Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled workers looking to build their careers while enjoying a high quality of life. The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is an attractive option for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government to live and work in the country. This visa offers a pathway to permanent residency and is ideal for individuals who possess skills that are in high demand in specific regions of Australia.
This guide provides an in-depth overview of the Subclass 190 Visa, including eligibility requirements, the application process, how to improve your chances of getting nominated, and the benefits of this visa.
What is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a points-tested visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory based on their skills and the labor market needs of that region.
Key features of the Subclass 190 Visa include:
- Permanent Residency: The visa provides permanent residency to the applicant and their family members.
- Work and Study: Holders of this visa can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
- Pathway to Citizenship: The visa offers a pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting the residency and other eligibility requirements.
- Healthcare and Social Benefits: Visa holders have access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) and other social benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 190 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 190 Visa, you must meet several eligibility requirements. Here are the key criteria:
1. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
Your occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) relevant to the Subclass 190 Visa. Each Australian state or territory has its own list of eligible occupations based on regional labor market demands.
- Tip: Check the specific Skilled Occupation List of the state or territory where you want to apply for nomination to ensure that your occupation is in demand.
2. Skills Assessment
You must undergo a skills assessment conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. The skills assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards for your chosen occupation.
- Tip: Research the assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, Australian Computer Society (ACS) for IT professionals) and follow their guidelines to complete your skills assessment.
3. Points Test
The Subclass 190 Visa is a points-tested visa, meaning you must score at least 65 points to be eligible. Points are awarded based on several factors, including:
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- English Language Proficiency: Higher proficiency in English (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores) can earn additional points.
- Work Experience: Points are awarded based on your years of skilled work experience, both in Australia and overseas.
- Educational Qualifications: Points are given for your level of education (e.g., bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD).
- State or Territory Nomination: Receiving a nomination from a state or territory government automatically adds 5 points to your overall score.
4. State or Territory Nomination
To be eligible for the Subclass 190 Visa, you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory. Each state or territory has its own criteria for nomination, which may include specific occupation requirements, language skills, and experience in certain industries.
- Tip: Research the state or territory where you want to apply and understand their nomination criteria. Some regions may prioritize applicants who have a job offer or who have studied in the region.
5. Expression of Interest (EOI)
Before applying for the Subclass 190 Visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. Your EOI will be assessed based on your points score, and if you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be invited to apply for the visa.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Subclass 190 Visa
Here is a detailed guide to the application process for the Subclass 190 Visa:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Calculate Your Points
Start by checking whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the Subclass 190 Visa, particularly if your occupation is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Next, calculate your points score using the points test criteria. You must score a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
Factors That Affect Your Points Score:
- Age: Maximum points (30) are awarded to applicants between 25 and 32 years of age.
- English Language Proficiency: Superior English proficiency (IELTS score of 8.0 or equivalent) provides the highest points.
- Work Experience: Skilled work experience both inside and outside of Australia earns points, with more points for longer durations of relevant experience.
- Educational Qualifications: Higher levels of education, such as a PhD or a master’s degree, earn more points.
- State Nomination: An additional 5 points are awarded for state or territory nomination.
Step 2: Complete a Skills Assessment
Once you’ve determined that your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List, the next step is to undergo a skills assessment. Each occupation has an associated assessing authority that evaluates whether your qualifications and experience meet the Australian standards for that job.
How to Complete a Skills Assessment:
- Identify the Assessing Authority for your occupation (e.g., VETASSESS, CPA Australia, AIM).
- Submit the Required Documents: These typically include your academic transcripts, degree certificates, professional licenses, and proof of work experience.
- Pay the Assessment Fee: Each assessing authority charges a fee for the assessment process.
- Await the Outcome: The assessment process can take several weeks to months, depending on the authority.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
After completing your skills assessment, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. In your EOI, you will provide details about your work experience, qualifications, skills assessment, and other factors relevant to the points test.
How to Submit an EOI:
- Create an Account: Register for an account on the SkillSelect platform.
- Complete the EOI Form: Enter your personal details, occupation, skills assessment information, and points score calculation.
- Select the State or Territory: Indicate your preferences for state or territory nomination. You can choose to be considered for multiple states or regions.
- Submit the EOI: Once submitted, your EOI remains in the SkillSelect system for up to two years.
Tip: It is important to keep your EOI up to date. If your circumstances change (e.g., you gain additional work experience or complete further studies), you can update your EOI to increase your points score.
Step 4: Receive a Nomination from a State or Territory
Once your EOI is submitted, Australian states and territories will review your profile to determine if they want to nominate you for the Subclass 190 Visa. If a state or territory nominates you, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Each state and territory has different criteria for nomination. Some may prioritize applicants with skills in high-demand industries, while others may give preference to those who have previously studied or worked in the region.
Step 5: Apply for the Subclass 190 Visa
After receiving an invitation to apply, you will have 60 days to submit your visa application online through the ImmiAccount portal. This is a critical step, and you must ensure that all your documentation is complete and accurate.
Documents Required for the Visa Application:
- Passport: A copy of your passport bio-data page.
- Skills Assessment: The results of your skills assessment from the relevant authority.
- English Language Test Results: Proof of your English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE results).
- Work Experience Documents: Proof of your previous employment, including reference letters, contracts, and payslips.
- Educational Certificates: Academic transcripts, degrees, and diplomas.
- Health and Character Certificates: You will need to undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
Pay the Visa Application Fee:
The visa application fee for the Subclass 190 Visa is AUD $4,240 for the main applicant (The fee is subject to change depending on the time of application). Additional fees apply for family members included in the application.
Step 6: Await the Visa Decision
After submitting your visa application, the Department of Home Affairs will process your application. Processing times vary depending on your individual circumstances, but the current processing time for the Subclass 190 Visa ranges from 6 to 12 months.
Factors That Affect Processing Times:
- The completeness of your application and supporting documents.
- Whether you need to provide additional information or undergo further checks.
- The volume of applications being processed at the time.
Step 7: Receive Your Visa Grant
If your visa application is successful, you will receive your Subclass 190 Visa grant notification. This grants you and your family members permanent residency in Australia.
Benefits of the Subclass 190 Visa
- Permanent Residency: The Subclass 190 visa grants you permanent residency in Australia, which allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the country indefinitely.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After holding permanent residency for at least four years, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, provided you meet the residency and good character requirements.
- Family Benefits: Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your visa application, allowing them to also gain permanent residency and access the same benefits.
- Healthcare Access: Subclass 190 visa holders have access to Medicare, Australia’s publicly funded healthcare system, which provides free or subsidized medical services.
- Work and Study Rights: Visa holders can work and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions, providing access to a range of employment and educational opportunities.
- Social Security Benefits: After two years of holding permanent residency, you may be eligible for certain social security benefits, such as unemployment payments and other welfare programs.
- Travel Flexibility: You are free to travel in and out of Australia as much as you like for five years. After this period, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if you want to travel internationally and retain your permanent residency status.
Tips for a Successful Subclass 190 Visa Application
To increase your chances of successfully obtaining the Subclass 190 Visa, consider the following tips:
- Maximize Your Points Score: Since the Subclass 190 Visa is a points-tested visa, aim to improve your score wherever possible. Consider enhancing your English language proficiency, gaining more work experience, or pursuing additional qualifications to increase your points.
- Tailor Your Application for State Nomination: Research the states or territories where your occupation is in high demand and ensure your application aligns with their specific criteria. For example, some states may prioritize applicants with a job offer or those with experience in certain industries.
- Submit a Complete Application: Ensure that all required documents are submitted with your application, and that they are accurate and up to date. Missing or incorrect information can cause delays or lead to your application being refused.
- Stay Updated on Occupation Lists: The Skilled Occupation Lists can change, and states or territories may update their lists based on labor market needs. Stay informed about any changes to ensure your occupation remains eligible.
- Prepare for the Skills Assessment: The skills assessment process can take time, so start early and ensure that you gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays.
- Consider Living in Regional Areas: Some states or territories offer additional incentives or points for applicants willing to live and work in regional areas. This can also improve your chances of receiving a state nomination.
- Seek Professional Assistance: If you are unsure about any part of the application process, consider seeking assistance from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer. They can help guide you through the complexities of the application and ensure that everything is done correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Subclass 190 Visa
Q: How long does the Subclass 190 Visa last?
A: The Subclass 190 Visa is a permanent visa, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. However, the travel facility on your visa is valid for five years. After this period, you will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to travel in and out of Australia as a permanent resident.
Q: Can I apply for the Subclass 190 Visa if I am already in Australia?
A: Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 190 Visa from within Australia if you are on a valid temporary visa (such as a student visa or temporary work visa) and meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: What happens if I don’t meet the 65-point threshold?
A: If you do not meet the 65-point minimum score, you may not be invited to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa. However, you can work on improving your score by gaining more work experience, enhancing your English language proficiency, or completing further education.
Q: Can my family members be included in my Subclass 190 Visa application?
A: Yes, you can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your visa application. They will also be granted permanent residency if your visa is approved.
Q: Do I need a job offer to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa?
A: A job offer is not required for the Subclass 190 Visa, but some states or territories may prioritize applicants who have a job offer or employment in a high-demand industry.
Q: Can I switch to the Subclass 190 Visa if I am already on a different visa?
A: Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Subclass 190 Visa, you can apply for it even if you are currently on a different visa (such as a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa or a Student Visa).
Q: What happens if my application is refused?
A: If your Subclass 190 Visa application is refused, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply if your circumstances change. It’s important to carefully review the reasons for refusal and address any issues in future applications.
Conclusion
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Australia while contributing to the country’s economy and labor force. With the flexibility to live, work, and study in any state or territory, this visa provides a clear pathway to a stable and prosperous life in Australia.
By following the step-by-step application process, ensuring that you meet all eligibility requirements, and staying informed about the latest changes to Australia’s immigration system, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Whether you’re seeking to further your career, provide a better future for your family, or enjoy the high quality of life that Australia offers, the Subclass 190 Visa could be the key to achieving your goals.