Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Processing Time and What to Expect

For skilled professionals wishing to create a life in Australia, skilled enrolled visas (subcutaneous 190) offers an excellent opportunity. Unlike other skilled migration visas, the 190 visa australia enrolls by an Australian state or region, providing a route for permanent residence with additional support from a regional government.

The most common question is one of the applicants:

"How long does it take to process the 190 visa australia?"

In this blog, we will break down all the things necessary to learn about the processing time for the subclass 190, including the tips to affect the stages, current time -boundary, timeline and help you speed up your application.

Also Read:- Study abroad for november intake in Australia 

What is a 190 visa?

Skilled enrolled visa (subcontinent 190) is a point-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or region. It allows you to:

Live and work permanently in Australia.

Bring eligible family members.

Access healthcare and education.

Apply for citizenship if eligible.

Unlike the subcontinent 189 visa, which is independent, the 190-visa is state-proposed and usually you need to live and work in the nominated state for the minimum period, often two years.

190 visa processing time observation

By 2025, the Department of Home Affairs Lyrics the following average processing time for 190 visa processing time :

25% of applications: processed in 2–4 months

50% of applications: processed in 5–8 months

75% of applications: processed in 9–12 months

90% of applications: may take up to 15 months or more

Important notes: These are estimates and vary depending on many factors, including changes in immigration policy, demand for specific businesses and perfection of your application.

What does processing time affect time?

There is no fixed timeline for every 190 visa applications. Several factors can influence how quickly your application is processed:

1. Occupation and State Nomination

Some occupations and states have faster processing times due to higher demand or streamlined procedures. For example, a nurse nominated by South Australia may be processed faster than a marketing specialist nominated by a low-demand state.

2. Points Score

Applicants with higher points tend to be prioritized for invitations and processing.

3. Completeness of Documents

Incomplete applications or missing documentation can cause significant delays. The Department often requests additional documents, which restarts the waiting period.

4. Character and Health Checks

Police clearance certificates or medical results may take weeks or even months to be processed, especially if you have lived in multiple countries.

5. Country of Origin

Applications from certain countries might face longer verification procedures, especially regarding background and documentation checks.

6. Use of a Migration Agent

Well-prepared applications from licensed migration agents may reduce delays due to fewer errors or omissions.

Step-by-Step: Where Delays May Occur

Understanding the application journey helps identify where most delays happen:

1: Skill Assessment (4–12 weeks)

Before applying, you must have your skills assessed by the relevant authority. Some assessments are fast (e.g., VETASSESS), while others like Engineers Australia may take longer.

2: English Test (if required)

It is necessary to obtain the required score on IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL and should be done quickly.

Phase 3: Expression of Interest (EOI) + State Nomination (1-4 months)

Once you submit your EOI through the skillselect, you will wait for a state enrollment. Each state has different priorities and processing times.

Step 4: Visa Invitation + Application Submission

After nomination, you’ll receive an invitation to apply. You have 60 days to submit your complete visa application.

Step 5: Application Processing (6–12 months typical)

This is the waiting phase. You may be asked to complete medicals and submit police clearances. The more accurate and complete your documents, the faster this step can be.

Tips to speed up your 190 visa process

If you are expecting a smooth and sharp visa process, then some actionable tips are given here:

Get Your Documentation Ready Early

Prepare police checks, English tests, skills assessment, and financial documents before receiving your invitation.

Choose the Right State

Some states (like South Australia, Tasmania, or ACT) have quicker processing and more flexible nomination criteria, especially for in-demand jobs.

Avoid Incomplete Applications

Missing details or unclear documents are a common cause of delays. Make sure every document is correct and certified where necessary.

Use a Registered Migration Agent (Optional)

While not necessary, the use of a qualified agent can help avoid mistakes that can refuse you time or even visa.

Monitor State Occupation Lists

Each state has its own list of eligible businesses, which often change. Apply quickly when your occupation appears on a state’s priority list.

final thoughts

Sub -class 190 skilled enrolled visa is a great option for skilled professionals who want to secure a permanent residence in Australia through a state enrollment. While the processing time can be more than a year for a few months, being active, organized and strategic can greatly reduce your waiting time.