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Subclass 190 Visa — State Nominated PR Guide for Indians (2026)
How the Subclass 190 state-nominated visa works for Indian applicants in 2026 — which states are open, what score you need, nomination requirements by state, and how it compares to the 189.
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is the most practical pathway to Australian permanent residency for Indian professionals who cannot compete at the 90+ points level required for Subclass 189 in 2026.
By securing a state nomination, you add 5 bonus points to your score and access a separate invitation pool that is often less competitive than the open 189 pool.
What Is the Subclass 190 Visa?
The 190 is a points-tested, state-nominated permanent visa. An Australian state or territory nominates you based on their skills needs, adding 5 points to your score. Like the 189, it grants permanent residency from day one for you and your family.
Key difference from 189: You commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least 2 years after receiving your visa.
How State Nomination Works
Each Australian state and territory runs its own nomination program. The process is:
- Submit a state nomination EOI directly to the state government
- The state assesses your application against their criteria
- If selected, they send you a nomination invitation
- You accept the nomination, then submit your SkillSelect EOI with the 5 bonus points
- Home Affairs issues a visa invitation from SkillSelect
- You lodge your 190 visa application
State-by-State Breakdown for Indian Applicants
Victoria (VIC)
Melbourne has Australia's largest Indian community. Victoria nominates in IT, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades.
- No job offer needed for many occupations
- Popular: software engineers, nurses, accountants, civil engineers
- Large Indian community in Melbourne's south-east (Dandenong, Clayton, Springvale)
New South Wales (NSW)
Sydney. Large Indian professional community, strong IT and finance sector.
- More selective than some other states — targets specific skills gaps in NSW
- Check the current NSW Skills List carefully
Queensland (QLD)
Growing Indian community in Brisbane. Lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne.
- Active nomination in healthcare, engineering, IT, construction
- Indian community growing in Brisbane's western and southern suburbs
South Australia (SA)
Adelaide consistently has one of the more accessible 190 programs.
- Often accepts lower points scores than VIC or NSW
- Established Indian community in northern and western suburbs of Adelaide
Western Australia (WA)
Strong resource sector with demand for engineers and healthcare workers.
- Popular: mining engineers, nurses, construction professionals
- Often requires a job offer or demonstrated connection to WA
Tasmania (TAS)
When other states close, Tasmania often remains open.
- More accessible for moderate scorers when mainland programs are closed
- Small but growing Indian community in Hobart
ACT (Canberra)
Strong government and professional services sector.
- University-educated professional community around ANU
What Score Do You Need for a 190?
| State | Typical competitive score (incl. 5 nomination points) |
|---|---|
| NSW | 85–95 |
| VIC | 80–90 |
| QLD | 75–85 |
| SA | 70–80 |
| WA | 75–85 |
| TAS | 65–75 |
| ACT | 80–90 |
These are indicative — nomination programs open and close, and demand shifts. Always check each state's current program status.
190 vs 189 — Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | 189 | 190 |
|---|---|---|
| State living requirement | None | 2 years in nominating state |
| Bonus points | None | 5 points |
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent |
| Best for | 90+ point scorers | 75–85 point scorers |
| Occupation requirement | MLTSSL only | State-specific (often broader) |
Rule of thumb: If you can score 90+ legitimately, pursue 189. If your score sits at 75–85, pursue 190 nomination aggressively — ideally in multiple states simultaneously.
The Application Process
- Identify which states have your occupation on their current nomination list
- Submit state nomination EOIs — you can apply to multiple states at once
- Accept nomination if offered by a state
- Submit SkillSelect EOI with your 5 nomination bonus points
- Receive invitation from Home Affairs
- Lodge 190 visa application within 60 days
- Provide health and character documents (includes Indian police clearance — apply early)
- Receive PR decision
Common Mistakes with 190 Applications
Applying to only one state — apply to all states where your occupation is listed simultaneously.
Not reading state-specific requirements — some states require a job offer, a connection to the state, or minimum income.
Confusing the state nomination EOI with the SkillSelect EOI — these are two separate systems.
Moving states too early — you must live and work in the nominating state for 2 years after visa grant.
Find MARA-registered Indian migration agents who know state nomination strategies: → Find a Migration Agent
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to multiple states at once?
Yes — and you should. Submit EOIs to every state where your occupation is listed. Accept the first nomination you receive.
What if I want to move states after 2 years?
After fulfilling the 2-year condition, you are free to live anywhere in Australia.
Can I include my family in a 190 application?
Yes — partner and dependent children included as secondary applicants.
What if the state rejects my nomination?
You can apply to other states, or pursue the 491 regional visa as an alternative.
Last verified: pending — state nomination programs open and close frequently. Check each state's immigration website for current status.
This guide is maintained by the AustraliaWasi editorial team and updated regularly. Always verify current requirements with official Australian government sources.