Subclass 190 Visa Australia: Your Guide to Studying, Working & Settling in 2025-26
What Is the Skilled Nominated Visa Australia?
If you’re a student, working professional, or someone planning long term in Australia, the Skilled Nominated Visa Australia (Subclass 190) can be a game changer. This permanent visa allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the country, provided a state or territory government nominates you. With updates in 2025-26, knowing the process, requirements, and benefits is crucial to maximize your chances. Let’s break it down step by step so you can plan clearly and strongly from day one.
1. Who Can Apply & Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 190 visa, you generally need to satisfy several key criteria:
Require a nomination from the government of an Australian state or territory.
Have experience in an occupation that comes under the skilled occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, or state-specific lists).
Obtain a skills assessment for that occupation from the relevant assessing authority.
Demonstrate competent English (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or equivalent).
Meet the minimum points on the points test (usually 65 or more), including bonus points for state nomination.
2. Major Changes & Updates in 2025-2026
The Subclass 190 visa has seen some recent updates that applicants should pay attention to:
Some state/territory governments revised their skills lists and nomination criteria. It’s more competitive now.
State nomination now gives bonus points that can make a difference in the points test vs prior years. These bonus points will increase the speed of the process.
3. Benefits: Why Choose the Subclass 190 Visa
Here are the key advantages that make the Skilled Nominated Visa Australia highly desirable:
It’s a permanent visa, so once granted, you can live indefinitely in Australia.
As this is a PR Visa, the visa holders have freedom to chose the profession and the type of work they want to do.
Anywhere in Australia is a good place to work and study.
Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system).
You can include eligible family members in your application.
Travel freely to and from Australia for 5 years after visa grant.
4. Application Process: Step by Step
Here’s a simplified roadmap to apply for the Subclass 190 visa:
1. Eligibility Check & Points
Confirm you meet age, English proficiency, work experience, and other eligibility criteria. Make sure your points total meets the required threshold.
Get your qualifications and your skills assessed by the relevant authority. Ensure your assessment is current and valid.
3. Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge your EOI application and wait for a nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
4. Apply for State Nomination
Submit your nomination application to the state or territory. Some states may have additional nomination requirements.
Once nominated and invited, lodge your visa application with all supporting documents and await the decision.
5. Considerations & Tips to Improve Success
To maximize your chance of success:
Choose an occupation that is in high demand in your target state.
Improve your English score, better scores often add points.
Gain relevant work experience. The work experience must be relevant to your qualification and it must be under the shortage occupation list. More relevant experience often strengthens your points test.
Before applying, verify state-specific requirements (nomination criteria) since they differ across states.
Is the Skilled Nominated Visa for Australia Right for You?
If you are aiming to live, work, and study in Australia permanently, the Skilled Nominated Visa Australia (Subclass 190) offers one of the clearest and most stable pathways. For students, professionals, and their families, it combines opportunity with security, from great education options to full rights as a permanent resident, plus access to social services and a strong work environment.
If you feel ready but are unsure where to start, consider getting professional advice to check your occupation eligibility, skills assessment, and state nomination chances. Would you like Global Gateways to help you map out a personal Australia PR pathway based on your field, work experience & location?
