
Points Breakdown
Category
Points
State & Territory Nomination Status
Important: State nomination programs open and close frequently, sometimes without notice. The status below is a general guide only. Always check the official state or territory website for current nominations, eligible occupations, and application requirements before submitting an EOI.
State / Territory
Status
Typical Requirements
Official Website
New South Wales (NSW)
Check Website
Skilled occupation on NSW list; 65+ points; some roles require NSW connection, job offer, or prior residence
States like Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory often have shorter waitlists for nomination because they have more pressing labour needs in healthcare, construction, and trades.
Get a skills assessment first
Many states require an approved skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority before they will nominate you. Apply for your skills assessment before lodging a state nomination application.
Build a genuine connection
Several states (NSW, WA, ACT) heavily favour applicants who have already lived or worked in that state. Moving to a state first can significantly improve your nomination chances.
Watch for targeted rounds
States sometimes run targeted invitation rounds for specific occupations (e.g., nurses, engineers, IT specialists). Sign up to state migration newsletters to be notified of these rounds quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to multiple states for nomination at the same time?+
Yes, in most cases. Your SkillSelect EOI can be seen by every state you select, and you can register interest with more than one state — there is no Home Affairs rule preventing it. However, you can only apply for the visa on one nomination. Note that some states require you to certify that you genuinely intend to live in that state, so apply only to states where you are willing to commit to the 2-year obligation.
What happens if I move interstate before the 2 years are up?+
The 2-year commitment is a state requirement, not a condition on the 190 visa, so moving interstate does not automatically cancel your visa or permanent residence. However, you gave the state a commitment when you applied for nomination, and states may contact you to check you are living there. Only commit to a state you genuinely intend to live in, and get advice before moving early.
Does state nomination guarantee I will be invited in SkillSelect?+
For the Subclass 190, yes — Home Affairs invites you to apply once a state or territory nominates you, and nomination adds 5 points to your score. The hard part is getting nominated: each state picks from the EOIs in SkillSelect using its own occupation lists and criteria. An invitation does not guarantee the visa — you have 60 days to apply and must prove every claim, and if the state withdraws its nomination after you apply, your application becomes invalid.
Is Subclass 190 better than Subclass 189?+
Both the 189 and 190 visas grant permanent residency with the same rights. The 190 visa gives you 5 extra points and may be easier to obtain if you are willing to commit to living in a state for 2 years. The 189 visa has no location restriction but typically requires a higher points score to receive an invitation. If you are flexible about where you live in Australia, the 190 is often the more accessible pathway, especially for applicants in the 70–80 points range.
Disclaimer: Points are calculated using publicly available government information. Nomination status changes frequently — always verify current status on the official state or territory website. This tool does not constitute migration advice. Consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA) for personalised guidance.
