Are you planning to apply for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 in 2026? Understanding the 190 visa requirements is crucial for a successful application. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility criteria for Visa Subclass 190, helping you determine if you qualify for this popular Australian permanent residency pathway.

What is Subclass 190 Visa?

The Subclass 190 is a points-tested permanent visa that allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory to live and work in Australia permanently. Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, this pathway requires state nomination, which adds 5 bonus points to your application.

Essential 190 Visa Requirements for 2026

1. Age Requirement

To meet the 190 visa requirements, you must be under 45 years of age when you receive your invitation to apply. This is a strict requirement with no exceptions. Your age is calculated at the invitation date, not when you lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI).

Key Points:

  • Maximum age: 44 years and 364 days at invitation
  • Age determines your points (25-32 years = maximum 30 points)
  • No waivers available for age criteria

2. Skilled Occupation on Relevant Lists

Your occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list for Visa Subclass 190. Currently, occupations from the following lists are accepted:

  • Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
  • Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Each Australian state maintains its own occupation demand list, so check which states are nominating your specific occupation for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190 in 2026.

3. Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory. This confirms that your qualifications and work experience match Australian standards for your nominated occupation.

Common Assessing Authorities:

  • Engineers Australia (for engineering occupations)
  • Australian Computer Society (ACS) for IT professionals
  • CPA Australia/CAANZ for accountants
  • VETASSESS for various professional occupations

Your skills assessment must be valid at the time of invitation for the Subclass 190 visa.

4. Points Test Requirement

The minimum points requirement for 190 visa requirements in 2026 is:

  • 65 points (including the 5 state nomination points)
  • This means you need at least 60 points before state nomination

However, achieving only 65 points rarely results in an invitation. Competitive scores in 2026 range from 80-100 points depending on your occupation.

Points Breakdown:

  • Age (25-32 years): 30 points
  • English (Superior): 20 points
  • Australian work experience (8+ years): 20 points
  • Overseas work experience (8-10 years): 15 points
  • Educational qualifications (Doctorate): 20 points
  • State nomination: 5 points
  • Partner skills: 10 points
  • NAATI/Professional Year: 5 points each

5. English Language Proficiency

Meeting English language requirements is crucial for Visa Subclass 190. You must achieve at least Competent English (equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each band), though higher scores earn more points.

Accepted English Tests:

  • IELTS
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL iBT
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
  • Occupational English Test (OET)

English Points:

  • Competent (IELTS 6 each): 0 points
  • Proficient (IELTS 7 each): 10 points
  • Superior (IELTS 8 each): 20 points

6. State or Territory Nomination

This is the defining requirement for the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190. You must receive nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each state has different nomination criteria:

2025-26 State Allocations:

  • Victoria: 2,850 places
  • New South Wales: 2,100 places
  • Western Australia: 2,000 places
  • Queensland: 1,850 places
  • South Australia: 1,350 places
  • Tasmania: 1,200 places
  • Northern Territory: 850 places
  • Australian Capital Territory: 800 places

7. Health Requirements

All applicants for Subclass 190 must meet Australia's health requirements. This includes:

  • Medical examination by Home Affairs panel doctors
  • Chest X-ray (for applicants 11 years and older)
  • Additional tests if required based on country of origin or occupation

Health examinations are typically valid for 12 months from the date of examination.

8. Character Requirements

Meeting character requirements is essential for 190 visa requirements. You must:

  • Provide police clearance certificates from all countries where you've lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years
  • Declare any criminal convictions
  • Sign Australian Values Statement
  • Not pose a risk to Australian community

9. Work Experience

While not always mandatory, relevant work experience significantly improves your chances for Visa Subclass 190:

  • Australian work experience: Highly valued, can earn up to 20 points
  • Overseas work experience: Recognized for points (up to 15 points)
  • Experience must be in your nominated occupation or closely related field
  • Must be skilled employment (minimum 20 hours per week)

10. Educational Qualifications

Your qualifications must be assessed and recognized by Australian authorities. Qualifications from outside Australia require assessment by the relevant authority.

Points Based on Qualification:

  • Doctorate: 20 points
  • Bachelor or Masters: 15 points
  • Australian qualification: 5 additional points (if from regional area)

Additional Considerations for 190 Visa Requirements

Financial Capacity

While not a strict requirement, you should demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family initially in Australia. States may assess your financial situation during the nomination process.

Commitment to Nominating State

When granted the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190, you must commit to living and working in the nominating state or territory for at least 2 years. This is a visa condition that must be respected.

Invitation Validity

Once invited to apply for Subclass 190, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application. Missing this deadline means your invitation expires.

How to Check Your Eligibility

To determine if you meet the 190 visa requirements, follow these steps:

  1. Use an official points calculator
  2. Check if your occupation is on state occupation lists
  3. Verify you meet minimum points threshold
  4. Ensure skills assessment is current
  5. Confirm English test scores meet requirements
  6. Research which states are inviting your occupation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Visa Subclass 190 application:

  • Don't submit EOI without valid skills assessment
  • Don't underestimate English requirements
  • Don't apply to multiple states simultaneously without checking their rules
  • Don't provide false or misleading information
  • Don't ignore state-specific requirements

Conclusion

Understanding the 190 visa requirements is the first step toward achieving Australian permanent residency through the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190. With careful preparation and ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria for Subclass 190, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving a state nomination and visa grant.

The 2025-26 allocation of 12,850 places across Australian states presents excellent opportunities for skilled migrants. However, competition remains high, making it essential to present the strongest possible application.

If you're unsure about your eligibility or need assistance navigating the complex requirements for Visa Subclass 190, consider consulting with a Registered Migration Agent Perth who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique circumstances. Professional assistance from a Registered Migration Agent in Perth can help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your chances of success in obtaining the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190.

Ready to Start Your 190 Visa Journey?

Book a free eligibility assessment with our experienced migration team today. Our MARA registered agents can help you determine the best pathway to Australian permanent residency.

Disclaimer: This information is current as of January 2026. Immigration policies can change. Always verify requirements on the official Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent.