Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

The Federal Government retains ultimate responsibility for Australia's migration program, including the allocation of available places across program streams and making decisions on visa applications.

The Federal Government provides the NSW Government a limited number of positions for its state and territory nominated skilled, business innovation and investor visa subclasses.

Previously published points scores and work experience guides for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) have been removed due to increased availability of the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) by the Department of Home Affairs.

NSW nomination

NSW uses a selection-based invitation process to ensure that NSW nominees are aligned with the skills needs of the state's economy.

Nomination for this visa is exceptionally competitive. We strongly encourage you to consider all other migration pathways on the Home Affairs website and do not wait to be invited to apply for NSW nomination.

See our Common questions about skilled visas page for answers to a full list of our most commonly received questions. 

Basic eligibility

To be considered for NSW nomination, at a minimum, you must meet the following basic criteria:

• Meet all requirements outlined by Home Affairs for this visa 
• Be skilled in an occupation that is:
  • within an ANZSCO unit group identified on the NSW skills list for this visa; AND
  • is eligible for the visa
• Be currently residing in NSW, or offshore, and have continuously done so for a minimum period of six months
• Have submitted an EOI SkillSelect seeking nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) only and NSW only  

Key steps

1. Confirm you are eligible for this visa
2. Confirm you meet the NSW basic eligibility criteria outlined above 
3. Complete an EOI in SkillSelect ensuring that all information is accurate
4. Be invited to apply for NSW nomination – because of the overwhelming demand for NSW nomination, the vast majority of migrants seeking nomination will not be invited
5. If invited, apply for NSW nomination within 14 days and provide evidence for all points claims in your SkillSelect EOI and where you currently reside  

Common reasons applications are declined after being invited to apply

Common reasons why applications are declined include where an applicant:

Overclaimed skilled employment

For the purpose of NSW nomination, you may only claim employment that is:

• after the date you have been deemed skilled by your skills assessor (if applicable), or 
• after the date you have completed your qualifying study

If you claim employment in your SkillSelect EOI before the date you are deemed skilled in your occupation, you are not eligible to apply for NSW nomination if invited. There are no exceptions for any reason. 

Does not meet the residency requirement

You must be currently residing in NSW, or offshore, and have done so for a minimum period of six months to be eligible for NSW nomination.

Could not provide evidence for all claims in EOI

It is the responsibility of the EOI owner to ensure they can provide evidence for all the claims in their SkillSelect EOI. This includes:

• Claiming points for skilled employment before the date you are deemed skilled in your occupation (see below)
• Claiming credentialled community language points when your qualification has expired. Your CCL certificate must be valid on the day you are invited to apply by NSW to claim these points

Alternative migration pathways

NSW nomination for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is just one of a number of visa options for prospective skilled migrants. There are a range of visas offered by Home Affairs, including both temporary and permanent employer nominated visas.