Australia Subclass 190 Visa: Complete Guide to Apply from Inside Australia
Australia Subclass 190 Visa: Complete Guide to Apply from Inside Australia (2025 Edition)
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is one of Australia’s most popular permanent residency pathways for skilled workers already living and working in the country. If you are on a temporary visa—such as a 482 TSS Visa, 485 Graduate Visa, Student Visa, or 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa—the 190 visa offers a direct route to Australian Permanent Residency (PR) with state or territory nomination.
This complete guide explains requirements, documents, step-by-step application process, points system, processing time, fees, and everything you need to apply for the 190 visa from inside Australia.
What Is the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa?
The Subclass 190 visa is a points-tested Permanent Residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
With this visa, you can:
Live and work in Australia permanently
Study anywhere in Australia
Sponsor eligible family members for PR
Enrol in Medicare
Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
The 190 visa is ideal for skilled workers who have occupations in demand in a particular state and meet the required points.
Who Can Apply for the 190 Visa from Inside Australia?
You can apply from within Australia if you:
Hold a valid Australian visa (e.g., student, 485, 482, 491, bridging visa)
Have a nominated occupation on the state’s Skilled Occupation List
Have a positive skills assessment
Meet English language requirements
Score at least 65 points (higher points give better chances)
Are nominated by an Australian state or territory
Meet health and character requirements
How the 190 Visa Works
The process includes these main stages:
Check eligibility
Skills assessment
English test
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Apply for State Nomination
Receive nomination
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Lodge visa application
Visa grant
This pathway is competitive—states nominate applicants based on occupation demand and points ranking.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Subclass 190 Visa From Australia
Below is a clear and practical step-by-step process for applicants inside Australia.
Step 1: Check Your Occupation and Eligibility
Confirm that your occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the state you want to apply to. Requirements differ by state (NSW, VIC, SA, QLD, WA, TAS, ACT, NT).
Check:
Age under 45
English test results
Skills assessment availability
Relevant qualification and experience
Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment is mandatory.
Different assessing bodies include:
Engineers Australia
ACS (IT occupations)
AITSL (teachers)
VETASSESS (many general occupations)
ANMAC (nurses)
Important:
Skills assessment validity: usually 3 years
You cannot lodge a 190 visa without this document
Step 3: Complete an English Test
Accepted tests:
IELTS Academic or General (minimum 6 each band)
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
OET
Higher English scores can increase your points.
Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
Your EOI must include:
Occupation
Skills assessment details
English test results
Work experience
Education
Points claim
You must achieve 65 points minimum, but competitive states often invite applicants with 70–90+ points.
Step 5: Apply for State Nomination
Each state has its own criteria. Examples:
New South Wales (NSW)
Strong demand for IT, engineering, healthcare
Higher points typically needed
Victoria (VIC)
STEM professionals prioritized
Requires registration of interest (ROI)
Queensland (QLD)
Skilled workers with onshore experience preferred
South Australia (SA)
Pathways for 485/482 visa holders
Work experience required in nominated occupation
Western Australia (WA)
Very attractive for onshore graduates and workers
Large occupation list
States assess:
Occupation demand
Work experience in Australia
English level
Points score
Residency location within the state
If approved, the state nominates you in SkillSelect.
Step 6: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once nominated, you will receive an Invitation to Apply for the 190 visa from the Department of Home Affairs.
You typically get 60 days to lodge the application.
Step 7: Lodge Your 190 Visa Application
Submit:
Identity documents
Skills assessment
English results
Employment evidence
Qualification certificates
Police clearance certificates
Health examinations
Partner documents (if included)
If you are on a valid visa, you will receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that allows you to stay lawfully in Australia while the application is processed.
Step 8: Health & Character Checks
Mandatory for all applicants:
Medical examination
Australian Federal Police (AFP) check
Overseas police certificates (if lived abroad for 12+ months)
Step 9: Receive Visa Decision
Once approved, the Subclass 190 visa grants Permanent Residency.
You become:
Australian PR from day one
Eligible for Medicare
Eligible for citizenship after meeting residency requirements
Processing Time for Subclass 190 Visa
Average processing time in 2025:
75% of applications: 6–9 months
90% of applications: 10–12 months
(Varies depending on state, occupation, and document quality.)
Subclass 190 Visa Fees (2025)
Applicant Category | Cost (AUD) |
Main Applicant | $4,640 |
Partner | $2,320 |
Each Child | $1,160 |
English exam | $410 (approx.) |
Skills assessment | $500–$1,200 |
Medicals | $350–$500 |
Benefits of the 190 Visa for Onshore Applicants
Direct Permanent Residence
Eligible for Medicare
Access to better job opportunities
Can live anywhere in the state that nominated you
Pathway to citizenship
No need for employer sponsorship
Freedom to travel in and out of Australia
Why the Subclass 190 Visa Is Best for Skilled Workers Already in Australia
Priority for onshore candidates
Higher invitation chances with Australian experience
States prefer applicants already living and working locally
Faster processing times for onshore applicants
Ability to hold a bridging visa until a decision is made
If you are on a temporary visa and want a secure PR pathway, the 190 visa is one of the strongest options.
