How to successfully apply for a subclass 190 visa?

In 2023-2024, the number of the subclass 190 visa being granted is reduced. In the next financial year, the Australian Government will grant around 137.100 Skilled visas. States/territories governments encourage international skilled workers to permanently work and stay in their domain.
To build your career and live permanently in Australia, a Australia 190 visa is a good option for you. How to apply for this visa? Read on to get advice from our qualified and experienced consultant.
What is a subclass 190 visa?
A Skilled Nominated visa – Subclass 190 is a visa that allows eligible workers to settle in a certain Australian state/territory.
To apply for this visa, applicants must be nominated by the Australian State or Territory Government and get 5 nomination points.

The subclass 190 is a permanent residency visa. The applicants can study, work, live in Australia, and will be entitled to other benefits.
The benefits of a subclass 190 visa
Residency | To live in Australia permanently. |
Health care | Access to Medicare – an Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. |
Study and work | To study and work in Australia. |
Multiple entries | Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want in 5 years. After 5 years, you need to apply for a Resident Return visa (RRV). |
Family members | Allow your eligible family members to apply for the visa together with you. |
Citizenship | Apply for Australian citizenship. |

In case you need further explanation, please contact VEM.
The requirements of a subclass 190 visa
To apply for a subclass 190, you need to meet the following requirements:
Points test | At least 65 points. You can have details of points criteria on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. |
Invitation | Submit an EOI (Expression of interest) to be nominated by the Australian State or Territory Government. |
Age limit | Under 45 years of age at the time of making application. |
Occupations | Must be included on the states/territories’ skilled occupation list. |
Skills assessment | Must pass the skills assessment. |
English language | At least 6.0 IELTS. |
Others |
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You can lodge your application and receive your visa in or outside Australia depending on each state/territory’s requirements. |
You must obtain at least 65 points to make an EOI. However, the higher points you obtain, the higher chance you are invited to apply for the visa.

Our experienced migration consultant can advise you on how to obtain the maximum points, which bring you a better chance for being invited. Contact VEM’s office for assistance.
Steps to apply for a subclass 190
- Step 1: Check whether your occupation is on the skilled occupation list and whether you have met other requirements.
- Step 2: Submit the EOI (Expression of Interest).
- Step 3: Receive an invitation for application.
- Step 4: Prepare and lodge 190 visa application within 60 days invitation period.
- Step 5: Provide additional documents (if needed).
- Step 6: Receive your Subclass 190.

Make sure the whole visa application process is well prepared to increase the chance of visa grant.
Required documents for a subclass 190 visa
Identity documents |
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Proofs of your eligibility |
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Documents for additional applicant |
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Contact VEM for further assistance. Our consultant, Mr. Peter Cao, a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), always ensures your visa application is legal and well-treated.
The cost to apply for subclass 190
Fee for the main applicant (in AUD) | Fee for the additional applicant (in AUD) | |
First instalment | 4,640 |
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Second instalment | 0 |
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Note: The fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.
You may not receive any refund if your visa application is refused, wasting a lot of time and effort.
Make sure your application is properly prepared and submitted.

Processing times of a subclass 190 visa
Skills assessment | 8-10 weeks |
Invitation | 4-8 weeks |
190 visa processing time | 75% of applications are processed within: 4 months |
90% of applications are processed within: 7 months |
It is estimated that there are 36.283 subclass 190 to be granted in 2022-2023.
To avoid getting visa cancellation while holding a subclass 190, you have to meet other requirements as follows:
- Have to live and work at least 2 years in the designated area/ state by whom you are nominated.
- Have to notify the Australian State or Territory Government if you want to live in other states.
- Participate in state and territory surveys when required.
Contact VEM for further information and assistance.
Frequently asked questions
You must have an invitation to apply for a subclass 190 visa. You can refer to “How to choose a skilled visa for Australia in 2023”.
Yes, as long as you have informed and been approved by the Australian State or Territory Government who has given you the nomination.
Yes, as long as they meet the subclass 190 requirements of dependent applicants.
Basically, with visa 491, you can work and live in Australia temporarily. Visa 189 and 190 allow you to work and live permanently in Australia.
To apply for the Subclass 190 visa, you must be nominated by the Australian State or Territory Government, while it is not required for Subclass 189 visa application.
Each state and territory in Australia has a different occupation list. Check the occupation lists on the websites of States/territories or contact VEM for assistance.
You can be in or outside Australia when applying for the Subclass 190 visa. If you apply when you’re in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or Bridging visa (A, B, or C).
You can refer to ‘Points test for Skilled Nominated visa’ on VEM’s website to know how to calculate it.
No. The invitation includes your name and other information. The Australian Government will not grant a visa if the information is not matching.
Your application will be assessed after applying for the visa. Note that even when you meet the requirements of immigration points or English language, your application could be refused.
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We hope you have got the full picture of the subclass 190 visa via this writing. If you need more information, contact VEM.
Find out more about other Australian visa:
Thank you Mr. Peter, wishing you and your family all the best.
You are welcome 😉
What are the requirements for person who holds the 190 visa if he/her wants to sponsor relatives?
Hi Phuong, it depends on the subclass registered by his/her relatives. You should read more at: https://vemvisa.com/en/australian-visas/australian-sponsored-visa/