Overview of Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated)

The Subclass 190 Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. It allows the holder to live and work anywhere in the sponsoring state or territory. This visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency, with access to government services, health care, and education.

Key Features:

  • State/Territory nomination required (adds 5 points to your total score).
  • Must meet occupation list requirements of the nominating state/territory.
  • Permanent residency with work rights in the sponsoring region.
  • Eligible for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Process Flow and Timeline for Subclass 190 Visa

Step 1: Skills Assessment (2-3 Months)

  • Identify the relevant ANZSCO occupation code that aligns with your skills and work experience.
  • Apply for Skills Assessment through the designated authority (e.g., ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineers).
  • Provide academic transcripts, work references, and certifications.
  • Processing time: 8-12 weeks.

Step 2: English Language Test (IELTS/PTE) (2-4 Weeks)

  • Take an IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL test to demonstrate your English proficiency.
  • A higher score improves your points (Proficient or Superior English).
  • Results are available within 1-2 weeks.

Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) (Immediate)

  • Create and lodge an EOI via the SkillSelect platform.
  • Select Subclass 190 and indicate the states/territories where you want to be nominated.
  • Include details of your skills assessment, work experience, and English test scores.
  • EOIs remain valid for 2 years, and you can update them anytime.

Step 4: State/Territory Nomination Application (1-6 Months)

  • Apply for nomination from a specific state or territory.
  • Some states/territories require additional documentation, such as:
    • Commitment statements to live and work in the state.
    • Proof of funds and settlement plans.
  • Processing time: Varies between 1-6 months, depending on the state/territory.

Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (Within 1-2 Months)

  • After nomination approval, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa through SkillSelect.
  • The invitation provides 60 days to submit your visa application.

Step 6: Submit Visa Application (Within 60 Days)

  • Lodge your visa application via ImmiAccount within 60 days.
  • Upload supporting documents, such as:
    • Passport and ID
    • Skills assessment report
    • English test results
    • Employment references
    • Police and medical clearance certificates

Step 7: Health and Police Checks (4-8 Weeks)

  • Complete a health examination through an approved Australian medical provider.
  • Obtain police clearance certificates from countries you have lived in for 12+ months.
  • Processing time: 4-8 weeks.

Step 8: Visa Processing (8-12 Months)

  • The Department of Home Affairs processes your visa application.
  • Additional documents may be requested if needed.
  • Processing time: Typically 8-12 months, but it may vary based on case complexity and volume.

Step 9: Visa Grant and Travel (1-3 Months)

  • Upon approval, you will receive a visa grant notification.
  • Plan to travel to Australia before the first entry date (usually within 6 months of visa issuance).
  • You must live and work in the sponsoring state/territory for at least 2 years, as per the nomination conditions.

Summary Timeline

  1. Skills Assessment: 2-3 months
  2. English Language Test: 2-4 weeks
  3. Submit EOI: Immediate
  4. State/Territory Nomination: 1-6 months
  5. Receive Invitation to Apply: 1-2 months
  6. Submit Visa Application: Within 60 days
  7. Health and Police Checks: 4-8 weeks
  8. Visa Processing: 8-12 months
  9. First Entry/Relocation: 1-3 months after visa grant

Estimated Total Timeline

  • Best case: 10-12 months
  • Longest case: 18-24 months (if delays occur with nomination or processing)

The Subclass 190 visa offers a secure pathway to permanent residency through state/territory nomination. Successful applicants enjoy the freedom to work and settle in Australia, along with access to public services and a potential path to Australian citizenship.