Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent residence with state or territory nomination. Five bonus points on the points test. Eight different state and territory programs, each with its own occupation list, selection mechanism, and priority sectors.
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa grants permanent residence from grant on the basis of nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Federal eligibility is similar to the 189 (age under 45, skills assessment, English, points), with two material differences: the 190 attracts a five-point nomination bonus, and your occupation must be on the relevant federal list (the MLTSSL or STSOL) and, in most programs, on the nominating state's own list.
Each state and territory operates its own program, and selection methods differ. The ACT uses the Canberra Matrix. Queensland, South Australia (for onshore candidates), Tasmania and Victoria take a Registration of Interest through their own portals. NSW selects 190 candidates from SkillSelect EOIs. Western Australia and the Northern Territory publish their own selection settings. Occupation lists, residency expectations, English thresholds, and priority sectors vary materially between programs.
For 2026-27, the Migration Program plans 35,500 places for the State/Territory Nominated category, up from 33,000 in 2025-26. As at 15 October 2026 the Department had not published each state's 2026-27 nomination allocation; Tasmania has announced 1,250 places for the 190.
The visa application charge is $6,140 for the main applicant, $3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over, and $1,535 for each additional applicant under 18 (Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1, as at 2 October 2026). A lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders. State or territory nomination is separate; some jurisdictions charge their own nomination fee.
Latest invitation round data
Checked against the official sources on 16 October 2026.
State and territory nominations recorded in SkillSelect, 1 July to 31 August 2026:
| Visa | ACT | NSW | NT | Qld | SA | Tas | Vic | WA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 | <5 | 11 | 91 | 6 | 0 | 206 | 0 | 17 |
- Tasmania, 15 October 2026: 45 subclass 190 and 32 subclass 491 invitations; lowest scores invited 319 (190) and 88 (491).
- ACT, 12 October 2026: 261 subclass 190 invitations across the Canberra Matrix streams; no subclass 491 invitations.
The eight state and territory programs
Each program is distinct. Select a state or territory to read the eligibility criteria, occupation list framework, and priority sectors specific to that program.
Australian Capital Territory
2026-27: not yet publishedCanberra Matrix selection. First 2026-27 round held in the week of 12 October 2026; 2026-27 allocation not yet announced.
New South Wales
2026-27: not yet publishedInvitation only, selected from SkillSelect EOIs. NSW Skills List updated for the 190.
Northern Territory
2026-27: closedNo new 190 or offshore applications for 2026-27 (NT update, 13 October 2026). Nominees commit to live and work in the NT for at least three years.
Queensland
2026-27: not yet publishedMigration Queensland. 2026-27 settings and opening date not yet published.
South Australia
2026-27: not yet publishedMigration SA. ROIs to reopen once 2026-27 information is published.
Tasmania
2026-27: 1,250 placesMigration Tasmania. ROIs reopened 17 August 2026; weekly invitation rounds.
Victoria
2026-27: not yet publishedLive in Melbourne ROI. 2026-27 program not yet open as at 13 October 2026; earlier ROIs must be resubmitted.
Western Australia
2026-27: not yet publishedWA Migration Services. 2026-27 program information not yet published.
How the 190 works
The 190 process has three stages. First, you lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, identifying your nominated occupation, claimed points, and preferred state or territory. Second, where the jurisdiction requires it, you submit a Registration of Interest or nomination application through the state or territory portal, with documentation and selection beyond the SkillSelect EOI. Third, if nominated, you receive an invitation from the Department and have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application.
Each state's selection criteria are published in nomination guidelines that change during the program year. Tasmania invites weekly. The ACT has published tentative round dates for 2026-27 and ranks candidates with the Canberra Matrix, a ranking system separate from the federal points test. Other programs nominate at times of their own choosing.
A 190 nomination commits you to live and work in the nominating state or territory for the period that program sets, commonly two years or more. There is no visa condition enforcing this (the equivalent on the 491 is condition 8579), but the commitment forms part of your nomination.
Speak with an immigration lawyer about your 190 strategy
We assess your profile against all eight state and territory programs and advise on the program most likely to nominate you, given your occupation, points, and circumstances.
Book a consultationIf nomination is refused or the 190 is refused
State nomination decisions are administrative decisions of the relevant state or territory government. Internal review may be available depending on the jurisdiction. State nomination decisions are not directly reviewable by the Administrative Review Tribunal in the way federal visa decisions are.
A refusal of the 190 visa itself may carry merits review rights to the ART, depending on where the application was made; the refusal letter states whether review is available and the time limit. Judicial review to the Federal Circuit and Family Court is available on grounds of jurisdictional error. Time limits are strict.
Common questions
How is the 190 different from the 189?
Do I have to live in the nominating state?
Which states are easiest to be nominated by?
What is the 190 allocation for 2026-27?
Can I apply to multiple states at the same time?
What occupation list applies to the 190?
Information current as at 15 October 2026. State and territory allocations and nomination criteria are revised periodically through the program year. Confirm current settings with the relevant state or territory government and the Department of Home Affairs before lodging an application.