Subclass 190 Visa 2026: State Nomination, Points and Permanent Residence

5 days ago

2 min read

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent points-tested visa for skilled applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government. The visa combines Commonwealth migration law with separate state or territory nomination programs, so applicants must understand both layers.

Nomination is not the same as the visa grant

A state or territory government decides whether to nominate an applicant under its own program settings. The Department of Home Affairs then decides the visa application under Commonwealth law. State nomination therefore does not remove the need to satisfy the subclass 190 visa criteria.

The points test still applies

Home Affairs identifies subclass 190 as a points-based SkillSelect visa. Applicants need at least 65 points to be eligible for invitation, but state nomination criteria may impose additional requirements. Occupation priorities, residence rules, employment settings and nomination processes can vary between jurisdictions and across program years.

Why state nomination rules change

State and territory governments operate within annual nomination settings and adjust their programs to local workforce priorities. Top10Migration tracks these changes in the 2026–27 State Nomination Tracker so applicants can compare official program status across jurisdictions.

Typical subclass 190 pathway

Confirm the relevant occupation and obtain a suitable skills assessment.
Calculate the points score and prepare a SkillSelect EOI.
Meet the nomination criteria for the chosen state or territory.
Obtain nomination and an invitation to apply.
Lodge the visa application and prove all EOI and nomination claims.

190 compared with 189 and 491

Subclass 189 does not require state nomination. Subclass 190 provides permanent residence but requires nomination. Subclass 491 is provisional, generally focuses on designated regional Australia and can lead to permanent residence after the relevant period and requirements are met. Read our Skilled Migration Statistics Australia 2026 for wider program context.

For current Commonwealth points-test rules, use the official SkillSelect EOI guidance. Always check the relevant state or territory program separately before relying on a nomination pathway.