Start Your Australia Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) Journey

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a popular pathway for skilled workers seeking to migrate to Australia. This visa is available to individuals who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government, allowing them to live and work permanently in a specific region of Australia. By meeting the eligibility requirements and demonstrating their skills in occupations that are in high demand, applicants can secure Australian permanent residency. This guide will cover the key features, requirements, and benefits of the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), offering a comprehensive overview of this immigration option. 

Visa Benefits:

• Provides permanent residency, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely.
• Grants the ability to work and study in Australia.
• Allows enrollment in Australia's public healthcare system, Medicare.
• Offers the option to sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia.
• Permits travel to and from Australia for a period of 5 years.
• Provides a pathway to Australian citizenship if eligibility criteria are met.
• Note that newly arrived residents may need to wait before accessing certain government payments and benefits.

Duration of Stay:

• The visa grants permanent residency, enabling you to remain in Australia indefinitely.
• The travel component of the visa expires 5 years from the date of grant.

Including Family Members:

• You can include family members in your visa application.
• Family members must meet health and character requirements.
• Even if family members are not accompanying you to Australia, they may still need to meet these requirements.

Cost:

• The main applicant's visa application fee is AUD 4,240.
• Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application.
• You can use the Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate the total cost.
• A second installment fee may apply to applicants aged 18 or older with less than functional English, which is AUD 4,885.
• Additional costs may include health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

Processing Times:

• The processing times for visa applications are as follows:
  • 25% of applications: 63 days
  • 50% of applications: 78 days
  • 75% of applications: 4 months
  • 90% of applications: 8 months
• Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances, and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

When applying for a Subclass 190 visa, securing state or territory nomination is a crucial step. First, it's important to research and identify which Australian state or territory is offering nominations for your specific occupation. Each state and territory has its own set of requirements and occupation lists that you must meet to be eligible. Once you have determined the appropriate state or territory, you should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, indicating your interest in the Subclass 190 visa and your preferred location for nomination. If your EOI meets the criteria and there is a demand for your occupation, the state or territory may nominate you for the visa. 

The Subclass 190 visa operates on a points-based system, where points are awarded to applicants based on various factors that determine their eligibility. These factors include:

• Age: Points are allocated according to the applicant's age, with younger applicants generally receiving more points. This reflects their potential for a longer-term contribution to Australia's economy.

• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are assessed on their English language skills through standardized tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Higher test scores earn more points, as strong language skills are crucial for employability and integration into Australian society.

• Work Experience: Points are awarded based on the applicant's employment history, considering both overseas and Australian work experience. Longer periods of skilled employment in a nominated occupation can lead to a higher points score.

• Educational Qualifications: Points are also granted based on educational achievements. Advanced degrees, such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, attract more points, highlighting the value placed on higher education in Australia's skilled migration program.

• Marital Status: The applicant's marital status can impact the points calculation. Additional points may be awarded if the applicant is single or has a partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holds an eligible New Zealand visa.

• Partner's Skills and Qualifications: If the applicant's partner meets certain criteria, their skills and qualifications can contribute to the overall points score. This includes their English language proficiency, education level, and nominated occupation.

These factors collectively determine an applicant's points score, which plays a key role in assessing their eligibility for the Subclass 190 visa. The higher the points score, the better the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa. It's important to note that the required points for an invitation can vary depending on the demand for specific skills in different Australian states or territories. 

Step 1: Preparation Before You Apply

    Step 1.1: Before Submitting Your EOI

• Confirm that your occupation is listed on the eligible skilled occupations list for the Subclass 190 visa.
• Obtain a valid skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation within the past three years.
  • Medical practitioners must provide proof of registration issued by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
  • Barristers and solicitors need to show their admission to practice law in an Australian state or territory.
• Ensure you can achieve at least 65 points on the points test and meet all other eligibility requirements.

    Step 1.2: Submitting Your EOI

• Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, whether you are in Australia or abroad.
• Select the Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa as your preferred option.
• There is no fee required to submit an EOI.
• You will receive an email confirmation after submitting your EOI.

    Step 1.3: After Submitting Your EOI

• SkillSelect will estimate your points score based on the details provided in your EOI.
• An estimated score of at least 65 points is necessary to be eligible for an invitation to apply for the visa.
• State or territory governments may nominate you if your skills align with their needs.
• If nominated, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

    Step 1.4: Receiving an Invitation to Apply for the Visa

• Once invited, you have 60 calendar days to submit your visa application. This deadline cannot be extended.
• Invitations may be issued up to two years after you submit your EOI.
• The invitation will specify the points score required based on the claims made in your EOI.
• When applying, you must demonstrate that you meet the required points score and all other eligibility criteria.
• If you fail to apply after receiving two invitations, your EOI will be removed from SkillSelect.
• Visa applications will not be processed if you are 45 years old or older at the time of invitation.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Ensure that you collect all necessary documents to support the claims made in your EOI and to demonstrate that you meet the visa requirements. It is critical to provide accurate and truthful information, as failure to do so may result in issues proving your identity or other complications if false information is detected.

Here is a list of documents you may need to prepare:

• Identity documents
• Relationship documents
• Character documents
• Competent English documents (showing proof of at least competent English at the time of invitation)
• Partner documents
• Documents for dependents under 18
• Documents for dependents over 18
• Skills assessment documents
• Expression of Interest (EOI) documents

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

After receiving your invitation, you can proceed to submit your visa application online. This can be done whether you are currently inside or outside Australia.

Remember, you have 60 days from the date of your invitation to submit your application.

It is vital to ensure that all information provided throughout the application process is accurate.

Step 4: After You Apply

If you are granted a bridging visa, you will be notified of your visa grant.

If you are a skilled worker meeting the following criteria, you may be eligible to obtain the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) from the Department of Home Affairs.

To submit a valid application, you must demonstrate that you have a relevant skills assessment for your occupation at the time of invitation. A copy of this assessment must be included with your visa application. The assessment must have been obtained within three years prior to receiving the invitation. Additionally, your occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List.

You can only apply for this visa after receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. To be considered, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, indicating your desire to apply for the visa. An Australian state or territory government may then nominate you for the visa, and you will receive an invitation to apply only if you are nominated. Once invited, you must apply within 60 days.

Each state or territory has its own criteria for nomination. It’s advisable to contact the relevant government agency or consult with our migration agents to understand the specific requirements and nomination process.

To be eligible, you must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. Even if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation, you may still apply. However, if you turn 45 after submitting your EOI and before receiving the invitation, you will not be invited to apply.

A minimum of 65 points is required to qualify for the Subclass 190 visa. When you submit your EOI through SkillSelect, you will receive an estimate of your points based on the information provided. You can also use the points calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website to determine your potential score. The invitation to apply will specify the points required based on your EOI. When applying, you must provide evidence supporting your claims, including those related to the points score.

You must demonstrate at least competent English to apply for this visa. Acceptable evidence includes:

• A passport from the UK, the US, New Zealand, Ireland, or Canada (excluding BN(O) passports).
• Valid test results from TOEFL iBT, IELTS (General or Academic), PTE Academic, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced, meeting the required scores for eligibility. For specific score requirements, you can consult our migration agents.

You must also meet the health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. This may also apply to family members who are not accompanying you to Australia. The character requirement is essential for both PR visa applicants and those seeking citizenship. The requirements are outlined in the Migration Act 1958 and are used to determine your good character.

Additionally, you must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government at the time of application. Nor should you have had a previous visa application canceled or refused while in Australia.

Your permanent residency commences on the day the visa is granted, whether you are in or outside Australia.

In conclusion, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) provides skilled workers with a remarkable opportunity to achieve permanent residency in Australia. By securing a nomination from an Australian state or territory government, applicants can showcase their value and contribution to specific regions. This visa serves as a pathway for individuals with in-demand skills and qualifications to live and work in Australia, reaping the benefits of permanent residency. With careful preparation and adherence to the eligibility requirements, applicants can embark on a new chapter in Australia, contributing to its vibrant and diverse workforce. The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) opens the door to a promising future in Australia for skilled professionals seeking long-term settlement.