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GSM – Subclass 190
Introduction
The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency pathway designed for skilled workers who receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. This points-tested visa targets skilled professionals whose expertise aligns with specific state workforce needs and economic priorities. The visa grants permanent resident status, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. For skilled professionals seeking a direct route to Australian permanent residency while contributing to state-specific skill shortages, the Subclass 190 represents an accessible and rewarding migration pathway.
This pathway rewards skilled workers who have demonstrated commitment to regional Australia by living and working in designated areas for at least three years. The 191 visa allows holders to live, work and study anywhere in Australia permanently and provides a pathway to Australian citizenship. For skilled migrants seeking stability and unrestricted living rights across Australia, this visa represents the culmination of their regional commitment journey.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Criteria
- Age requirements: You must be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply for the visa.
- Nationality requirements: There are no specific nationality restrictions, but you must hold a valid passport from any country
- Health and character requirements: All applicants and their family members must meet Australia's health and character requirements, which include undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates.
- Debt clearance requirement: Any outstanding debts to the Australian Government, and in some cases state governments, must be repaid or have a repayment arrangement in place.
- Australian Values Statement: You must also sign the Australian Values Statement, confirming your commitment to respect Australian laws and its way of life.
Specific Requirements
- Occupation and skills requirement: Your occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list for the Subclass 190 visa, and you must have a positive skills assessment for that occupation. The skills assessment must be valid at the time of your application.
- Point test requirement: You are required to achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points test, which assesses factors like age, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, and partner skills.
- English Language: To demonstrate English language proficiency, you need to achieve at least 'Competent' English, which is equivalent to a minimum score of 6.0 in all modules of the IELTS test or 50 in all components of the PTE Academic test.
- State Nomination: The most critical requirement is securing a nomination from an Australian state or territory government, as each jurisdiction has its own unique requirements and occupation lists. A state nomination adds 5 points to your overall score.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
1
Preparation Phase
Obtain a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation and achieve the required English language test scores.
2
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. Following this, you may need to submit a separate Registration of Interest (ROI) to your chosen state or territory.
3
State Nomination
States and territories review EOIs and ROIs, inviting selected candidates to apply for nomination. These invitation rounds occur throughout the financial year.
4
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your state nomination is successful, you will receive an ITA from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
5
Visa Lodgement
You must submit your complete visa application and all supporting documents to the Department of Home Affairs within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
7
Decision
The Department processes your application, which includes verifying your documents and conducting background checks, before issuing a final decision via email.
Key Tips:
Apply as early as possible in the financial year, as states have limited nomination quotas. Ensure your EOI is accurate and all claims can be substantiated with valid documents if you are invited to apply. Higher points scores, typically 75-80 or more, significantly improve your chances of being invited. To maximise your opportunities, consider applying to multiple states for which you are eligible.
Required Documents
Essential Documentation
- You will need a current passport and national identity documents, educational qualification certificates with academic transcripts.
- comprehensive employment reference letters detailing your roles and responsibilities.
- You must also provide English language test results (such as IELTS or PTE), health examination reports from approved physicians.
- Police clearances from Australia and all countries where applicants have resided for 12 or more in the last 10 years(for applicants over 16).
Additional Documentation(Visa-Specific)
- A positive skills assessment certificate from the relevant authority and the state nomination approval letter are crucial.
- You will also need to provide a detailed CV, proof of relationship for dependents (such as marriage and birth certificates), and evidence to support claims for partner skills points if applicable.
- Form 80 (Personal Particulars for Assessment) is also commonly required.
Processing Time & Costs
Application Fee Structure
Primary Applicant
AUD $4,770
Additional Applicants (18+ years)
AUD $2,385
Additional Applicants (Under 18)
AUD $1,190
Processing timeframes: The visa processing time is typically between 5 and 12 months. Approximately 75% of applications are processed within 5 to 9 months, with the average time being between 6.5 and 8 months.
Additional costs: Expect to pay for skills assessments ($500–$2,000), English tests ($250–$400), health examinations ($350–$500 per person), police clearances ($50–$100 per country), and state nomination application fees ($200–$800, varies by state).
Tips for faster processing:
Submitting a complete application with all required documents, undergoing health examinations early, and having a high points score can contribute to faster processing times.
Rights and Restrictions
What You Can Do:
- Unrestricted Residence: As a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely, enrol in any Australian educational institution
- Medicare Eligibility: Access Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare).
- Family Sponsorship: After meeting residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
- Travel Flexibility: The visa allows you to travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of the grant
Limitations:
- Nomination Condition: You are expected to live and work in the state that nominated you for a specified period after your visa is granted.
- Nomination Period: This commitment is typically for two years, but can vary; for example, Tasmania requires a two-year commitment, while the Northern Territory requires three.
- Resident Return Visa: After the initial five-year travel facility expires, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
- New Resident Hold: Certain government social security payments may have waiting periods for new permanent residents.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
The Subclass 190 visa grants you permanent residency from the moment it is activated. This provides a direct pathway to becoming an Australian citizen once you meet the necessary residency and other criteria.
Application Challenges & Solutions
Documentation Complexity
Challenge: State nomination competition
Solution: Boost your points score to be more competitive and consider applying to multiple states where your occupation is in demand to increase your chances of receiving a nomination.
Challenge: Processing delays
Solution: Ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission to avoid delays caused by requests for further information. Applying early in the program year, when quotas are fresh, can also be advantageous.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The Subclass 190 visa is a valuable option for skilled professionals, offering direct permanent residency and extensive work and lifestyle benefits in Australia. The first step is to research the occupation lists and specific requirements of each state and territory to find a match for your profile. Given the competitive nature of the program, seeking guidance from a registered migration agent can be beneficial.
Take action today to complete a points assessment, gather your documents, and submit your Expression of Interest to begin your journey toward Australian permanent residency through this established pathway.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I change my nominated state after receiving an invitation?
No, you cannot change your nominating state once you have received an invitation to apply for the visa. Your application is tied to the state that nominated you.
What happens if I turn 45 after submitting my EOI but before the invitation?
You will not receive an invitation if you turn 45 before the invitation is issued, as you no longer meet the age requirement. However, if you turn 45 after receiving the official invitation to apply, you can still proceed with your visa application.
Can I include family members in my application?
Yes, you can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your application. Dependent children are typically under 18, but can be older if they are financially dependent on you.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
A job offer is generally not a mandatory requirement for the Subclass 190 visa. However, some states may prioritise applicants who have secured employment in their jurisdiction.
Can I work in any occupation after the visa is granted?
Yes, upon visa grant, you have full work rights and can be employed in any occupation anywhere in Australia. However, you are expected to honour your commitment to live and work in your nominating state for the initial period.