The 190 visa is a points-based visa that allows skilled workers, nominated by an Australian state or territory government, to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. To apply for the 190 visa, applicants must first secure a nomination from a state or territory government. It’s important to note that, in addition to meeting the minimum requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, each state or territory has its own specific criteria that applicants must fulfill to receive a nomination. Navigating these state or territory requirements can be complex.
State and Territory Nominated Visa Allocations (2024–2025)
After consultations with States and Territories, the following visa nomination levels have been allocated for the 2024-25 financial year. The figures are compared with the previous year’s allocations:
State | 190 Visa | 491 Visa | Total (2024-25) | Application Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
NT | 800 (+550) | 800 (+400) | 1,600 (+950) | √ |
NSW | 3,000 (+350) | 2,000 (+500) | 5,000 (+850) | √ |
(491 – Pathway 1 – Not Open) | ||||
ACT | 1,000 (+400) | 800 (+200) | 1,800 (+600) | √ |
WA | 3,000 (+1,500) | 2,000 (+1,150) | 5,000 (+3,000) | √ |
TAS | 2,100 (+1,500) | 760 (+160) | 2,860 (+1,660) | √ |
VIC | 3,000 (+300) | 2,000 (+1,400) | 5,000 (+1,700) | √ |
QLD | 600 (-300) | 600 (-50) | 1,200 (-350) | √ |
SA | 3,000 (+1,900) | 800 (-400) | 3,800 (+1,500) | √ |
New South Wales – State Nomination Criteria for Subclass 190
Basic Requirements:
- Must be under 45 years of age.
- Must have a positive skills assessment in an occupation listed on the NSW Skilled Occupation List for the 190 visa.
- Must have at least a competent level of English. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Republic of Ireland, or New Zealand are exempt from the English assessment.
- NSW nomination is competitive due to the high volume of applications, so it’s important to maximize your points to improve your chances of being nominated.
Residence:
- Onshore candidates: Must currently reside in NSW and have continuously lived there for at least six months.
- Offshore candidates: Must have continuously resided outside of Australia for at least six months.
Employment:
- Employment in NSW or in your nominated (or closely related) occupation is not required to be eligible for nomination.
Victoria – State Nomination Criteria for Subclass 190
Basic Requirements:
- Must be committed to living in Victoria.
- Must be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination.
- Must have at least competent English.
- Must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation on the MLTSSL or STSOL occupation list.
- Must have at least 65 points in your Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect.
- Must submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) and be selected.
Onshore Applicants:
- Must currently live in Victoria. There is no minimum duration requirement.
- Skilled Employment: You will need to disclose your current skilled employment in Victoria (ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2, or 3).
Offshore Applicants:
- Must currently live outside Australia.
- Employment in Victoria is not required.
For the subclass 491 visa, both onshore and offshore applicants can apply. Victoria is prioritizing health occupations for subclass 491 visa nominations.
Victoria’s 2024-25 state-nominated skilled visa program will open soon, and more information will be available as it is released.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – State Nomination Criteria for Subclass 190
Basic Requirements:
- Must be under 45 years of age at the time of nomination.
- Must have at least competent English.
- Must have a valid skills assessment in an occupation listed on the MLTSSL or STSOL occupation list.
- Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect and achieve at least 65 points.
- Must submit a Canberra Matrix and be selected.
Canberra Residents:
Residence:
- Must be living and working in Canberra for at least six months at the time of Canberra Matrix submission (including any dependents). You can live within a 30-minute commuting distance in NSW (e.g., Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, Googong).
- If you have a spouse or partner, they must also be a resident of Canberra for at least six months or living overseas.
Employment:
- Your nominated occupation must be on the latest ACT Critical Skills List. The highest-ranked Matrix submissions per occupation will be invited to apply for ACT nomination.
- You must have worked in Canberra for at least 26 weeks and meet the minimum weekly hours or earnings requirements:
- Employee: A minimum of 30 hours per week for at least 26 out of the past 30 weeks, in a genuine Canberra-based position.
- Self-Employed: You must earn at least $1,000 per week (taxable) for at least 26 out of the past 30 weeks, with at least 12 months of ACT business activity on your ABN. A statutory declaration confirming ABN details is required.
- Small Business Owner: You may be eligible to claim points in the Small Business Owner category under the Canberra Matrix. A statutory declaration confirming business activity details is required.
English:
- Must have ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English, unless your nominated occupation is Chef (ANZSCO 351311) or has an ANZSCO skill level of 3 to 5.
Commitment to Canberra:
- Must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra while your visa is being processed and for at least two years after your visa is granted.
Service Fee:
- $300
Overseas Applicants:
Residence:
- You and your migrating dependents (except children enrolled in school in the ACT) must:
- Be living overseas.
- Have not lived in Australia for the past 12 months.
- Not hold a current Australian visa (or bridging visa) except for an Australian visitor visa.
Employment/Relevant Work Experience:
- Your nominated occupation must be on the latest ACT Critical Skills List.
- You must have at least three years of full-time, relevant, post-graduate work experience in your nominated occupation within the past five years.
English:
- Must have ‘Proficient’ or ‘Superior’ English unless your nominated occupation is Chef (ANZSCO 351311) or has an ANZSCO skill level of 3 to 5.
ACT Employability:
- You must be confident in your employability in Canberra, and your background should be relevant to the ACT economy.
Commitment to Canberra:
- Must sign a declaration committing to living and working in Canberra while your visa is processed and for at least two years after the visa is granted.
Settlement Funds:
- You must have access to sufficient funds to support your migration and settlement in Canberra.
Service Fee:
- $300
Other Pathways:
- Doctorate Streamlined Nomination:
- Available if you completed a research or professional doctoral degree at an ACT university (Canberra resident) or within the last two years (interstate or overseas applicants).
- Significant Economic Benefit:
- If the ACT government believes your employment provides significant economic benefit to the Territory but you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you may be invited to apply under this pathway.