Australia Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Australia’s Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) requires meeting points-tested criteria via SkillSelect Expression of Interest, with a minimum 65 points threshold including 5 state nomination points (80+ competitive).

1. Age – Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of receiving state nomination and invitation to apply. This aligns with Department of Home Affairs requirements for skilled migration visas. Points awarded decrease from age 18-24 (maximum 30 points) through age 40-44.
2. Occupation – Nominated occupation must appear on the relevant state’s skilled occupation list and the eligible visa occupation list. Positive skills assessment required from designated authority for your occupation. State-specific lists prioritize healthcare, engineering, IT, teaching based on regional needs.
3. State Nomination – Must receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government agency. Each state has annual quotas and specific criteria like NSW residency or Victoria job commitments. Nomination adds 5 mandatory points to your SkillSelect total score.
4. Points Test – Minimum 65 points required including 5 points from state nomination (80+ competitive). Calculated via SkillSelect across age, English, experience, qualifications, nomination. EOI ranking determines invitation during state-managed selection rounds.
5. English Proficiency – Competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent PTE/TOEFL scores). Proficient (IELTS 7.0) or superior (IELTS 8.0) scores earn 10-20 additional points. Tests valid for 3 years; some states require higher minimum scores.
6. Work Experience – At least 1 year skilled employment in nominated occupation post-qualification. Australian experience preferred; maximum 20 points for 8+ years combined experience. State-specific minimums apply (e.g., 3 years for some NSW occupations).
7. Skills Assessment – Valid positive assessment from relevant Australian authority required.
   Must match nominated occupation exactly in your SkillSelect Expression of Interest.
   Validity typically 3 years; health professionals need AHPRA registration.
8. Health and Character – Meet Australian health standards via medical examinations for all family members. Police clearance certificates from every country lived 12+ months since age 16. No serious criminal convictions or significant health conditions affecting public cost.
9. State-Specific Requirements – Commitment to live/work in nominating state for 2 years post-grant. Some states require NSW/Victoria residency (6+ months), job offers, or English commitment. Annual nomination allocations vary by state economic priorities.