190 Visa: The Secret to Living and Working in Australia

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is designed to attract highly skilled and talented individuals from all over the world to come and work in Australia. One of the most popular visas within this program is the Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa. This visa is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government in Australia and who have skills that are in demand in that particular region.

The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency visa which means that successful applicants can live and work in Australia indefinitely. This visa also allows the applicant to include their family members in their visa application providing them with the opportunity to live and work in Australia as well.

190 Visa Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Subclass 190 visa applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: The applicant must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.

• Language Proficiency: The applicant must have at least competent English language skills. This can be proven through a variety of English language tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

• Skilled Occupation: The applicant must have a nominated occupation that is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

• Skills Assessment: The applicant must have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.

• Points Test: The applicant must score a minimum of 65 points on the Points Test. Points are awarded based on a variety of factors, including age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other factors.

• Nomination by a State or Territory Government: The applicant must be nominated by a state or territory government in Australia. This nomination will be based on the applicant’s skills and qualifications, as well as the demand for those skills in that particular region.

Application Process for the 190

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): The first step in the process is to submit an EOI through SkillSelect.

• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and is deemed to be a suitable candidate for the Subclass 190 visa they will receive an ITA from the Department of Home Affairs.

• Provide Supporting Documents: The applicant must provide a range of supporting documents, including their skills assessment, English language test results, and other relevant documentation.

• Attend a Health Assessment: All visa applicants must undergo a health assessment to ensure that they meet the health requirements for entry into Australia.

• Attend a Character Assessment: All visa applicants must undergo a character assessment to ensure that they meet the character requirements for entry into Australia.

• Wait for a Decision: Once the visa application has been lodged and all supporting documents have been provided, the applicant will need to wait for a decision to be made on their application.

Benefits of the subclass 190 visa

• Permanent Residency: The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency visa.

• Work and Study: Holders of the Subclass 190 visa are permitted to work and study in Australia without restriction.

• Sponsor Family Members: Successful applicants can sponsor their eligible family members.

• Access to Medicare: Holders of the Subclass 190 visa are eligible for Medicare.

• Travel: Holders of the Subclass 190 visa are allowed to travel in and out of Australia as often as they choose.

• Eligibility for Citizenship: Subclass 190 visa holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Understanding State Nomination for the subclass 190 visa

The key requirement for the Subclass 190 visa is nomination by a state or territory government in Australia. Each state and territory has its own list of occupations that are in demand in that region and these lists can vary from one state to another.

The state or territory government will consider a range of factors when deciding whether to nominate an applicant for the Subclass 190 visa including the demand for their skills in that particular region. State nomination is a competitive process, with many applicants vying for a limited number of places.

Applying for 190 Visa

Some States such as New South Wales have a ‘passive’ State Nominee system. This means applicants already in Expression of Interest having ticked NSW as an option may be invited to apply for the NSW State Sponsored Visa. However, States such as South Australia are ‘active’ which means that applications must be in Expression of Interest and applicants must also apply directly to the State of SA to be selected.

The ‘active’ states are New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. All the others are’ passive’ states.

What is the cost of a 190 visa application to Australia?

• Visa application fee: The visa application fee for a Subclass 190 visa is AUD 4,045 for the primary applicant.

• Skill assessment fee: Before applying for the Subclass 190 visa applicants need to have their skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority.

• English language test fee: Applicants for the Subclass 190 visa will need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency by taking an approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The cost of these is between AUD $200-400.

• Health and character checks: All applicants for the Subclass 190 visa will need to undergo health and character checks, which may include medical examinations, x-rays and police certificates. The cost of these checks will vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Pros and Cons of the 190 visa

Pros of the Subclass 190

• Permanent Residency: The Subclass 190 offers permanent residency status.

• Work and Study: Holders of the Subclass 190 visa are permitted to work and study in Australia without any restrictions.

• State Nomination: Applicants for the Subclass 190 must be nominated by a state or territory government in Australia which increase their chance of being granted a visa.

• Medicare: Holders of the Subclass 190 visa are eligible for Medicare

• Citizenship: After living in Australia Subclass 190 holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Cons of the Subclass 190 visa

• Limited Occupation List: To be eligible for the Subclass 190 applicants must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.

• State Nomination: The requirement for state nomination can be a barrier for some applicants.

• Points Test: Applicants for the Subclass 190 must score a minimum of 65 points on the Points Test.

• English Language Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in the English language.

• Costs: The application fee for the Subclass 190 can be expensive.

• Residency Requirements: Holders of the Subclass 190 visa must live and work in the Sponsoring State or Territory for two years before being free to live and work anywhere in Australia.

Free Visa Assessment

Are you looking to immigrate to a new country and start a new life? Are you struggling with visa requirements and unsure of where to start? By taking our free visa assessment you’ll gain a clear understanding of your visa options and whether you meet the eligibility criteria. Kickstart your journey towards a new life in a new country.

These are the only occupations eligible to apply for a Subclass 190 visa