Australia PR Requirements for Skilled Workers under Subclass 190

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) allows foreign skilled workers to permanently live and work in Australia. This visa is one of the most popular and streamlined pathways for permanent residence (PR). In order to qualify, candidates must be nominated by an Australian state or territory, and meet several additional Australia PR requirements.

The visa process and approval is administered by the federal immigration authority — the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) — which also establishes the eligibility criteria applicable to all candidates. It is important to note that the visa holder must commit to living in the nominating/state or territory for the first two years after arriving in Australia. After fulfilling this residence requirement, they can move freely anywhere in Australia.

The DHA has set the following eligibility criteria for applicants under Subclass 190:

· Be under 45 years old at the time of being invited to apply for the visa.

· Provide evidence of competent or higher level of English language skills, through the test results of an approved examination.

· Have an occupation that features on the relevant Skilled Occupation List Australia.

· Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

· Secure a nomination from an Australian state/territory by meeting the relevant eligibility criteria of the local authorities. This criteria varies from one state/territory to another.

· Score at least 65 based on the selection factors of the Australia point system — age, English language skills, work experience, academic qualifications, nomination, qualifications of the spouse/de-facto partner (if applicable), and adaptability factors.

· Meet the DHA’s health and character requirements by undergoing a medical examination and showcasing a police clearance certificate.

· Commit to obeying the law of the land by signing the Australian Values Statement.

· Not have had a visa previously refused or cancelled while in Australia.

· The applicant or their family members should not have any outstanding debt payable to the Australian government.

Aspirants who meet these Australia PR requirements can submit an online Expression of Interest to the DHA. They will be allocated point scores, and ranked according to the score. Highest-ranking candidates will be invited to apply for the visa. The complete application must be submitted within 60 days of being invited. To identify a state or territory that would nominate you, and navigate the visa procedure without unnecessary hurdles, it is best to seek the guidance of licensed immigration consultants.