Pakistani applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) for Pakistani citizens
State-nominated permanent residence visa providing a 5-point SkillSelect boost.
- Processing time
- Variable; state stage 2–8 months, federal stage 6–18 months.
- Government fees
- From AUD 4,640 principal.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: Applicable consular post in origin country
Tourist entry vs. this route
Pakistani 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.
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 Pakistani 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.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Provisional 5-year regional visa leading to permanent residence via subclass 191.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Pakistani 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 beyond the general criteria, though Pakistani applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Pakistani applicants typically file the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)?+
Applicable consular post in origin country. 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 Pakistani applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
Pakistani 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.
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.