Skilled Nominated (190)
A state or territory nomination adds 5 points and gets you invited. States open and close fast — the people who get nominated are the ones who are ready.
- Category
- Points-tested
- Type
- Points-tested permanent visa, state nominated
- Places 2026–27
- About 35,500 nationally (up from 33,000)
- Government charge
- A$6,140 main applicant
- Our fee
- From A$3,300
Start here
Do this
- Have your skills assessment and English done before the state opens
- Compare states for your occupation
- Keep evidence of where you live and work
- Lodge on the day the program opens
Avoid this
- Applying to a state that doesn't list your occupation
- Waiting for the opening to start preparing
- Ignoring the wait period after a refusal
- Moving states without checking the commitment
What a wrong turn can cost: Some states make you wait months after a refusal — Victoria's wait is 6 months.
Are you on the right track?
- Is your occupation on your state's list this year?
- Are your skills assessment and English ready now?
- Can you show you live or work in the state?
Unsure about any of these? Talk it through on a free call — you're not alone in this.
Is this you?
- Your points aren't high enough for a 189 invitation.
- You live and work in one state and want to stay.
- You missed the last state opening.
What changed
2026–27 State nomination places rose to about 35,500.
28 Apr 2026 Victoria closed new registrations after heavy demand.
Who qualifies
- Nomination by a state or territory.
- An occupation on that state's list and meeting its criteria.
- A skills assessment, Competent English, under 45, and 65+ points including the +5.
- A commitment to live in the state, usually for 2 years.
Step by step
- Points audit and state matchWhich states fit your occupation and situation.
- Get readySkills assessment, English and evidence.
- State applicationLodged the day the program opens.
- Nomination and invitationThen lodge your visa within 60 days.
Document checklist
Your ticks are saved on this device only.
Common problems
Myths and facts
How we help you with Skilled Nominated
- 1UnderstandA points audit and state match.
- 2PlanA written plan with your best states ranked.
- 3PrepareEverything ready before the program opens.
- 4LodgeState application on day one, then the visa within 60 days.
- 5DestinationGrant explained and your state commitment planned.
What you'll receive
How we keep in touch: An alert the day your state opens, then weekly updates until nomination.
Three ways to do it
An honest look at your options. Some people do this themselves, and that can work well.
| Topic | With Omar Nafiz | Doing it yourself | With another provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing | Ready before the state opens | Preparing after it opens | Varies |
| State choice | Compared for your occupation | Usually the state you live in | Varies |
| Refusal risk | Planned around wait periods | Learned the hard way | Varies |
| Alerts | Day-one alerts | Checking websites | Varies |
| Cost | Included in our A$3,300 package | Charge only | Varies |
Questions people ask
Which states are open?
It changes monthly. At our last check (31 Aug 2026): Victoria closed; NSW and Queensland awaiting allocations; South Australia, Tasmania, ACT and NT open; WA accepting.
190 or 491?
190 is permanent (+5). 491 gives +15 but is regional and provisional.
Do I have to live in the state?
You commit to living there, usually for the first 2 years.
Pricing
Consultation
A full review of your situation and a written plan.
Expression of interest to grant
Points audit, state applications and visa.
Packages are paid in stages, only after you sign a written service agreement.
Book
Talk to us about Skilled Nominated
Start with a free 15-minute phone call. If you need full advice, book a A$110 consultation — it comes off your package.
Often considered alongside
Official sources
Figures checked 8 October 2026. Visa rules and charges change — we confirm everything for your situation before you pay for a package.