What is Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?

The Subclass 190 visa grants point to applicants based on a range of factors that contribute to their overall eligibility. These factors include:

• Points are awarded based on the age of the applicant. Generally, younger applicants receive more points, as they are considered to have a higher potential for long-term contribution to the Australian economy.
• The level of English language skills demonstrated by the applicant is assessed through standardised tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Higher scores result in more points, as strong language skills enhance employability and integration into Australian society.
• Points are awarded based on the applicant's employment history. Both overseas and Australian work experience is taken into account. Longer periods of skilled employment in a nominated occupation increase the chances of earning higher points.
• Points are allocated based on the applicant's educational qualifications. Higher education degrees, such as bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, attract more points, reflecting the value placed on advanced qualifications in the skilled migration program.
• Marital status affects the points calculation. Additional points may be awarded if the applicant is single or has a partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holds an eligible New Zealand visa.
• If the applicant's partner meets specific requirements, their skills and qualifications can contribute to the overall points score. This includes factors such as their English language proficiency, education level, and nominated occupation.

These factors collectively determine an applicant's points score, which is used to assess their eligibility for the Subclass 190 visa. The higher the points score, the greater the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa. It is important to note that points required for the invitation can vary based on the demand for specific skills in different Australian states or territories.

Step 1 - Before you apply

Step 1.1: Before Submitting Your EOI

• Check if your occupation is on the eligible skilled occupations list for the Subclass 190 visa.
• Obtain a suitable skills assessment from an assessing authority listed for your occupation within the last 3 years.
• Medical practitioners must provide evidence of registration issued by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• Barristers and solicitors must show admission to practise as a lawyer in an Australian state or territory.
• Ensure you can score at least 65 points on the points test and meet all other eligibility criteria.

Step 1.2: Submitting Your EOI

• Submit your EOI through SkillSelect, either within or outside Australia.
• Select the Skill Nominated (subclass 190) visa.
• No fee is required for submitting an EOI.
• You will receive an email confirming the submission of your EOI.

Step 1.3: After Submitting Your EOI

• SkillSelect will estimate your points score based on the information provided in your EOI.
• You need an estimated score of at least 65 points to be invited to apply for the visa.
• State or territory governments can nominate you if your skills match their requirements.
• If nominated, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Step 1.4: Receiving an Invitation to Apply for Visa

• Once invited, you have 60 calendar days to apply for the visa. This time cannot be extended.
• Invitations can be received up to 2 years after submitting your EOI.
• The invitation will specify the required points score based on your EOI claims.
• After applying, you must demonstrate that you meet the points score and all other eligibility criteria.
• Failure to apply after two invitations will result in the removal of your EOI from SkillSelect.
• Visa applications will not be processed if you are 45 years old at the time of invitation.

Step 2 - Gather your documents

Please ensure that you gather all the necessary documents to support the claims you make in your Expression of Interest (EOI) and to demonstrate that you meet the visa criteria. It is essential to provide accurate information as failure to do so may have consequences, such as being unable to prove your identity or facing issues if the information provided is false.

Here is a list of the documents you may need to gather:

• Identity documents
• Relationship documents
• Character documents
• Competent English documents
• Provide proof you have at least competent English at the time of invitation for this visa.
• Partner documents
• Dependants under 18 documents
• Dependants over 18 documents
• Skills assessment documents
• Expression of Interest (EOI) documents

Step 3 - Apply for the visa

Once you have received your invitation, you can proceed to apply for the visa online. This can be done whether you are currently inside or outside of Australia.

Please note that you have a 60-day window from the date of your invitation to submit your visa application.

It is crucial to provide accurate information throughout the application process.

Step 4 - After you apply

If you are granted a bridging visa you will receive notification of your visa grant.

If you are a skilled worker and meet the following requirements, you might be able to get the visa from the Department of Home Affairs.

• For a valid application, you must disclose that you possess an appropriate skills assessment for the job when you are invited. You will have to produce a duplicate of the assessment document with your visa application. You must have obtained the assessment in the three years prior to the day of the invitation. Applying for the visa also requires your job to be on the Skilled Occupation List.
• You could apply for the visa only if the Department of Home Affairs invites you to do it. You must present an expression of interest informing the Department that you want to make an application for the visa. Then, an Australian territory or state government might nominate you for this visa. The Department would invite you to submit an application for the visa only if you get nominated. You must apply for the visa 60 days into the day on which you get the invitation.
• Every state or territory government has its own criteria to determine whom to nominate. Get in touch with the government agency of the territory or state or our migration agents for more about what it seeks from you and its nomination process.
• The Department of Home Affairs requires you to be aged less than 45 years as it invites you to submit the application. You could apply for it even if you are 45-years-old after the invitation from the DHA. If your age becomes 45 years after you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) and before the Department invites you to submit an application for the visa, you would not get invited.
• At least 65 points are required to qualify for the 190 visa in Australia. As you use SkillSelect to submit an expression of interest, you can see approximately how many points you have based on your claims in the application. You may also use the points table in the 190 visa points calculator section of the Department of Home Affairs’ site to check your possible number of points. If the Department invites you to submit an application for this visa, the invitation would state how many points you must have as it assesses your application. You must produce evidence that supports your claims, including those about visa 190 points, as you file your application.
• You must have at least competent English when you apply for this visa. To substantiate your English competency, you can use one of the following as a piece of evidence. It is among the documents required for an EOI 190 visa.
• Your passport is from the UK*, the US, New Zealand, Ireland, or Canada. *A BN(O) passport is not acceptable in the form of a piece of evidence for English competency.
• The result of TOEFL iBT, IELTS (General or Academic), PTE Academic, OET or Cambridge C1 Advanced test with the applicable scores. Each of those tests requires a specific score as an eligibility criterion. Contact our migration agents to know what each test requires.
• You must satisfy what the Department of Home Affairs necessitates in terms of health and character. This requirement might also be in place for a family member who does not accompany you to the country. Satisfying character requirements is a must whether you apply for a PR visa or citizenship. The government has set out the requirements in the Migration Act 1958, and those conditions will help it determine whether you have good character.
• You must not owe anything financially to the government at the time of applying for the visa.
• You must not have had an earlier visa application cancelled or refused when you were in Australia.

Your permanent residency begins on the day the visa is granted, whether you are in or outside Australia. 

In conclusion, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) offers skilled workers a fantastic opportunity to pursue permanent residency in Australia. By securing a nomination from an Australian state or territory government, applicants can demonstrate their value and contribution to specific regions in the country. This visa provides a pathway for individuals with in-demand skills and qualifications to live and work in Australia, enjoying the benefits of permanent residency. With careful preparation and adherence to the eligibility requirements, applicants can embark on a new chapter of their lives in Australia, contributing to its diverse and thriving workforce. The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) opens doors to a bright future in Australia for skilled professionals seeking long-term settlement.

Ready to explore your options with the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) in Australia? Contact AECC today for expert guidance and support throughout your visa application process.