2026-05-21 · Alex Fong
190 Visa State Nomination Requirements: A Data-Driven Guide for International Students
Comprehensive analysis of Australia's 190 visa state nomination requirements for international students. Includes 2026 nomination data, occupation lists, and ac
190 Visa State Nomination: The Path to Permanent Residency for International Students
Australia’s Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for international students who secure nomination from a state or territory government. In the 2024–25 program year, the Australian government allocated 33,000 places for the 190 visa category, a 57% increase from the 21,000 places in 2023–24, according to the Department of Home Affairs (2024, Migration Program Planning Levels). This expansion reflects a strategic shift to attract skilled graduates who can fill critical workforce gaps. For international students, the 190 visa requires meeting both the federal points test and each state’s unique nomination criteria. This guide examines the 2025–26 requirements across all eight states and territories, with specific data on occupation lists, nomination quotas, and application timelines.
Core Eligibility: Points Test and Federal Requirements
All 190 visa applicants must first satisfy the federal Skilled Migration points test, which awards points for age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. As of 2025, the minimum pass mark is 65 points, but the actual invitation threshold is significantly higher. For the 2024–25 program year, the average invitation score for 190 visa applicants was 85 points, based on Department of Home Affairs data (2025, SkillSelect Invitation Rounds). International students typically score points through a Bachelor’s degree (15 points), age under 33 (30 points), and Competent English (0 points). To reach 85 points, candidates often need Superior English (20 points), Australian study (5 points), and professional year (5 points). Applicants must also hold a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority, such as Engineers Australia or the Australian Computer Society, and be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. The Department of Home Affairs (2025, Migration Regulations 1994) mandates that the nominated occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for the 190 visa, though states can add occupations to their own lists.
State Nomination Criteria: A Jurisdictional Breakdown
Each state and territory operates a State Migration Plan with distinct nomination criteria. The table below summarizes key requirements for 2025–26, based on official state government publications.
| State/Territory | Nomination Quota (2024–25) | Minimum EOI Score | Occupation List Size | Processing Time (Weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 4,500 | 85 | 300+ | 8–12 |
| Victoria | 3,500 | 80 | 200+ | 6–10 |
| Queensland | 2,000 | 75 | 150+ | 10–14 |
| Western Australia | 3,000 | 75 | 200+ | 4–8 |
| South Australia | 2,500 | 70 | 250+ | 6–10 |
| Tasmania | 1,500 | 65 | 100+ | 8–12 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 1,000 | 70 | 150+ | 4–6 |
| Northern Territory | 500 | 65 | 80+ | 12–16 |
Sources: NSW Treasury (2025, NSW Skilled Migration Nomination Criteria); Victorian Department of Jobs (2025, Visa Nomination Occupation List); Queensland Government (2025, Skilled Migration Program Guidelines); Government of Western Australia (2025, WA State Nominated Migration Program); Government of South Australia (2025, Skilled Migration Program); Tasmanian Government (2025, Tasmania Skilled Migration Program); ACT Government (2025, ACT Critical Skills List); Northern Territory Government (2025, NT Skilled Migration Program).
New South Wales (NSW) requires applicants to have a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 85 points and be living in NSW or offshore. The state prioritizes occupations in health, engineering, and ICT, as listed on its NSW Skilled Occupation List. For 2025–26, NSW has allocated 4,500 nomination places, with an expected processing time of 8–12 weeks. Victoria uses a targeted selection model, inviting candidates with scores of 80 points or higher in occupations such as registered nurses, software engineers, and civil engineers. The state’s Victorian Skilled Migration Occupation List includes over 200 occupations. Western Australia offers a Graduate Stream for international students who completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher at a WA institution. This stream requires a minimum of 75 points and a job offer in the nominated occupation for 12 months. WA allocated 3,000 nomination places in 2024–25.
Occupation Lists and Skills Assessment
The 190 visa requires that the nominated occupation appear on the MLTSSL. However, states can add occupations to their own lists. For example, South Australia includes occupations in agriculture, tourism, and advanced manufacturing that are not on the MLTSSL. As of 2025, the Australian Computer Society assesses 25 ICT occupations, while Engineers Australia covers 18 engineering categories. International students must obtain a positive skills assessment before lodging an EOI. The assessment process typically takes 8–12 weeks and costs between AUD 500 and AUD 1,200, depending on the assessing authority. The Department of Home Affairs (2025, Skills Assessment Requirements) warns that assessments are valid for three years from the date of issue. For students graduating from an Australian university, the Professional Year Program in accounting, ICT, or engineering provides an additional 5 points and can substitute for one year of work experience.
Application Process: From EOI to Visa Grant
The application process for the 190 visa involves five steps. First, the applicant submits an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs’ online system. The EOI includes points claims, nominated occupation, and preferred states. Second, the applicant receives a state nomination invitation from the chosen state or territory. Third, the applicant applies for state nomination, paying a non-refundable fee ranging from AUD 200 (ACT) to AUD 500 (NSW). Fourth, the state issues a nomination approval, which adds 5 points to the EOI score. Fifth, the applicant lodges the visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, paying the Visa Application Charge of AUD 4,640 (as of July 2025). The Department of Home Affairs (2025, Visa Pricing Table) reports that processing times for 90% of 190 visa applications are 12–16 months. International students are advised to apply for state nomination within six months of completing their Australian qualification, as points for Australian study (5 points) require the qualification to be completed within the last two years.
Post-Study Work and 190 Visa Integration
International students who complete a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Australia are eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows work for 2–4 years. This period can be used to accumulate Skilled Employment points (5 points for 1–3 years, 10 points for 3–5 years) required for the 190 visa. The Department of Education (2025, International Student Data) indicates that 38% of 190 visa grants in 2024–25 were to former international students. For example, a student completing a Master of Engineering at the University of Melbourne can work under the 485 visa for three years, gain one year of skilled employment, and apply for Victorian state nomination with an EOI score of 85 points. The Regional Australia initiative does not apply to the 190 visa, but students who study in regional areas (e.g., Tasmania, South Australia) may receive priority processing from those states.
FAQ
What is the minimum EOI score for a 190 visa invitation in 2026?
The federal minimum is 65 points, but the actual invitation threshold varies by state. For 2025–26, the average invitation score is 85 points, with New South Wales requiring a minimum of 85 points and Tasmania accepting 65 points. The Department of Home Affairs (2025, SkillSelect Invitation Rounds) reports that only 12% of invitations in the 2024–25 program year were issued to candidates with scores below 80.
How long does the 190 visa application process take?
The entire process from EOI submission to visa grant takes 14–20 months on average. State nomination processing takes 4–12 weeks, depending on the state. Visa processing by the Department of Home Affairs takes 12–16 months for 90% of applications, as per the Department of Home Affairs (2025, Global Visa Processing Times).
Can I apply for a 190 visa without a job offer?
Yes, a job offer is not a federal requirement for the 190 visa. However, some states, such as Western Australia and South Australia, require a job offer for certain occupations. For example, Western Australia’s Graduate Stream mandates a 12-month job offer in the nominated occupation. The Australian Capital Territory requires a job offer only for applicants with scores below 70 points.
References
- Department of Home Affairs. (2024). Migration Program Planning Levels 2024–25. Australian Government.
- Department of Home Affairs. (2025). SkillSelect Invitation Rounds: 2024–25 Program Year. Australian Government.
- NSW Treasury. (2025). NSW Skilled Migration Nomination Criteria 2025–26. New South Wales Government.
- Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. (2025). Visa Nomination Occupation List 2025–26. Victorian Government.
- Government of Western Australia. (2025). WA State Nominated Migration Program: Graduate Stream Guidelines. Western Australian Government.