Chinese applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for Chinese citizens
State-nominated permanent residence visa providing a 5-point SkillSelect boost.
This page covers the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) specifically for Chinese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to China. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 6 months – 12 months
- Government fees
- From AUD 4,640 principal.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou
Tourist entry vs. this route
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Commonwealth of Australia. The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Key figures for Chinese applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
6 months – 12 months
6–12 months typical; state nomination stage is separate.
Verified 1 June 2026 · Home Affairs — Global visa processing times →
Time to permanent residence
Arrival on 482 → 186 ENS after 2 years (Specialist Skills Pathway) or 3-4 years (Core Skills) → PR → citizenship after 4 years from arrival (minimum 12 months as PR).
Leads to Permanent Resident, then Australian citizenship.
Will you qualify?
EOI minimum: 65 points (state nomination adds 5); invitation rounds usually require more.
Estimate your score →Visa overview
Subclass 190 is the state-nominated parallel to subclass 189. A state or territory government nomination adds 5 points and accesses state-specific occupation lists. Commitments include residing in the nominating state for a defined period.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓State/territory nomination.
- ✓Meets subclass 189 baseline (age, English, skills assessment).
Common blockers
- !State stream closed (states pause streams frequently).
- !Occupation not on state list.
Typical evidence
- ·State nomination letter.
- ·Skills assessment.
Application pathway
Research state occupation lists
Each state publishes its own list and commitments.
Apply to state
Submit state nomination application.
Receive nomination and ITA
Federal ITA issues after state decides.
Other Commonwealth of Australia routes covered for Chinese applicants
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa (formerly TSS) with reformed routes from December 2024.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Permanent residence visa for workers nominated by Australian employers.
Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)
Residence visa for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Not sure Commonwealth of Australia is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer skilled migration routes that Chinese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)?+
Eligibility for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is set by Department of Home Affairs and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Chinese applicants typically file the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)?+
Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Department of Home Affairs — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Commonwealth of Australia. The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long does the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) take to process from China?+
The typical published decision window is 6 months – 12 months. Chinese applicants usually file via Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: Home Affairs — Global visa processing times, verified 1 June 2026.
How long until permanent residence in Commonwealth of Australia?+
Arrival on 482 → 186 ENS after 2 years (Specialist Skills Pathway) or 3-4 years (Core Skills) → PR → citizenship after 4 years from arrival (minimum 12 months as PR). The route leads to Permanent Resident, then Australian citizenship. See Home Affairs — Australian citizenship for the qualifying-residence rules.
Do I have to stay in the nominating state?+
A good-faith commitment is required, typically 2 years under state policy. The visa itself does not legally restrict movement within Australia.