Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent residency visa that requires you to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. The process moves from preparing your credentials to expressing interest, receiving a state nomination, and finally lodging a formal visa application with the federal government.

Step 1: Skills Assessment and English Testing

Before you can begin the formal application, you must prove your professional and linguistic capabilities.

• Skills Assessment: You must obtain a suitable skills assessment for your occupation from the relevant authority (such as Engineers Australia or the Australian Computer Society). This document must be less than 3 years old at the time you are invited to apply.
• English Proficiency: You must sit for an approved English test (such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or OET) and achieve at least Competent English (e.g., an IELTS score of 6.0 in all components).

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once you have your results, create a profile in SkillSelect.

• Select the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190).
• Indicate which state or territory you wish to be nominated by.
• You must score at least 65 points on the points table to be eligible, which includes a 5-point bonus automatically granted for state nomination.

Step 3: Apply for State Nomination

If a state or territory is interested in your profile, they will invite you to apply for their nomination.

• Each state has its own criteria and application portal. For example, New South Wales (NSW) prioritizes health and education, while Victoria (VIC) focuses on "Target Sectors" like advanced manufacturing.
• You must submit your application and pay any required state-specific fees within their specified timeframe.

Step 4: Receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If the state approves your nomination, they will notify the Department of Home Affairs. You will then receive an automated Invitation to Apply (ITA) via SkillSelect. This is the "golden ticket" that allows you to lodge your visa.

Step 5: Lodge the Visa Application

You have exactly 60 days from the date of your ITA to submit your visa application.

• Log in to ImmiAccount to complete the application.
• Upload all supporting documents, including your skills assessment, English results, and identity documents.
• Complete Form 80 (Personal particulars) and Form 1221 (Additional personal particulars).
• Pay the application fee to finalize the lodgement.

Step 6: Health and Character Checks

After lodging, the Department will request that you undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Item	Cost
Main Applicant	AUD 4,910
Additional Applicant (18+ years)	AUD 2,455
Additional Applicant (Under 18 years)	AUD 1,230
State Nomination Fee	AUD 0 – AUD 330 (Varies by state)
Second Instalment	AUD 4,885 (Only for 18+ applicants with less than "Functional English")

Total Estimate: For a single applicant, expect to pay approximately AUD 5,240 in government fees. Does not include: Costs for the skills assessment, English language tests, medical exams, police checks, or professional migration agent fees.

Processing times vary significantly based on your occupation and the quality of your application.

• Priority Sectors (Health, Teaching): 3 to 6 months.
• Standard Processing (75% of cases): 6.5 to 10 months.
• Standard Processing (90% of cases): 12 to 18 months.

Document Validity: Ensure your skills assessment is valid for the duration of the process (usually 3 years) and your English test results are no older than 3 years at the time of invitation. Note that if you turn 45 years of age before receiving an invitation, you will no longer be eligible to apply.