Skilled Nominated Visa
Skilled Nominated Visa
Visa Cost
AUD 4,910
Processing Time
About 9 months (50%) / 17 months (90%)
Eligibility
- Under 45 years of age
- The occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Pass the skills assessment
- An EOI score of 65 or above (including 5 state nomination points)
- English at Competent English
- Obtain state/territory government nomination
- Receive an invitation from the Department
Key Information
Validity / Stay / Residence
Permanent residence, with no stay limit; the travel facility period is usually 5 years from grant, after which an RRV is required.
Eligible Dependants
Can include the spouse/de facto partner and dependent children to obtain permanent residence together.
PR / Permanent Residence Pathway
This visa is permanent residence (PR). It is a state/territory-nominated skilled permanent visa; permanent residence is obtained on grant; there is usually a moral commitment to live in the nominating state for the first 2 years (not a mandatory 8xxx condition), with citizenship possible once residence requirements are met.
View provisional-to-permanent transition overview →Application Steps
Check Occupation
Check Occupation
Confirm your occupation is on the relevant state's occupation list
- Check each state's nominated occupation list
- Different states may have different requirements for the same occupation
- Confirm whether you meet the state's additional requirements (work experience, English score, etc.)
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment with the designated assessing authority
- Determine the assessing authority and lodge the application
- Prepare the required materials
- Wait for the assessment result
Apply for State Nomination
Apply for State Nomination
Apply for nomination from the target state/territory government
- Each state has different application processes and timeframes
- You may need to lodge an EOI and wait for a state invitation, or apply to the state directly
- State nomination gives an additional 5 points
- After grant you must live in that state for at least 2 years
Lodge Visa Application
Lodge Visa Application
Lodge the visa application after receiving the invitation
- Lodge the application within 60 days of receiving the invitation
- Upload all supporting documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Undergo a health examination and police clearance check
Required Documents
| Document Name | English Name | Required | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Passport | A passport valid for at least 6 months | - | |
| Skills Assessment | Skills Assessment | Issued by the designated assessing authority | - | |
| State Nomination | State Nomination | The nomination approval letter from the state/territory government | - | |
| English Test Results | English Test Results | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL and similar test results | - | |
| Educational Qualifications | Educational Qualifications | Degree certificate and graduation certificate | - | |
| Employment Evidence | Employment Evidence | Employer reference, etc. | - | |
| Police Clearance | Police Clearance | Chinese police clearance | - | |
| Health Examination | Health Examination | Designated-clinic health examination report | - |
FAQ
What is the difference between 190 and 189?
Which states offer state nomination?
How long does the state nomination application take?
Common Refusal Reasons
- No valid state/territory nomination, or the nomination was withdrawn by the state/not approved
- The occupation is not on the nominating state's list, or the state's additional requirements (such as a work contract/residence intention/funds) are not met
- Being unable to substantiate the claimed score after invitation (including points other than the +5 nomination points)
- The skills assessment was not passed or has expired, or the English score falls short or has expired
- Health or character requirements not met
- The genuineness of the documents is in doubt, or the intention to live in the nominating state is not genuine (PIC 4020)
Can you appeal after a refusal? See the Visa Refusal & Review (ART) Guide.