Australia State-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 190) Process November 2025: Eligibility & Pathway

Getting permanent residency in Australia through the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a solid option for many skilled workers. You need a state or territory to nominate you first. The visa runs on a points system and focuses on jobs Australia needs most.

Right now in November 2025, everything follows the 2025-26 migration program from the federal government. States get a fixed number of nomination spots each year. This article breaks down who qualifies, the steps to follow, and what happens next. I’ve pulled all the info straight from official government pages and recent updates.

The state nomination gives you an extra 5 points, which can make a big difference. Once granted, this visa means permanent stay from the start. You can live anywhere in the country and bring family members. Let’s dive into the details.

What Exactly Is the Subclass 190 Visa?

This is a permanent visa for skilled people who get picked after a state nomination. It lets you live, work, and study in Australia with no end date. You also get access to Medicare. The main difference from the subclass 189 visa is that you must have state support. States pick applicants who can fill local job gaps.

Every state manages its own nomination list. They target shortages in fields like healthcare, construction, or IT. For the 2025-26 year, the federal government set quotas for each state. After approval, you’re not locked to that state forever, though most ask you to stay there at least two years.

Key perks include:

• Permanent residency right away.
• Include your spouse and children.
• Eligible for citizenship after four years of living here.

For the complete overview, visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 190 page.

Who Qualifies? The Main Requirements

You have to clear both federal and state hurdles. It starts with a skills assessment, then an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. Most people need 65 points or more, but the higher the better for invitations.

Federal Requirements (Apply Nationwide)

• Age: Must be under 45 when invited.
• Occupation: Your job has to be on the current Skilled Occupation List. The list gets updated to match market needs.
• Skills Assessment: An approved body confirms your qualifications and experience meet Australian levels.
• English Level: At least competent. IELTS 6.0 overall, PTE 50 overall, or similar. Stronger results add points.
• Points Score: Minimum 65. The state nomination automatically adds 5.
• Health and Character: Pass medical exams and supply police certificates from places you’ve lived 12 months or longer.

Family members go through the same health and character checks.

State-Specific Requirements

States add their own rules. Typical ones are:

• Agree to live in the state for two years.
• Your occupation must match their priority list.
• Some prefer recent experience or Australian qualifications.

New South Wales and Victoria refreshed their priority occupations in October 2025. Roles in nursing, engineering, and software development often move quickly.

Check your points with the official points table.

Application Steps – One by One

The whole process has eight main stages. About 75% of applications wrap up in five months. Stick to the order to avoid delays.

1. Do Your Homework
   Confirm your job is on the Skilled Occupation List. Choose a state that matches your skills.
2. Skills Assessment
   Submit proof to the correct assessing authority. It usually takes 8–12 weeks.
3. Submit EOI
   Set up a SkillSelect profile. Enter all details and select subclass 190 plus your states.
4. State Nomination
   Keep an eye on state portals for open periods. Send any extra paperwork. Approval updates your EOI with 5 points.
5. Invitation Round
   Happens monthly. Top scorers get picked first.
6. Lodge Visa Application
   You get 60 days. Upload documents and pay online.
7. Medical and Biometrics
   Schedule health checks. Provide fingerprints if needed.
8. Final Decision
   Monitor ImmiAccount. The grant notice arrives by email.

See current wait times on the global processing page.

How Points Work

Your total points decide your place in line. Here’s a straightforward table for November 2025:

Category	Max Points	Notes
Age	30	Peak at 25–32 years.
English Proficiency	20	Competent = 0; Proficient = 10; Superior = 20.
Overseas Skilled Employment	15	3–5 years gives 5–15 points.
Australian Skilled Employment	20	1–3 years = 5–15; 3+ = 20.
Qualifications	20	PhD = 20; Bachelor = 15.
Australian Study Requirement	5	Two years of courses.
Specialist Education	10	Specific STEM degrees.
Professional Year in Australia	5	One-year program.
State Nomination	5	Added automatically.
Regional Study	5	Courses outside major cities.

Target 65 points minimum. The online tool helps you calculate exactly.

Fees and Timelines

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,640
• Additional adult: AUD 2,320
• Child: AUD 1,160

Other expenses: skills check (AUD 500–1,000), English exam (AUD 300+), medicals (AUD 400+).

Three-quarters of cases finish in five months. State approvals often take 4–6 weeks.

Benefits and Responsibilities

You gain full work rights, can sponsor more family later, and qualify for citizenship after four years. States generally expect a two-year stay in their area. Hold private health cover until Medicare kicks in.

What’s New in 2025-26

Federal quotas were announced for states. New South Wales expanded IT spots starting October 2025. Core subclass 190 rules did not change. Some income levels for linked visas adjusted for inflation.

Frequently Asked Questions