Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent residence with state or territory nomination. Five bonus points on the points test. Eight different state and territory programs, each with its own occupation list, selection mechanism, and priority sectors.
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa grants permanent residence from grant on the basis of nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Federal eligibility is similar to the 189 (age under 45, skills assessment, English, points), with two material differences: the 190 attracts a five-point nomination bonus, and your occupation must be on the nominating state's specific list as well as the federal MLTSSL or STSOL.
Each state and territory operates its own program. Selection mechanisms differ. ACT uses the Canberra Matrix. NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania use Registration of Interest systems. Victoria operates a referral and ROI system through Live in Melbourne. The Northern Territory uses MigrationNT. Occupation lists, residency expectations, English thresholds, and priority sectors vary materially between programs.
For 2025-26, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed a national allocation of 12,850 places. Victoria received the largest single-state allocation at 2,700 places.
The eight state and territory programs
Each program is distinct. Select a state or territory to read the eligibility criteria, occupation list framework, and priority sectors specific to that program.
Australian Capital Territory
800 placesCanberra Matrix selection. ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.
New South Wales
2,100 placesROI through Migration NSW. NSW Skills List.
Northern Territory
850 placesMigrationNT. NT Migration Occupation List. Whole NT is regional.
Queensland
1,850 placesMigration Queensland. Significantly increased allocation for 2025-26.
South Australia
1,350 placesMigration SA. Broadest occupation list of any state.
Tasmania
1,200 placesMigration Tasmania Application Gateway. Weekly invitation rounds.
Victoria
2,700 placesLive in Melbourne ROI. Largest single-state 190 allocation nationally.
Western Australia
2,000 placesWA Migration Services. WA Skilled Migration Occupation List.
How the 190 works
The 190 process has three stages. First, you lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, identifying your nominated occupation, claimed points, and preferred state or territory. Second, you submit a Registration of Interest or equivalent through the relevant state or territory portal, where most jurisdictions require additional documentation and selection beyond the SkillSelect EOI. Third, if nominated, you receive an invitation from the Department to lodge a complete visa application within 60 days.
Each state's selection criteria are published in nomination guidelines that change during the program year. Some states issue invitations on a continuous or weekly basis. Others run monthly rounds. ACT operates the Canberra Matrix points-ranking system that is separate from the federal points test. Victoria emphasises sector alignment over raw points.
A 190 nomination commits you to live and work in the nominating state, generally for at least two years. There is no visa condition enforcing this (the equivalent on the 491 is condition 8579), but states monitor settlement and your nomination application carries an attestation of intent.
Speak with an immigration lawyer about your 190 strategy
We assess your profile against all eight state and territory programs and advise on the program most likely to nominate you, given your occupation, points, and circumstances.
Book a consultationIf nomination is refused or the 190 is refused
State nomination decisions are administrative decisions of the relevant state or territory government. Internal review may be available depending on the jurisdiction. State nomination decisions are not directly reviewable by the Administrative Review Tribunal in the way federal visa decisions are.
Federal visa refusal at the 190 stage triggers merits review rights to the ART within statutory time limits. Judicial review to the Federal Circuit and Family Court is available on grounds of jurisdictional error. Time limits are strict.
Common questions
How is the 190 different from the 189?
Do I have to live in the nominating state?
Which states are easiest to be nominated by?
What is the total 190 allocation for 2025-26?
Can I apply to multiple states at the same time?
What occupation list applies to the 190?
Information current as at 30 April 2026. State and territory allocations and nomination criteria are revised periodically through the program year. Confirm current settings with the relevant state or territory government and the Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.