Skilled Nomination
If your points score alone isn’t enough for the Subclass 189 Independent Visa, state or territory nomination can add the points — and open the door to permanent residency in Australia.
Overview
Migrate on Your Own Merit
Unlike employer-sponsored visas, the General Skilled Migration (GSM) pathway allows you to migrate on your own merit — without relying on a work contract. Your eligibility is ranked through the SkillSelect points test, and you must receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
A successful application results in permanent residency, granting you full work and living rights anywhere in Australia. The process is competitive and complex — but at Aran Legal, we simplify it for you by maximising your points and accuracy.
How the SkillSelect System Works
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system.
- If your points score and occupation are competitive, you receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
- Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, qualifications, and work experience, among other factors.
- A successful application grants permanent residency with full work and living rights in Australia.
Visa Pathways
Three Skilled Migration Pathways
Choose the pathway that best suits your situation and willingness to live in specific areas of Australia.
Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189 · Permanent
No sponsorship required — live and work anywhere in Australia with complete freedom. The highest bar to clear, often requiring scores of 90+ points for popular occupations.
Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 190 · Permanent
Nomination by a state or territory government adds 5 extra points to your score. In return, you are generally expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years.
Skilled Work Regional Visa
Subclass 491 · Provisional (5 years)
Live and work in regional Australia and receive 15 extra points. After 3 years in a regional area, transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.
The Points Test
This Visa Is For You If...
Permanent visas allowing dependent children to live, study and access healthcare in Australia. Aran Legal is ready to handle your skilled migration application. We help professionals navigate Australian migration law to maximise your points, minimise refusal risks, and secure a lawful, prosperous life in Australia.
Under 45
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. Applicants over 45 do not meet the age requirement for a points-tested visa.
Skilled Occupation
Your occupation must appear on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. You must undergo a skills assessment to validate your qualifications and experience.
65+ Points
You must score at least 65 points on the points test to lodge a valid Expression of Interest. Points are awarded for age, English level, education, and work history.
Overview
How State Nomination Works in Australia
Australia’s General Skilled Migration program includes two nomination-based pathways — the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 — that allow state and territory governments to sponsor skilled workers whose occupations are in demand in their region. In exchange for nomination, applicants receive an automatic bonus of 5 or 15 points respectively.
The trade-off is a commitment to live and work in the nominating state or regional area for a specified period. For many applicants, this is a practical exchange — particularly those whose base points score makes an independent invitation unlikely.
Nomination Pathways
- Subclass 190 — State Nominated · Permanent visa. Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory. Live and work in the nominating state for 2 years. Adds 5 points to your score.
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional · Provisional visa (5 years). Requires state/territory or family nomination. Live and work in a designated regional area. Adds 15 points. Pathway to permanent SC 191 after 3 years.
- Subclass 191 — Permanent Regional · Permanent visa available after holding SC 491 for 3 years and meeting income and work requirements in regional Australia.
The Process
How State Nomination Works
Nomination is not a single step — it is a multi-stage process that happens before and alongside your visa application. Understanding the sequence is critical to timing your application correctly.
Nomination Pathways
01
Before EOI
Skills Assessment
Before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), your qualifications and work experience must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This must be a positive outcome before SkillSelect will accept your EOI.
02
SkillSelect
Lodge Your Expression of Interest
Submit your EOI through the Department’s SkillSelect system. You will indicate interest in either SC 190, SC 491, or both. Your points score is recorded and you are ranked against other applicants in your occupation.
03
State / Territory Portal
Apply for State Nomination
Separately from SkillSelect, you apply for nomination through the state or territory’s own migration portal. Each state has its own occupation list, eligibility criteria, and caps. Some states require a job offer or demonstrated ties to the state; others do not.
04
Department of Home Affairs
Receive Nomination & Invitation to Apply
If your nomination is approved, the state nominates you through SkillSelect and the Department of Home Affairs issues you an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You then have 60 days to lodge your formal visa application.
05
Visa Application
Lodge Your Visa Application
Within 60 days of the ITA, submit your complete application including all supporting documents passport, skills assessment, English results, health assessments, police clearances, and employment evidence. Aran Legal prepares and reviews every document before lodgement.
Important Notice