Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa

Well, you have to first figure out where you want to live. For instance, lots of our clients completed their studies in Western Australia. Having spent at least 2 – 3 years here, they would naturally choose WA as their destination for 190 visa Australia. 

Once you confirm your region of interest, check its nomination requirements. You should focus on the following important factors: 

• Is the nomination program open for general skilled migration visa? 
• State/territory government has a limited nomination quota for nomination, which is set by the federal government.
• For example, on 1st Feb 2022, the WA state government had to suspend their nomination program due to lack of quota: Skilled Migration  

• Do I have to be a resident?
• 190 nomination requirements can vary greatly, with some regions only accepting its own residents, whilst others accept applicants currently overseas.
• For instance, as of March 2022, Northern territory government does not accept any applicants residing interstate: Eligibility | Australia’s Northern Territory 

• Is my nominated occupation on the list? 
• The state/territory government can set its own occupation list. If your occupation is not on the list, it is highly unlikely you can receive a nomination.
• For instance, South Australia has recently expanded their occupation lists and included an additional 259 occupations: Skilled Migration Program update for Offshore Applicants | Move to South Australia 

• Is a local job offer/work experience required?
• This is a very common request from the state/territory government, so that you can demonstrate your employability and the potential to make contributions to the local economy.
• The type and length of job offer/work experience also varies depending on the state/territory you are applying for.
• Any other special requirements? E.g. settlement funds, family ties, local qualifications etc.  

You should also remember that 190 skilled visa nomination criteria can change at any time, so you should always check official information regularly, and/or consult with a migration professional before making a major life decision like this.

Once the state/territory government approves your nomination application, they will notify DOHA to issue an invitation to apply for 190 visa. 190 visa requirements are about providing supporting evidence to justify all points claimed in EOI. You must also meet health and character requirements.

As mentioned in the beginning, Skilled Nominated 190 visa holders are Australian permanent residents, with access to some great benefits, including but not limited to:

• Settle down and live in Australia permanently. 
• You should note that as part of your state nomination, you are usually required to live and work in the nominating state/territory for a few years. This are detailed in your nomination agreement.
• If you are attending university, or your children are attending public schools, the ‘local’ rates apply, which is much lower than ‘international student’ rates.
• Social security such as Medicare
• Bring your family members from overseas to Australia. Depending on their eligibility, it can be either a short visit or a permanent stay.
• 5 years of travel facility with possibility of citizenship application and/or resident return visa.

As of March 2022, skilled nominated visa subclass 190 application charges are:

• Primary Applicant: $4,115.00
• Secondary Applicant above 18: $2,055.00 each
• Secondary Applicant below 18: $1,030.00 each

In addition, you also need to pay a state nomination application fee (if applicable).

Current processing time for Subclass 190 visas ranges from 4 to 22 months. The actual processing time varies depending on your circumstances, your nominated occupation as well as DOHA’s internal processing priorities. You can check the monthly updated processing time here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times