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
- A$6,646
- 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.
Government cost
A$6,646
Single applicant, no dependants, Victoria-style no nomination fee
Add A$3,070 per adult dependant and A$1,535 per child. Each adult may separately be charged the A$4,885 limited-English second instalment if they cannot demonstrate functional English.
Verified 1 July 2026 · Home Affairs - current visa pricing table
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 scoreVisa 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.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ✓SkillSelect EOI and invitation after nomination.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ✓Age under 45 at invitation.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ✓At least 65 points, including the 5 points for state or territory nomination.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ✓Competent English at the time of invitation.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
- ✓Suitable skills assessment for the nominated skilled occupation.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
Common blockers
- !State stream closed (states pause streams frequently).NSW Government (Investment NSW) ↗
- !Occupation not on state list.NSW Government (Investment NSW) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·State nomination letter.
- ·Skills assessment.Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗
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 for skilled roles an Australian employer cannot fill locally.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Employer-nominated permanent residence for workers sponsored through Direct Entry, TRT, or Labour Agreement streams.
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 much does the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) cost for a Chinese applicant?+
Government fees for the worked example (Single applicant, no dependants, Victoria-style no nomination fee) total about A$6,646. Add A$3,070 per adult dependant and A$1,535 per child. Each adult may separately be charged the A$4,885 limited-English second instalment if they cannot demonstrate functional English. Figures from Home Affairs - current visa pricing table, verified 1 July 2026. Treat these as indicative — confirm the current schedule on the official source before budgeting.
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.