Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Pharmacists and doctors, the 190 visa opens exciting opportunities! Clear a licensure exam that’s the best suitable to your career field, such as OPRA or AMC exams, meet registration requirements, and you could secure state nomination and build a rewarding future in Australia.
What is a Skilled Nominated Visa?
Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residence visa granted to overseas skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia. What makes this visa different is that you should first be nominated by the Australian state or territory. This visa is designed for people whose skills are in demand in certain states or territories of Australia. If a state or territory sees your profile as eligible, they can nominate you, and then you may receive an invitation to apply.
How Many Points Do You Need for the 190 Visa?
Applicants usually require at least 65 points on point tests, although high scores improve their opportunities. The subclass 190 visa offers a direct pathway for permanent residence, with eligibility for citizenship after 4 years of residence (including 12 months as a permanent resident), which has benefits such as Medicare access(facilitating free healthcare facilities in Australia), study options, and the ability to sponsor family members.
Once you get nominated and complete the points test, you can apply for this visa and take the next step towards becoming a permanent resident.
Note: The 190 visa grants PR immediately, you don’t need to wait 5 years for PR.
What takes about 4 - 5 years is becoming eligible for citizenship after holding PR and meeting residency requirements.
PR Pathway for Pharmacists
The Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) regulates the OPRA exam for overseas skilled pharmacists to practice effectively in Australia, and it is the easiest pathway to get a PR visa a pharmacists. Below, we have mentioned the step-by-step process of the Subclass 190 PR visa application for pharmacists:
Qualification: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), including mark sheets and degree certificates. And you are a registered pharmacist in your home country.
Eligibility Check: Initial Skill Assessment, it is the first step to check if you are eligible to take the OPRA exam (Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment). This step is important to move forward with your visa application.
Licensure Examination: The OPRA exam is a test for international candidates who want to practice in Australia to ensure they meet the Australian Healthcare System. And the best part is you can take this exam from your home country.
English Proficiency: To all English-speaking countries, English proficiency is a must; you can either take any of these with a minimum score of PTE 66/OET B/IELTS 7.
SkillSelect: Create your account on the SkillSelect website.
Expression of Interest: Once you have completed both the exams and registered at SkillSelect, you can now fill out the EOI form. Once done, it will be assessed by the state or territory.
Visa Invitation: After clearing all the steps, you will receive a confirmation of your Skill Nominated (Subclass 190) visa application.
Note: Pharmacists are eligible for 190 & 491 skill visas.
Also Read: OPRA Exam Eligibility
PR Pathway for Doctors
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) regulates two exams for overseas Doctors, AMC Part 1 (MCQs) and AMC Part 2 (Clinical exam), for international medical graduates to get registered and practice in Australia. This is the doctor's simple pathway to get a PR visa in Australia. Below, we have mentioned the step-by-step process of the Skill Nominated (Subclass 190) PR visa application for Doctors:
Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Medicine (MBBS/MD/MS) from a recognised college/University from the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDoMS).
APHRA Registration: Register with the Medical Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). These are the four pathways for doctors:
- Standard Pathway (In this, you have to clear AMC exams, and what we’re going to talk about in this blog)
- Competent Authority Pathway
- Specialist Pathway
- Short-Term Training in a Medical Specialty Pathway.
Eligibility Check: This is a similar step as above, the document verification process by AMC, and it has two steps:
- Create an AMC portfolio on the Australian Medical Council's official website and upload the required documents.
- Electronic Portfolio of International Candidates (EPIC) Verification: Upload your credentials on the official website.
Licensure Examination: The AMC exam is a test to assess doctors’ knowledge to meet the Australian Healthcare System. Clear AMC Part 1 & AMC Part 2.
English Proficiency: English proficiency is a must, with a minimum score of PTE 66/OET B/IELTS 7.
1 Year RMO work experience: After your medical registration, one year of Resident Medical Officer job is required as your SkillSelect for your clinical skills and familiarity with the Australian healthcare system.
Registration: Apply for medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA).
Skill Assessment Letter: After clearing both AMC exams, English exam, and successful registration with the MBA, you will receive the skills assessment letter.
EOI: Once you have completed all three exams, you can now fill out the EOI form. Once done, it will be assessed by the state or territory.
Visa: Occupations listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are in high demand in Australia. Doctors can apply for Australia-sponsored Permanent Residency (subclass 190) with an invitation or sponsorship from the state government.
For doctors on the STSOL, the following visa subclasses may be applicable:
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Training visa (subclass 407)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) - State or Territory nominated
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) - Short-term stream
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494)
(Optional) WBA: You need to register with the Medical Board of Australia and start working under a WBA provider who’ll offer you an internship and a work visa with sponsorship. It is a continued assessment for over 6 months to 1.5 years duration.
Also Read: Top 5 Visas for Doctors After AMC Exam in Australia
Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 190 visa
To qualify for a skilled nominated visa (Subclass 190), you will need to cover all the following criteria. It is a checklist designed to ensure that you are fully prepared to settle and succeed in Australia:
- Age: You must be under 45 when you receive your invitation to apply.
- AHPRA Registration: Ensure that you clear the licensure exam (OPRA/AMC) and get your official registration certificate.
- Eligibility Check: You need a positive assessment (document verification) from the relevant authority in your nominated occupation list. It will take around 3 months to complete this process.
- Point Test: Get at least 65 points (on factors such as age, skill, English, work experience, partner's status, nominations).
- Nominations of the State or territory: You must be nominated by the Australian state or territory, and fulfill any additional criteria they need.
- Health and Character verification: You need to obtain health verification and character verification from the Australian health & police departments.
What are the Benefits of a Subclass 190 visa?
- Access to state-specific benefits or programs offered to nominated skilled migrants, especially in regions actively seeking healthcare professionals.
- Permanent residency from day one - you can live, work, and study in Australia.
- Access to Medicare Australia’s public healthcare system helps cover your full medical costs.
- Free or low-cost education for your children at public schools up to high school.
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members or relatives for Australian visas.
- Australian Citizenship - you meet the residence and other eligibility requirements.
- Social security - benefits and access to some government services are available to permanent residents.
- Strong job prospects in the state or territory that nominates you, often with additional local support or recommendation.
Read more: Why English Proficiency Is Important for Pharmacists?
What is the difference between a 189 and 190 visa?
| Feature | Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) |
| Nomination required | No nomination required. | Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. |
| Residency obligation | Can live and work anywhere in Australia. | Must live and work in the nominated state/territory initially. |
| Points requirement | Minimum 65 points. | Minimum 65 points + state nomination adds 5 points. |
| Invitation to apply | Based solely on points score in SkillSelect. | Invitation based on points score and state nomination. |
| Occupation list | Must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). | Can be on the MLTSSL or state-specific occupation lists. |
| Path to citizenship | Eligible after meeting residency and other criteria. | Eligible after meeting residency and other criteria. |
| Flexibility | More flexible—no geographic restrictions. | Some commitment to stay in the nominating state/territory initially. |
Note: Both visas offer permanent residency and access to Medicare and other PR benefits.
Read more: How to Become a Clinical Pharmacist in Australia?
Step-By-Step Application Process of Skilled Visa 190
Read more: How to Get A Pharmacy Job in Australia?
Australia Permanent Residence System
If you are aiming for a permanent residence in Australia, then understand how the number system works. This system helps the government choose skilled migrants who can contribute to the future of the country. Each point test visa-like 189, 190, or 491 checks all the factors. These points add you to give you a clear picture of where you stand.
In November 2019, the points test changed to make it even and give more chances to more people. Here’s what’s important:
- Specialised Education: If you have a Master’s by research or a PhD from an Australian university, that’s worth 10 points now — double what it used to be.
- Partner points:
- If your partner is under 45, has good English, a positive skills assessment, and their job’s on the skilled list, you get 10 points.
- If your partner has good English but no skills assessment, you still get 5 points.
- If you are single or your partner is already an Australian citizen or PR holder, you will also get 10 points.
- State enrollment or family sponsorship: For 190 and 491 visas, it now gives you 15 points (above 10).
Read more: How to Become A Retail Pharmacist in Australia as an Overseas Pharmacist
Important Consideration
State/territory Criteria - Each Australian state and territory determines its own enrollment rules, such as which occupations are eligible, required work experience, Language proficiency, and local residence requirements.
“Moral Obligation” to Stay - It is not a visa condition, but it’s expected that you live and work in the nominated state or territory for about two years. This is an informal agreement—it won’t affect your visa if you move, but you should continue to complete any state-required surveys during this period
Relocating Between States - Legally, you’re free to move anywhere in Australia after receiving your visa. However, it is the best practice to inform both the nominee state and the Department of Home Affairs and provide your reasons to transfer goodwill and transparency.
Processing time varies - It is expected that the state enrollment process will take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, while the subsequent federal visa decision may take months based on the charge and personal circumstances.
Other factors that help in PR
Australian Study Credits
Completing at least two years of study in Australia earns you 5 extra points
Regional Study Bonus
If your Australian study is in a designated regional area, you gain an additional 5 points
Professional Year Program
Completing a Professional Year in engineering, accounting, or IT within Australia can earn 5 points, while also enhancing your job prospects locally
Community Language Skills (CCL)
If you're fluent in a recognised community language and pass the NAATI CCL test, you secure an extra 5 points
Specialist STEM Qualifications
Graduates holding a Master’s by research or PhD—especially in STEM fields—can claim 10 points (up from 5 in Nov 2019)
Partner Skills & their English Proficiency
You earn 10 points if your spouse has both competent English and a positive skills assessment; 5 points if they have competent English alone.
Important Additional Considerations for Subclass 190 Visa
- State Nomination Quota Updates (2025)
By mid-2025, many states (including NSW, VIC, and QLD) will have stopped their general enrollment intake or will be limited to priority pathways (eg, Gold Pass, Critical Skills). There are still some enrollment places available in Tasmania and Western Australia, focusing on important occupations. - Processing Times
The state-nominated phase can be taken anywhere from 1 to 6 months based on the state, business demand, and completion of your application. Home Affairs Visa Processing Stage usually takes 6 to 12 months, most applications are processed within 8-9 months if the documents are correct and complete. - Invitation Rounds (Latest Status)
There is no determined schedule for the 190 visa invitation round. The States issue invites on a rolling basis, which is affected by demand, quota, and business priorities. For example, NSW and VIC have not held a normal phase due to the complete allocation recently. - Obligations After Visa Grant
Although not legally required, you expect to live and work in the nominated state or territory for about two years as a moral commitment. If you plan to move, it is a good practice to inform both the enrolled state and the home affairs to ensure transparency.
New Changes & Policy Updates for Subclass 190 Visa
- Overhauled Points System (effective July 2025)
A revamped structure now rewards 5+ years of work experience with 20 points (up from 15), and gives extra recognition to Australian qualifications (+5 points). There's also a new skills priority category that grants additional points for occupations deemed critical, like healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. - Consolidated Occupation List
Australia MLTSSL/STSOL is going into a single, dynamic occupation shortage list (OSL). This integrated list is updated regularly to show the shortage of real-time skills. - Income Limit Increase
The minimum salary requirements for skilled visas (190, 482, 186, etc.) increased to reflect the wage hike. From July 1, 2024, the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) increased by almost AUD 73,150. Although the subclass is not specific to 190, it reflects a comprehensive policy trend - Stricter Skilled Migration Focus
The Albanese government has confirmed a decisive change towards efficient and permanent stay, which plans to further tighten international student visa rules, increase the salary limit and maintain more control over immigration levels. - State-Level Updates on Nomination Quotas
As of early 2025:- NSW, VIC, and QLD have filled or closed their 190 nomination quotas and are now focusing on Priority Streams (E.G., STEM, Healthcare).
- Tasmania and Western Australia Still Have Spots Left But Are Prioritizing Specific Skilled Occupations
What This Means for You
- Check current occupation eligibility — the new OSL may open doors for jobs previously excluded.
- Those with strong experience and Aussie qualifications stand to benefit greatly from the extra points.
- Nomination timing is critical—some states have already closed general intake for 190; you may need to target priority pathways or other states.
- PR pathway remains strong, but expect higher wage expectations and stricter selection criteria moving forward.
If Australia is your dream destination, make sure you are doing everything correctly or if you need any help, you can get guidance from our experts.
