Australian Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): A Strategic Pathway to Australian Permanent Residence

For many skilled professionals considering Australian migration, the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) represents one of the strongest pathways to permanent residence.

While the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) often receives the greatest attention, the Subclass 190 visa has historically provided permanent residence opportunities for thousands of skilled migrants through nomination by an Australian state or territory government. In many migration years, substantially more places have been available under the Subclass 190 program than under the Subclass 189 program. For that reason alone, the Subclass 190 visa is a pathway that every skilled migrant should consider carefully.

One of the most common conversations I have with prospective clients begins with a simple statement:

"I really want a 189 visa."

It is an understandable objective. The Subclass 189 visa has developed a reputation as Australia's flagship skilled migration visa, leading many applicants to assume it is automatically the best option.

After many years assisting skilled migrants from Singapore, India, the Philippines and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, my response is often the same.

Perhaps. But let's first work out which pathway gives you the strongest chance of obtaining Australian permanent residence.

For many applicants, that pathway ultimately proves to be the Subclass 190 visa.

The objective of skilled migration is rarely obtaining a particular visa subclass.

The objective is obtaining Australian permanent residence through the pathway that best suits your individual circumstances.

That distinction is one of the most important concepts in Australian skilled migration.

Throughout this guide, I will explain how the Subclass 190 visa works, how state nomination fits within Australia's skilled migration program, and why so many skilled professionals ultimately pursue this pathway.

If you are new to Australia's skilled migration program, I also recommend reading my Australian Skilled Migration: A Comprehensive Guide to Australia's Permanent Skilled Visa Program, which explains how the various skilled visa pathways interact before examining each visa in greater detail.

What is the Subclass 190 Visa?

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residence visa for invited applicants whose skills are needed in Australia and who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, the Subclass 190 visa requires nomination from a participating Australian state or territory before an invitation to apply for the visa can be issued.

Once granted, however, the Subclass 190 visa provides Australian permanent residence.

Successful applicants generally have the right to:

• live permanently in Australia;

• work for any employer;

• study anywhere in Australia;

• enrol in Medicare (subject to eligibility);

• sponsor eligible family members for certain visas;

• travel to and from Australia in accordance with the visa's travel facility; and

• if eligible, later apply for Australian citizenship.

Many prospective migrants are surprised to learn that the rights enjoyed after a Subclass 190 visa is granted are the same as those enjoyed by holders of a Subclass 189 visa.

The principal difference lies in how permanent residence is obtained, not in what permanent residence allows you to do once your visa has been granted.

Understanding that distinction often changes the way applicants approach their migration planning.

If you would like advice about whether a Subclass 190 visa may be suitable for your circumstances, feel free to contact Graham-Nguyen & Associates. Choosing the right migration pathway at the beginning of your migration journey can often save considerable time and uncertainty later.

Why the Subclass 190 Visa Deserves Serious Consideration

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Australian skilled migration is that the Subclass 190 visa is somehow a "second choice" behind the Subclass 189 visa.

In my experience, that simply is not how skilled migration works.

One of the first discussions I have with many clients is about moving away from focusing on visa numbers and instead focusing on migration outcomes.

The Subclass 189 visa may well be the right pathway for some applicants.

For others, the Subclass 190 visa may offer stronger prospects of receiving an invitation.

The reason is straightforward.

Australia's skilled migration program is constantly evolving. Occupation ceilings, invitation rounds, state nomination priorities and annual planning levels all change over time. Some occupations may receive relatively few invitations through the Subclass 189 program while continuing to receive substantial opportunities through state nomination.

This is why I often encourage clients who are eligible for the Subclass 189 visa not to ignore the Subclass 190 pathway.

In many cases, pursuing both pathways as part of an overall migration strategy provides more opportunities to achieve the same long-term outcome—Australian permanent residence.

Migration strategy is rarely about asking:

"Which visa is the best?"

A far better question is:

"Which pathway gives me the strongest opportunity to become an Australian permanent resident?"

That shift in thinking frequently opens opportunities that applicants had not previously considered.

If you are uncertain which skilled migration pathway is likely to give you the strongest prospects, obtaining professional advice before lodging an Expression of Interest can help you develop a strategy tailored to your individual circumstances.

The Subclass 190 Visa Is Part of a Bigger Picture

Although this article focuses on the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), it is important to remember that the visa forms part of Australia's broader skilled migration program.

Before an invitation is ever issued, most applicants will need to consider questions such as:

• Is my occupation eligible for skilled migration?

• Which skills assessment do I require?

• How many skilled migration points can I legitimately claim?

• Which state or territory may nominate my occupation?

• What evidence will I need to support my application?

• Should I also pursue a Subclass 189 or another skilled migration pathway?

These are strategic questions rather than administrative ones.

The answers frequently influence not only whether you become eligible for migration, but which pathway is likely to provide your strongest opportunity for success.

For that reason, I encourage clients to think of Australian migration as a carefully planned strategy rather than simply a visa application.

A successful migration journey is rarely built around completing forms.

It is built around making the right decisions long before a visa application is ever lodged.

Before continuing with this guide, you may also find these resources helpful:

• Australian Skilled Migration: A Comprehensive Guide to Australia's Permanent Skilled Visa Program

• Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian Skilled Migration: What It Is and Why It Matters

• Australian Skilled Migration Points Test: A Complete Guide

• What Is an Australian Migration Skills Assessment?

• Why Evidence Matters in Australian Visa Applications

These articles explain many of the concepts that underpin a successful Subclass 190 visa application and will help you better understand the broader skilled migration framework.

Why the Subclass 190 Visa Is Often the Stronger Migration Strategy

One of the most common questions I receive from prospective clients is:

"If I'm eligible for a Subclass 189 visa, why would I consider applying for a Subclass 190 visa?"

It is an excellent question.

In many cases, my answer surprises people.

After many years assisting skilled migrants, I often recommend that clients pursue a Subclass 190 visa, even where they may also be eligible for a Subclass 189 visa.

That recommendation is not because I consider the Subclass 190 visa to be "better."

Nor is it because the Subclass 189 visa is somehow less desirable.

It is because migration strategy should always be based on maximising your opportunities to obtain Australian permanent residence.

The visa number is simply the pathway.

Permanent residence is the destination.

Weight of Numbers Matters

One of the realities of Australia's skilled migration program is that every invitation program operates within annual planning levels established by the Australian Government.

Historically, state and territory governments have often received significantly larger nomination allocations for the Subclass 190 visa than the number of invitations issued under the independent Subclass 189 program. As a result, the migration program has frequently provided more opportunities for applicants to obtain permanent residence through state or territory nomination than through the independent invitation process alone.

Although these allocations change from year to year and should never be viewed as guarantees of success, they demonstrate an important principle.

For many occupations, there are simply more opportunities to receive an invitation through state nomination than by relying solely on the independent invitation process.

This is one of the reasons I frequently encourage clients not to become fixated on obtaining a Subclass 189 visa.

Keeping multiple skilled migration pathways available often creates more opportunities and can significantly improve an applicant's overall prospects of receiving an invitation.

Migration planning should always be about expanding your options rather than limiting them.

If you would like advice about which skilled migration pathways may be available based on your occupation and circumstances, I would be pleased to discuss your options before you lodge an Expression of Interest.

Australian Permanent Residence Is the Goal

One of the themes that runs through almost every consultation I have with skilled migration clients is this:

People often become emotionally attached to a particular visa subclass.

Understandably, many applicants see the Subclass 189 visa as the ultimate objective.

The reality is slightly different.

For most people, the real objective is obtaining Australian permanent residence.

Whether permanent residence is achieved through a Subclass 189 visa, a Subclass 190 visa or another skilled migration pathway often becomes far less important once the visa has been granted.

Both the Subclass 189 and the Subclass 190 visas provide permanent residence.

Both allow successful applicants to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

Both provide a pathway towards Australian citizenship if the legislative requirements are later satisfied.

Both generally allow eligible family members to be included.

Both provide access to Medicare, subject to eligibility.

From a practical perspective, employers are generally interested in whether a prospective employee has the unrestricted right to live and work in Australia.

In my experience, they are rarely concerned with whether permanent residence was obtained through a Subclass 189 visa or a Subclass 190 visa.

That is why I encourage clients to judge migration pathways by the outcome they produce rather than by the number printed on the visa.

Looking Beyond the Visa Number

One of the advantages of working with a registered migration professional is having someone assess your circumstances objectively rather than emotionally.

Clients often come to me convinced they want one particular visa.

Sometimes they are right.

Sometimes, after we carefully examine their occupation, skills assessment, English language ability, points score, employment history and the current migration environment, we decide together that another pathway is likely to offer stronger prospects.

That is not a compromise.

It is simply good migration strategy.

Australian migration is dynamic.

Invitation numbers change.

State nomination priorities change.

Occupations move on and off state occupation lists.

English language requirements can vary between states.

Additional nomination criteria may be introduced or removed.

The strongest migration strategy therefore needs to adapt to the migration environment that exists at the time you apply, not the environment that existed twelve months earlier.

One of the greatest mistakes applicants can make is becoming so focused on one visa subclass that they ignore other pathways that may offer a better opportunity to achieve exactly the same outcome.

The Subclass 190 Visa Is Not a "Second Choice"

Another misconception I encounter regularly is that applicants view the Subclass 190 visa as a backup plan if they cannot obtain a Subclass 189 invitation.

I do not generally look at skilled migration that way.

The Subclass 190 visa is not simply an alternative.

It is one of Australia's primary skilled migration pathways.

Each year, Australian states and territories actively nominate skilled professionals whose occupations are needed in their local economies.

For many applicants, state nomination is not a fallback option.

It is the pathway that ultimately leads to Australian permanent residence.

That is why I often advise clients to consider the Subclass 190 visa from the very beginning of their migration planning rather than waiting to see whether a Subclass 189 invitation arrives.

By keeping multiple pathways available, applicants are often better positioned to respond as invitation rounds and state nomination opportunities evolve.

Every Applicant's Strategy Will Be Different

No two migration matters are ever identical.

Two software engineers with similar qualifications may have different English language scores.

Two accountants may have different employment histories.

Two engineers with identical points may qualify for nomination in different states because of occupation demand or individual circumstances.

This is why I rarely begin by asking,

"Which visa do you want?"

Instead, I consider questions such as:

• Which occupations are available to you?

• Which assessing authority will assess your qualifications?

• Which states currently nominate your occupation?

• How competitive is your points score?

• Can your employment claims be fully supported by evidence?

• Are there opportunities to strengthen your application before lodging an Expression of Interest?

Answering these questions often leads to a much clearer understanding of the pathways available.

In many cases, the result is a migration strategy that is stronger than the one the client originally had in mind.

If you are considering Australian skilled migration, developing your strategy before committing to a particular visa subclass can often provide greater flexibility and improve your prospects of success.

The next step is understanding how the Subclass 190 visa actually works, including state nomination, the Expression of Interest process, skills assessments and the practical steps involved in building a competitive application.

How Does the Subclass 190 Visa Work?

One of the most common misconceptions about the Subclass 190 visa is that applicants simply choose a state, submit an application and wait for a decision.

In reality, the process is considerably more structured.

The Subclass 190 visa is an invitation-based visa that combines Australia's skilled migration program with nomination by an Australian state or territory government.

Long before a visa application is lodged with the Department of Home Affairs, applicants are usually considering questions such as:

• Is my occupation eligible for skilled migration?

• Which state or territory is currently nominating my occupation?

• Do I satisfy that state's nomination requirements?

• Have I obtained a positive skills assessment?

• How many skilled migration points can I legitimately claim?

• Is my Expression of Interest competitive?

• What evidence will I eventually need to support every claim?

These are strategic questions rather than administrative ones.

The answers often determine not only whether you become eligible for a Subclass 190 visa, but also which state may provide your strongest opportunity for nomination.

One of the most valuable aspects of obtaining professional advice early is identifying the pathway that gives you the greatest prospects of success before important decisions are made.

State Nomination

The defining feature of the Subclass 190 visa is nomination by an Australian state or territory government.

Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, which relies solely on invitations issued by the Australian Government, applicants for a Subclass 190 visa must first obtain nomination from a participating Australian state or territory.

Each state and territory manages its own nomination program.

Although all nomination programs operate within Australia's broader skilled migration framework, every jurisdiction establishes its own priorities, eligibility criteria and application processes.

For example, states may differ in areas such as:

• occupations they are prepared to nominate;

• minimum points expectations;

• English language requirements;

• work experience requirements;

• residency requirements;

• employment within the state; and

• additional nomination criteria that reflect local labour market needs.

These requirements are not static.

State nomination programs evolve regularly in response to workforce shortages, economic priorities and annual allocation levels.

For that reason, a strategy that is suitable today may not be the strongest strategy six or twelve months from now.

This is one of the reasons I encourage clients to develop a migration strategy based on current nomination opportunities rather than assumptions or outdated information.

If you are uncertain which state may provide the strongest pathway based on your occupation and circumstances, feel free to contact Graham-Nguyen & Associates before lodging your Expression of Interest.

Choosing the right state at the beginning of the process can sometimes make a significant difference.

The Expression of Interest (EOI)

Before you can receive an invitation to apply for a Subclass 190 visa, you will generally need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government's SkillSelect system.

An Expression of Interest is not a visa application.

Instead, it is a declaration of information about matters such as your:

• nominated occupation;

• qualifications;

• employment history;

• English language ability;

• skilled migration points; and

• other factors relevant to Australia's skilled migration program.

For applicants seeking a Subclass 190 visa, the EOI also provides the mechanism through which states and territories may identify potential nominees.

One of the mistakes I occasionally encounter is applicants viewing the EOI as little more than an online questionnaire.

In reality, it is one of the most important documents in the skilled migration process.

Every claim made in your Expression of Interest should ultimately be capable of being supported by documentary evidence if you are invited to apply for a visa.

This is why I encourage clients to think of the EOI as a strategic document rather than simply an administrative requirement.

Errors, unsupported claims or inflated points calculations can create significant problems later in the migration process.

If you would like to understand how the EOI system works in greater detail, I recommend reading my article Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian Skilled Migration: What It Is and Why It Matters, where I examine the process in much more detail.

A Positive Skills Assessment

For most applicants, obtaining a positive skills assessment is one of the earliest and most significant milestones in the skilled migration process.

Before claiming points for your nominated occupation, you will generally need to obtain a suitable assessment from the Australian assessing authority responsible for that occupation.

Depending on your occupation, this may involve assessing your:

• qualifications;

• employment history;

• professional registration;

• practical experience; and

• supporting documentation.

Many applicants underestimate the amount of preparation required.

Employer references, qualification documents, organisational charts, licensing evidence and employment records may all become important depending on the occupation and assessing authority involved.

A positive skills assessment is much more than another document required for your visa application.

It forms one of the foundations upon which your skilled migration strategy is built.

Without it, many skilled migration pathways simply cannot proceed.

If you are unsure which assessing authority applies to your occupation or how the assessment process works, my article What Is an Australian Migration Skills Assessment? explains the process in much greater detail.

Points Matter—But They Are Only Part of the Picture

Australia's skilled migration program uses a points test to assess applicants for the Subclass 190 visa.

Points may be awarded for matters including:

• age;

• English language ability;

• qualifications;

• skilled employment;

• Australian study;

• partner qualifications; and

• other recognised factors under the Migration Regulations.

One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the belief that reaching the minimum points threshold automatically results in an invitation.

Unfortunately, skilled migration is rarely that simple.

Meeting the minimum points requirement generally allows you to lodge an Expression of Interest.

Receiving an invitation is a separate question.

Invitation prospects are influenced by many factors, including:

• your nominated occupation;

• state nomination priorities;

• competition from other applicants;

• available nomination allocations; and

• the migration environment at the time invitations are issued.

For that reason, I encourage clients not to ask,

"Do I have enough points?"

Instead, I suggest asking,

"How competitive is my overall application likely to be?"

That is a far more useful question because it shifts the focus away from merely satisfying minimum requirements and towards building the strongest possible migration strategy.

If you are unsure how many points you may legitimately claim, my article Australian Skilled Migration Points Test: A Complete Guide explains the points system in detail.

Every Claim Must Be Supported by Evidence

One of the principles that underpins every successful skilled migration application is evidence.

Qualifications should be supported by qualification documents.

Employment claims should be supported by appropriate employment evidence.

English language claims should be supported by recognised test results where applicable.

Even relatively straightforward claims can become difficult if the supporting evidence is incomplete, inconsistent or unavailable.

One of the reasons I encourage clients to begin gathering evidence early is that historical employment records can sometimes take weeks or months to obtain.

Former employers may close.

Managers may move on.

Payroll records may become difficult to locate.

Planning ahead often makes the eventual visa application considerably smoother.

It also reduces the risk of delays after an invitation has been issued.

For a more detailed discussion of this topic, I recommend reading my article Why Evidence Matters in Australian Visa Applications.

Successful Applications Begin Long Before the Visa Application

Many people think the migration process begins when they lodge a visa application.

In reality, much of the important work has already been completed by that stage.

Successful Subclass 190 applications are usually built through careful preparation.

That preparation often includes:

• selecting the most appropriate occupation;

• identifying suitable state nomination opportunities;

• obtaining a positive skills assessment;

• accurately calculating skilled migration points;

• developing an evidence strategy; and

• ensuring every future claim can be properly substantiated.

When these steps are completed carefully, the eventual visa application often becomes a far more straightforward process.

The strongest migration applications are rarely built through luck.

They are built through planning.

Understanding the strategic decisions that need to be made before an invitation is issued can often make the difference between simply meeting the legislative requirements and presenting a genuinely competitive application.

Building a Strong Subclass 190 Visa Application

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping clients understand that successful migration rarely comes down to simply completing forms or satisfying the minimum legislative requirements.

The strongest applications are usually built long before an invitation is issued.

By the time a client receives a state nomination and an invitation to apply, many of the important strategic decisions have already been made.

Questions such as:

• Have we selected the most appropriate occupation?

• Have we chosen the state that offers the strongest opportunity?

• Has every point been calculated correctly?

• Is every claim supported by appropriate evidence?

• Have we anticipated any issues before they become problems?

These are the questions that often determine whether an application progresses smoothly.

Migration planning is not simply about qualifying for a visa.

It is about presenting the strongest possible application based on your individual circumstances.

State Nomination Is More Than Choosing a State

One of the biggest mistakes I occasionally see is applicants selecting a state simply because they have heard it is "easier."

In reality, every Australian state and territory has its own priorities.

A state may actively seek professionals in one occupation while another state focuses on entirely different workforce needs.

Nomination policies also change over time.

An occupation that is highly sought after today may receive fewer nomination opportunities next year, while another occupation may suddenly become a priority.

This is why migration strategy should never be based on outdated advice or online discussions that may no longer reflect current nomination policies.

Instead, applicants should consider factors such as:

• whether their occupation is currently being nominated;

• the state's eligibility criteria;

• their employment history;

• English language ability;

• available evidence;

• long-term career opportunities; and

• where they genuinely intend to establish themselves after migration.

Choosing the right state is not about finding shortcuts.

It is about identifying the pathway that best aligns with your qualifications, experience and long-term plans.

If you are uncertain which state may provide your strongest opportunity, obtaining advice before submitting your Expression of Interest can often prevent costly mistakes later.

Your Evidence Begins Long Before You Receive an Invitation

One of the recurring themes throughout my migration articles is the importance of evidence.

That is because documentary evidence supports almost every significant claim made throughout the skilled migration process. Applicants often spend considerable time improving their English test results or increasing their points score but give comparatively little attention to the evidence that will ultimately support those claims.

In practice, a well-prepared evidence file can make the difference between a straightforward visa application and a stressful race to meet the invitation deadline.

One of the advantages of planning early is that supporting documents can often be gathered gradually rather than under significant time pressure. Some documents may take weeks or even months to obtain, particularly where third parties such as employers, educational institutions or government agencies are involved.

By beginning this process well before an invitation is received, applicants place themselves in a much stronger position to lodge a complete and well-supported visa application.

If you would like to explore this topic in greater detail, I recommend reading my article Why Evidence Matters in Australian Visa Applications, where I explain how documentary evidence underpins every successful migration application.

Family Members Can Often Be Included

For many people, migration is not simply about their own future.

It is about creating opportunities for their family.

Depending on your individual circumstances and the legislative requirements in force when your application is lodged, eligible members of your family may generally be included in a Subclass 190 visa application.

Exactly who may be included will depend upon your particular circumstances.

Family composition can sometimes affect migration strategy, English language requirements and application costs.

For that reason, I encourage applicants to consider family arrangements early rather than treating them as an issue to address after receiving an invitation.

If your circumstances are more complex, such as blended families, dependent children over 18 years of age or other unusual situations, obtaining advice before lodging your application can be particularly valuable.

You may also find my article Who Can Be Included in an Australian Visa Application? Understanding Dependents and Family Members helpful, as it explains these issues in greater detail.

Character and Health Requirements

Like other Australian permanent residence visas, applicants for a Subclass 190 visa must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements.

Many people assume these requirements simply involve attending a medical examination and obtaining police clearance certificates.

While these are important components of the process, the legal requirements are broader than many applicants appreciate.

The Department of Home Affairs considers each applicant's individual circumstances against the relevant legislative provisions.

Where character or health issues arise, obtaining advice early can often help applicants understand the potential implications before significant decisions are made.

Migration planning is always easier when potential issues are identified early.

If you would like a more detailed explanation of Australia's character requirements, you may find my article Australian Visa Character Requirements: Understanding the Character Test useful.

Migration Is About Strategy, Not Guesswork

One of the themes that runs throughout my practice is helping clients move away from assumptions and towards informed decision-making.

There is rarely a single pathway to Australian permanent residence.

Some applicants will ultimately succeed through a Subclass 189 visa.

Others will obtain nomination under the Subclass 190 program.

Some may discover that another skilled migration pathway is better suited to their occupation or circumstances.

Every migration strategy should be based on an objective assessment of the available options rather than assumptions about which visa appears to be the most prestigious.

That assessment involves considering your:

• occupation;

• skills assessment;

• English language ability;

• employment history;

• available evidence;

• family circumstances;

• points score;

• state nomination opportunities; and

• long-term migration objectives.

Only after considering all of these factors can a meaningful migration strategy be developed.

That is why many of my consultations focus less on individual visa subclasses and more on identifying the pathway that provides the strongest opportunity for long-term success.

Professional Advice Can Save Time and Uncertainty

Many migration decisions are considerably easier to make before an Expression of Interest is lodged than afterwards.

Once points have been claimed, occupations selected and nomination strategies implemented, changing direction can become more complicated.

Obtaining advice early allows applicants to understand not only the legislative requirements, but also the practical and strategic considerations that may influence their prospects of receiving an invitation.

Every migration journey is different.

No two applicants have identical qualifications, employment histories or long-term objectives.

For that reason, I believe every migration strategy should be tailored to the individual rather than built around general assumptions.

If you are considering applying for a Subclass 190 visa and would like advice about your migration options, I would be pleased to assist.

Whether you are just beginning your migration journey or already preparing an Expression of Interest, developing the right strategy at the outset can often provide greater confidence throughout the entire process.

Common Questions About the Subclass 190 Visa

After many years assisting skilled migrants, I have found that many prospective applicants ask the same questions about the Subclass 190 visa.

Some of these questions arise because Australia's skilled migration program can appear complicated.

Others stem from misconceptions that have developed over time through online forums and social media.

Understanding these issues before you begin your migration journey can help you make more informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

Can I Apply for Both a Subclass 189 Visa and a Subclass 190 Visa?

Yes—but it is important to distinguish between an Expression of Interest (EOI) and a visa application.

In many circumstances, it is possible to submit an Expression of Interest that allows you to be considered for both the Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 visa programs. This is a strategy I frequently recommend because it keeps multiple skilled migration pathways available and may improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

However, this does not mean submitting visa applications for both subclasses.

Instead, you wait to receive an invitation to apply. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive either an invitation for the Subclass 189 visa or, following state or territory nomination, an invitation for the Subclass 190 visa. Once invited, you would normally proceed with the visa application for that subclass.

There is generally no advantage in hoping to lodge applications for both visas. Both the Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 visas grant Australian permanent residence, so the objective is to obtain an invitation through the pathway that becomes available first.

Whether pursuing both invitation pathways is appropriate will depend on factors such as your occupation, points score, state nomination opportunities and the migration environment at the time. One of the advantages of obtaining professional advice early is developing a strategy that maximises your opportunities while avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Am I Required to Live Permanently in the State That Nominated Me?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive.

The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residence visa.

States and territories nominate applicants because they have identified a need for workers with particular skills. When applying for state nomination, applicants are generally expected to demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in the nominating state or territory. For this reason, it makes sense to carefully consider the employment opportunities and lifestyle available in that state before accepting nomination.

However, life does not always unfold exactly as planned.

Employment opportunities may arise elsewhere. Family circumstances can change. Business opportunities may develop in another part of Australia.

Ultimately, a holder of a Subclass 190 visa is not legally required to live permanently in the state or territory that nominated them. If circumstances change after your visa is granted and a genuine opportunity arises elsewhere in Australia, you remain free to live and work anywhere in the country.

The important point is that your intention to live and work in the nominating state should be genuine at the time you seek state nomination.

Do All States Have the Same Nomination Requirements?

No.

Each Australian state and territory administers its own nomination program.

Although all programs operate within Australia's skilled migration framework, each jurisdiction establishes its own eligibility criteria and nomination priorities.

These may include differences in:

• occupations eligible for nomination;

• English language requirements;

• work experience;

• residency expectations;

• employment within the state;

• industry priorities; and

• additional nomination criteria.

Importantly, these requirements are reviewed and updated regularly.

Information that was accurate last year—or even a few months ago—may no longer reflect current nomination policy.

This is another reason why migration planning should be based on current information rather than assumptions or outdated online discussions.

Is the Subclass 190 Visa Easier Than the Subclass 189 Visa?

This question is more complicated than it first appears.

Neither visa should be described as "easy."

Both require applicants to satisfy legislative requirements and both operate within Australia's competitive skilled migration program.

The more useful question is not which visa is easier.

It is:

"Which pathway is more achievable for someone with my occupation, qualifications and circumstances?"

For some applicants, the answer may be the Subclass 189 visa.

For others, state nomination under the Subclass 190 program may provide stronger prospects of receiving an invitation.

This is why migration advice should be tailored to the individual rather than based on broad generalisations.

What Happens After I Receive State Nomination?

Receiving state nomination is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the migration process.

Once a state or territory government approves your nomination, it records that nomination against your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. This immediately and automatically triggers an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the Subclass 190 visa.

Importantly, a state nomination is not a recommendation or request for the Department to consider issuing an invitation. The act of recording the nomination against your EOI is what triggers the invitation through the SkillSelect system. Once the nomination has been approved and recorded, the invitation is generated automatically.

After receiving your invitation, you must still satisfy all legislative requirements for the Subclass 190 visa.

This includes ensuring that the information contained in your Expression of Interest is accurate and that every points claim and declaration can be supported by appropriate documentary evidence.

A successful application is built upon consistency.

The information contained in your skills assessment, Expression of Interest and visa application should align with the evidence you ultimately provide.

This is one of the reasons I encourage clients to prepare their evidence well before an invitation is received.

Can My Family Be Included?

In many circumstances, yes.

Eligible members of your family may often be included in a Subclass 190 visa application.

Exactly who may be included will depend upon your individual circumstances and the legislative requirements in force when your application is lodged.

If your family circumstances are complex, obtaining advice before lodging your application can help ensure that appropriate planning takes place from the outset.

You may also find my article Who Can Be Included in an Australian Visa Application? Understanding Dependents and Family Members helpful.

What If My Occupation Is Not Available for State Nomination?

This does not necessarily mean your migration journey has come to an end.

Australia's skilled migration program contains multiple pathways.

Depending on your circumstances, another skilled visa may provide a more appropriate option.

For example, some applicants may ultimately pursue a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), while others may find that a regional skilled pathway or an employer-sponsored visa better aligns with their circumstances.

The important point is not to assume that one closed pathway means every pathway has closed.

Migration strategy is about identifying opportunities.

Sometimes those opportunities simply take a different form.

Every Migration Journey Is Different

One of the lessons I have learnt over many years assisting clients is that no two migration matters are ever identical.

Two applicants with the same occupation may have different migration options.

Two applicants with identical points scores may receive very different outcomes because of their English language ability, employment history, state nomination opportunities or available evidence.

This is why I rarely think in terms of "standard" migration applications.

Instead, I look at the complete picture.

Your qualifications.

Your work experience.

Your family circumstances.

Your migration goals.

Your available evidence.

Your occupation.

Only after considering all of these factors can an effective migration strategy be developed.

For some people, that strategy will centre on a Subclass 190 visa.

For others, another skilled migration pathway may ultimately provide stronger prospects.

The important thing is making informed decisions based on your own circumstances rather than assumptions or someone else's migration journey.

If you are considering applying for a Subclass 190 visa and would like tailored advice about your migration options, I would be pleased to assist.

Together we can assess the pathways available to you and develop a strategy designed to maximise your prospects of achieving Australian permanent residence.

Developing the Right Migration Strategy

If there is one message I hope readers take away from this guide, it is this:

Successful Australian migration is rarely about choosing the "best" visa.

It is about identifying the pathway that gives you the strongest opportunity to achieve Australian permanent residence.

For many skilled professionals, that pathway may be the Subclass 190 visa.

The combination of state nomination and permanent residence makes it one of Australia's most significant skilled migration pathways, and in many migration years it provides opportunities that may not be available through the independent invitation process alone.

However, no two migration matters are ever identical.

The strategy that produces the best outcome for one applicant may not be the right approach for another.

Your occupation.

Your qualifications.

Your employment history.

Your English language ability.

Your family circumstances.

Your available evidence.

The current nomination policies of Australia's states and territories.

Each of these factors contributes to the migration strategy that is ultimately developed.

That is why I encourage prospective migrants not to become overly focused on a particular visa subclass.

Instead, focus on identifying the pathway that offers the strongest prospects based on your own circumstances and the migration environment at the time you apply.

Migration is not simply about meeting the minimum requirements.

It is about making informed decisions at every stage of the journey.

Why Professional Advice Can Make a Difference

Australian migration law is detailed.

Successful migration, however, involves far more than understanding legislation.

It requires careful planning.

One of the most valuable parts of my role as a registered Australian migration agent is helping clients understand the options available before important decisions are made.

Sometimes that means confirming that the Subclass 190 visa is the strongest pathway.

Sometimes it means recommending that a client pursue both the Subclass 189 and Subclass 190 pathways.

Sometimes it means identifying a completely different migration strategy.

There is no universal solution.

Every migration strategy should be tailored to the individual rather than built around assumptions or generic advice found online.

Many issues are significantly easier to resolve before an Expression of Interest is submitted than after an invitation has been issued.

Occupation selection.

Skills assessments.

State nomination strategy.

Employment evidence.

English language testing.

Points calculations.

These are all matters that benefit from careful planning.

Obtaining advice early in the migration process can often save considerable time, reduce uncertainty and help avoid costly mistakes later.

Final Thoughts

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is sometimes viewed as an alternative to the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).

In my experience, that perspective misses the bigger picture.

The Subclass 190 visa is one of Australia's principal skilled migration pathways and, for many applicants, it represents the most realistic and strategically advantageous route to Australian permanent residence.

The objective should never be to obtain a particular visa simply because it has the highest profile.

The objective should always be to achieve the best possible migration outcome.

That requires understanding the migration framework, assessing every available pathway and making informed decisions based on your own circumstances.

Whether your journey ultimately leads to a Subclass 190 visa, a Subclass 189 visa or another skilled migration pathway, careful planning will almost always place you in the strongest position to succeed.

Australian migration is not simply about lodging an application.

It is about creating opportunities.

And every successful migration journey begins with the right strategy.

About the Author

Andrew Graham is the Principal of Graham-Nguyen & Associates and a Registered Australian Migration Agent (MARN 1067354). Based in Singapore, he advises clients throughout Singapore, Asia and around the world on Australian skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, Australian citizenship and other Australian migration matters. He regularly publishes practical guidance on Australian migration law and policy to help prospective migrants make informed decisions. His articles draw on current Australian migration legislation, policy and many years of professional experience assisting clients with Australian migration.

Need Advice About a Subclass 190 Visa?

Whether you are just beginning to explore Australian skilled migration or are already preparing an Expression of Interest, understanding your options before making important decisions can make a significant difference.

At Graham-Nguyen & Associates, I assist clients from Singapore, India, the Philippines and throughout the Asia-Pacific region with Australian skilled migration matters.

Every consultation begins the same way.

Not by asking,

"Which visa do you want?"

But by asking,

"What is the strongest pathway for your circumstances?"

That approach has helped many skilled professionals develop migration strategies that align with their qualifications, experience and long-term goals.

If you would like personalised advice about your migration options, I would be pleased to assist.

Whether you are considering a Subclass 190 visa, comparing it with a Subclass 189 visa or simply trying to understand where to begin, together we can develop a strategy that reflects your individual circumstances rather than relying on assumptions.

Contact Graham-Nguyen & Associates today to arrange a consultation.

📧 enquiries@graham-nguyen.com

👉 https://www.graham-nguyen.com/contact

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• Australian Skilled Migration Points Test: A Complete Guide

• What Is an Australian Migration Skills Assessment?

• Why Evidence Matters in Australian Visa Applications

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