Skilled Nominated Visa (Class SN, Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated Visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. It offers a pathway to permanent residency while allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
The steps to achieving this are:
- Skills Assessment – you must first be assessed as qualified to perform the occupation. Each occupation has its own assessing authority who will assess your level of experience and qualifications. A positive result must be received before proceeding to the next step.
- Expression of Interest (‘EOI’) + State/Territory Nomination – an EOI is required for the Governments to select the top candidates in monthly rounds. They will pick the candidates with the most points to pass through to the next round.
- Visa Application – you can then lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation
You will need a minimum of 65 points to be invited however generally each occupation will have a different cut-off point depending on the demand of that occupation.
You can use the points table to calculate an estimate of the number of points you may be eligible for:
| Factor | Points | |
| Age | 18-24 | 25 |
| 25-32 | 30 | |
| 33-39 | 25 | |
| 40-44 | 15 | |
| English | Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 | |
| Superior English | 20 | |
| Skilled Employment – Overseas | < 3 years | 0 |
| 3-5 years | 5 | |
| 5-8 years | 10 | |
| 8 years + | 15 | |
| Skilled Employment – Australia | < 1 year | 0 |
| 1-3 years | 5 | |
| 3-5 years | 10 | |
| 5-8 years | 15 | |
| 8 years + | 20 | |
| Educational Qualifications | PhD from Australia or a recognised foreign educational institution | 20 |
| Bachelor degree from Australia or a recognised foreign educational institution | 15 | |
| Diploma or trade qualification from Australia | 10 | |
| Qualification/award otherwise recognised by relevant assessing authority as being suitable for that occupation | 10 | |
| Specialist education qualification | A Masters degree by research or a PhD from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years of study in STEM fields. (see below) | 10 |
| Australian Study Requirement | Completed at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution for at least 2 academic years study. | 5 |
| Professional Year | Completion of Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Credentialled Community Language | Hold a recognised qualification in a credentialled community Language | 5 |
| Study in Regional Australia | Completed the Australian study requirement for 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification whilst living and studying in a designated regional area | 5 |
| Partner Skills Qualification | Spouse/De facto partner is: · Under 45 · Has competent English · Has suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation which is on the same skilled occupation list | 10 |
Spouse/De facto partner is: · Has competent English | 5 | |
Spouse/De facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident OR You are single | 10 | |
| Invited by State/Territory visa | Subclass 190 visa | 5 |
| Subclass 491 visa | 15 |
The other requirements for this 190 visa are:
- Invitation from State/Territory has not ended
- Must be under 45 at the time of invitation
- Provide evidence of the points claimed in the invitation including the skills assessment result
- Demonstrate at least Competent English
- Occupation is found on the occupation list
Common Issues When Applying the 190 Visa in Australia
- Missing opportunities to maximise your points in areas such as English proficiency, work experience or qualifications.
- Incomplete or inconsistent supporting documentation for the Registration of Interest (ROI).
Suggested Solutions
Maximising your points and ensuring accuracy in your ROI and visa application are key.
- Seek additional points through improving your English test scores or demonstrating relevant overseas employment experience.
- Ensure all employment evidence (contracts, payslips, position descriptions, superannuation records) supports your claimed experience.
190 Visa FAQs
You will generally need:
- Your passport, English test results, and skills assessment; and
- Depending on your claimed employment, documents such as employment contracts, payslips, superannuation statements and position descriptions.
- List all relevant positions with accurate start and end dates.
- Provide reference letters clearly describing your responsibilities and duties.
- Ensure that all employment evidence is consistent across your documents.
Why Choose Brightstone Migration?
- Diligence – We work meticulously to eliminate discrepancies and ensure your evidence accurately reflects your professional background.
- End-to-End Support – From submitting your EOI to lodging your visa application, we assist you through every stage with precision and care.