Applying for state nomination is a mandatory step if you want to lodge a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa application for skilled migration to Australia. This is a nomination letter issued by an Australian state or territory, confirming that your occupation and application suit the local labour needs. In this guide, the My Second World team walks through the actual step-by-step process, the key conditions, and important notes so you can prepare proactively.
Visa 190 and the role of state nomination
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) is one of Australia’s most common skilled migration pathways. It is a permanent residence visa, allowing workers and their families to live, work, and study long-term.
The biggest difference between visa 190 and Skilled Independent (subclass 189) is that visa 190 requires nomination from a state or territory. In return, this nomination adds 5 points to your total points test score.
So state nomination is both a mandatory condition and a competitive advantage. For many applications, these 5 points make the difference between being invited and having to wait longer. In addition, each state sets its own occupation list and criteria, so the same occupation may be welcomed by one state but not recruited by another.
Core conditions before applying for state nomination
Before applying for state nomination, you need to meet both the general conditions of visa 190 and the specific conditions of your target state. Checking this carefully from the start helps you avoid applying in the wrong direction and wasting time.
The key general conditions include:
- Your occupation is on the relevant list: your occupation must be on the state’s nominated occupation list, matched by ANZSCO code.
- A valid skills assessment result: the relevant skills assessment authority must confirm that your skills meet the required standard.
- Meeting the minimum English score: usually requires at least Competent English, proven through IELTS or an equivalent accepted test.
- Reaching the points test threshold: your total score must meet the required minimum, including the 5 points for state nomination.
- Being within the required age limit: at the time of invitation, you generally must be under 45 years old.
Beyond these general conditions, each state adds its own requirements. Some states give priority to people already living and working locally. Others require a commitment to reside in the state after the visa is granted, or proof of a certain number of years of work experience in the occupation.
How the EOI and SkillSelect system works
The entire Australian skilled migration process runs through the SkillSelect system. This is the online platform where you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
An EOI is not yet a visa application. It is a declaration of your occupation, qualifications, experience, and self-assessed points test score. Once submitted, the EOI is stored in the system for states to search and select suitable candidates.
Theo the Department of Home Affairswith visa 190, a properly prepared EOI that catches a state’s interest will lead to an invitation to apply for nomination. So the accuracy of the information in your EOI directly affects your chances. Declaring an incorrect score or occupation details can get the application refused at a later stage.
Detailed steps for applying for state nomination
Below is the actual process in logical order. Depending on the state, a few steps may differ in method, but the overall framework is largely the same.
- Check the target state’s occupation list: determine whether your occupation is nominated by the state, and the conditions attached to it.
- Complete the skills assessment: submit your application to the skills assessment authority relevant to your occupation and wait for the skills recognition result.
- Sit the English test and prepare your documents: complete the English test and gather your qualifications, work experience, passport, and related documents.
- Calculate your points test score: add up points for age, English, experience, education, and the 5 points for state nomination.
- Submit an EOI in SkillSelect: create and submit an EOI, selecting visa 190 nomination and your preferred state(s).
- Register for nomination with the state: many states require a separate application through the state’s own portal, along with a processing fee under that state’s current fee schedule.
- Wait for review and receive the nomination: the state reviews the application; if successful, the system issues an Invitation to Apply.
- Lodge the formal visa 190 application: within the specified timeframe after receiving the invitation, you submit the visa application to the Department of Home Affairs along with all supporting documents.
Each step has its own deadline. In particular, once you receive the invitation to apply, the time to complete the application is limited, so having your documents ready in advance is very important.
Two models states use to process nominations
In practice, the way states receive state nomination applications is not entirely the same. Understanding the model helps you apply to the right place at the right time.
| Mô hình | How it works | Notes for you |
|---|---|---|
| Direct application | Apply for nomination through the state’s own portal, with documents and a processing fee | Need to closely track when the state opens applications |
| Invitation from the EOI pool | The state proactively selects candidates from the EOI pool and sends an invitation to apply | Your EOI must be complete and score highly to stand out |
In addition, many states cap the number of nominations per financial year and may temporarily close some occupations once the quota is filled. So it is essential to stay updated via each state’s official portal before applying.
Common mistakes when applying for state nomination
Many applications are delayed or refused not for lack of ability, but due to process errors. Below are common mistakes our team has observed.
First is declaring an incorrect points test score in the EOI. When the actual score is lower than the declared score, the application is very likely to be rejected at the visa assessment stage. So you should calculate your score carefully and keep evidence for each category.
Second is choosing an occupation that does not match the skills assessment. The ANZSCO code in the EOI must match the occupation that was assessed. Even a small discrepancy here is enough to derail the whole application.
Third is missing the state’s application window. Some states only open registration for short periods during the year. If you miss it, you have to wait for the next round, significantly extending your migration timeline.
Job opportunities and why choosing the right state matters
Choosing which state to apply for state nomination with is not just a procedural matter. It also directly affects your job opportunities and quality of life after settling.
Each state has a different economic structure and labour demand. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the labour market varies clearly between states in terms of shortage occupations and income levels. So an occupation may pay well and be easy to find work in in one state, yet offer fewer opportunities in another.
Besides occupation, you should also consider the cost of living, the Vietnamese community, the school system, and the living environment. A decision that balances nomination opportunity with long-term living conditions will help your family settle in faster after arriving in Australia.
Summary
Applying for state nomination is the key that opens the way to a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa and permanent residence in Australia. The process revolves around four pillars: an occupation on the state’s list, a valid skills assessment, a points test score that meets the threshold, and an accurate EOI in SkillSelect.
Next steps: review your occupation under its ANZSCO code, check the occupation lists of your target states, and estimate your own points test score. Once you have the full picture, mapping out your skills assessment and documentation will become much clearer.
If you need a personalised pathway and an assessment of your nomination chances in each state, the migration consulting team at My Second World is always ready to accompany you on your skilled migration journey to Australia.
