Your skilled visa, organised.

What This Requirement Is

The Subclass 190 visa has a strict age cutoff: Home Affairs lists being under 45 years old on the exact date your invitation to apply is issued through SkillSelect as an eligibility requirement. For the standard subclass 190 pathway, Home Affairs publishes this as a mandatory eligibility rule with no general waiver in the visa criteria.

According to Home Affairs, the critical date is the invitation date, not the visa decision date. If you turn 45 the day after your invitation is issued, the 60-day application window still applies. But if you turn 45 before the invitation is issued, Home Affairs treats this criterion as not met. If an EOI is not kept up to date and an invitation is issued based on outdated information, the application can still be refused because Home Affairs assesses age at invitation.

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Why It Matters

Turning 45 before invitation can lock you out of the 190 pathway entirely. Unlike requirements that can sometimes be fixed with extra evidence, this one depends on your age on a fixed date that cannot be changed later.

This requirement also directly controls how many age points you score on the points test, which affects your competitiveness in invitation rounds:

Your age at invitation	Age points awarded
18–24	25 points
25–32	30 points (maximum)
33–39	25 points
40–44	15 points
45 or over	Falls outside the criteria Home Affairs publishes — cannot be invited

Applicants approaching their 33rd or 40th birthdays will also see their age points drop at those thresholds, making timing your EOI submission strategically important even before you approach 45.

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What You Need to Confirm

This requirement does not require you to submit any document specifically to prove your age for eligibility purposes — Home Affairs verifies your date of birth from your passport when assessing the application. However, you should:

1. Know your exact date of birth and calculate how long you have before you turn 45
2. Record your invitation date (shown in your SkillSelect account) — this is the date that determines your age for this requirement
3. Cross-check your invitation date against your date of birth to confirm you were under 45 when the invitation was issued

For the points test, your passport or birth certificate is the primary identity document that confirms your age.

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How to Verify Your Age at Invitation

Step 1 — Find your invitation date Log in to your SkillSelect account at skillselect.gov.au. Your invitation will be listed with the exact date it was issued. This is the date Home Affairs uses to assess your age.

Step 2 — Calculate your age on that date Compare the invitation date against your date of birth. Home Affairs lists being aged 44 or younger on the invitation date as the requirement — i.e. your 45th birthday must not yet have occurred.

Step 3 — Check your age points Use the official Points Calculator to confirm which age bracket you fall into and how many points you score.

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Pro Tips

If you are approaching 45, act urgently. Every week you delay reduces your chances of receiving an invitation before turning 45. State nomination programs can take weeks to months to process, and SkillSelect invitation rounds are unpredictable. If you are within 12–18 months of your 45th birthday, treat this as your most time-sensitive constraint.

Your EOI must stay accurate until invitation — the age that counts is your age at invitation. Home Affairs allows you to update your EOI before invitation if your circumstances change. If you submitted your EOI when you were 32 (30 age points) but are invited when you are 33, your age points are assessed in the 33–39 bracket. If you were 44 at EOI and turn 45 before invitation, you no longer meet this requirement.

Monitor your EOI status actively and keep it current. Home Affairs says you can update your EOI any time before invitation if your circumstances change, and changes can affect your points score. Do not rely on old EOI data remaining accurate as you move between age brackets.

Approaching 33 or 40 — act before your birthday, not after. These age-point drop thresholds (30 → 25 at 33; 25 → 15 at 40) are nearly as consequential as the 45 cutoff in terms of competitiveness. Securing state nomination before crossing these thresholds can make the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting much longer.

The 60-day application window is counted from the invitation date. Once you receive the invitation, you have exactly 60 days to lodge your visa application. This deadline cannot be extended. If you turned 44 on the day of invitation, you can still lodge the application on day 59 — your age at invitation is what matters, not your age at lodgement.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming the visa decision date is what matters — it is the invitation date, not when Home Affairs grants or refuses the visa
• Waiting passively for an invitation — if you are close to 45, pursue state nomination proactively and consider whether the 190 pathway is still viable given your timeline
• Not updating your EOI when circumstances change — Home Affairs expects your EOI to stay current before invitation. If your age bracket changes, your points position is assessed by your age at invitation, not the age you had when you first submitted the EOI
• Confusing the 190 age rule with the 491 age rule — both visas have the same under-45 requirement; there is no alternative points-tested visa without an age limit

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Example Scenarios

Scenario A — Safe to proceed Date of birth: 15 June 1982. Invitation date: 10 April 2026. Age at invitation: 43. ✅ Eligible. Age points: 15 points (40–44 bracket).

Scenario B — Invited just in time Date of birth: 20 April 1981. Invitation date: 18 April 2026. Age at invitation: 44. ✅ Eligible — just under the cutoff. Age points: 15 points.

Scenario C — Aged out before invitation Date of birth: 20 April 1981. Invitation date: 21 April 2026. Age at invitation: 45. ❌ Falls outside the criteria Home Affairs publishes — the 45th birthday fell before the invitation date, so Home Affairs treats this as outside the age limit.

Scenario D — Turns 45 after invitation Date of birth: 20 April 1981. Invitation date: 18 April 2026. Lodgement date: 5 June 2026 (49 days after invitation). ✅ Eligible — age is assessed at invitation date, not lodgement date.

What This Requirement Is

This requirement is about the state or territory communication that lets you move into the nomination stage for a subclass 190 visa. Depending on the jurisdiction, that may be:

• an invitation to apply for nomination
• permission to lodge a nomination application after an ROI, Gateway registration, or Canberra Matrix
• or, in some pathways, there may be no separate pre-invitation document because the state accepts a direct nomination application

It is important to separate three different documents:

1. State invitation to apply for nomination or equivalent selection notice
2. State nomination approval recorded in SkillSelect
3. Department of Home Affairs Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the subclass 190 visa

These are not the same step. A state invitation is not a nomination approval, and a nomination approval is not the Home Affairs ITA.

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Why It Matters

For subclass 190, Home Affairs can only invite you to apply for the visa after a state or territory has actually nominated you in SkillSelect. A state invitation to apply for nomination is therefore often an important intermediate step, but it is not itself the visa-stage approval.

The legal point that matters for visa grant is the nomination itself. Under the Migration Regulations, the nominating state or territory agency must not have withdrawn the nomination at the time Home Affairs decides the visa application. If nomination is withdrawn before decision, the visa is generally refused because a grant criterion is no longer met.

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How State Processes Differ

States and territories do not all use the same nomination workflow.

Jurisdiction	Common process pattern
NSW	Invitation-only. NSW selects from SkillSelect EOIs and sends an invitation to apply for NSW nomination.
Victoria	Submit SkillSelect EOI, then submit a Victorian ROI. If selected, Victoria invites you to apply for nomination.
Queensland	Some pathways allow a direct nomination application after you register interest; there may not be a separate pre-nomination invitation in every pathway.
South Australia	Onshore applicants generally submit an ROI first; offshore applicants are commonly considered from SkillSelect EOIs and may be invited to apply.
Western Australia	WA invites eligible candidates to lodge a state nomination application through the WA portal.
Tasmania	You register through the Migration Tasmania Gateway. Depending on your result, you may be invited to apply or be able to apply immediately.
ACT	You submit a Canberra Matrix and, if selected, ACT invites you to apply for nomination.
Northern Territory	You generally apply through the NT nomination process rather than waiting for a SkillSelect-issued invitation from the NT.

Because of these differences, this requirement should be treated as evidence of the state nomination stage relevant to your jurisdiction, not as a universal document that every applicant will receive in the same format.

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Typical Order of Steps

The usual subclass 190 sequence is:

1. Submit or update your SkillSelect EOI
2. Complete any required state pre-nomination step such as an ROI, Canberra Matrix, Gateway registration, or state portal registration
3. Receive a state invitation to apply for nomination, if that jurisdiction uses one
4. Lodge the state nomination application with supporting documents
5. Receive state nomination approval and have the nomination recorded in SkillSelect
6. Receive the Home Affairs ITA for subclass 190
7. Lodge the visa application within 60 days of the Home Affairs invitation

Do not lodge the subclass 190 visa application just because a state invited you to apply for nomination. You must wait until Home Affairs issues the actual ITA.

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Evidence You Should Keep

If your state uses an invitation step, keep:

• the invitation email or portal notice from the state or territory
• any document showing the deadline to lodge the nomination application
• a copy of the nomination application you submitted
• the later nomination approval notice, if granted
• the later Home Affairs ITA

For visa evidence, the most important document is usually the nomination approval rather than the earlier invitation to apply for nomination.

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State-Specific Points That Commonly Matter

• NSW: nomination is invitation-only, and NSW says the invitation to apply is valid for 14 days.
• Victoria: you must submit an ROI before you can be invited to apply for Victorian nomination. Victoria currently states that ROI and nomination are free of charge.
• Western Australia: if invited, WA gives 28 calendar days to lodge the state nomination application and charges a AUD 200 non-refundable application fee.
• Tasmania: the Gateway can result in immediate eligibility to apply or later invitation, depending on your pass result. Tasmania currently states nomination applications have a 28-day invitation validity and a AUD 360 plus GST fee.
• ACT: selection is through the Canberra Matrix, then ACT invites successful candidates to apply for nomination.
• Northern Territory: NT uses its own nomination application process and currently requires a 3-year commitment to live and work in the NT after visa grant if nominated.

These settings can change during the program year, so always re-check the current state page before acting.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing the state invitation with nomination approval. An invitation to apply for nomination is only a selection step.
• Confusing nomination approval with the Home Affairs ITA. You still need the federal invitation before lodging the visa.
• Assuming every state uses an invitation step. Some programs use direct application or different terminology.
• Missing the state deadline after invitation. Some states give very short response windows.
• Changing key EOI details carelessly after you have been selected or invited by a state. If something has genuinely changed, check the state's rules before editing your EOI.
• Relying on old program settings for fees, eligibility, offshore access, or occupation availability.

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What Good Evidence Looks Like

Strong evidence for this requirement can include:

• a state or territory invitation email or portal message inviting you to apply for nomination
• a letter or notice confirming you were selected from an ROI, Gateway registration, or Canberra Matrix
• a state portal record showing the invitation date and lodgement deadline

This requirement is not fully satisfied by:

• a mere confirmation that you submitted an ROI, Gateway registration, or Canberra Matrix
• a SkillSelect EOI confirmation alone
• the Home Affairs subclass 190 ITA on its own, because that is a later federal step

If your jurisdiction does not issue a separate invitation to apply for nomination, use the closest official state evidence from that stage and focus on keeping the later nomination approval notice as your key supporting document.

What This Requirement Is

A positive skills assessment is a formal determination by the relevant approved assessing authority that your qualifications and, where required, your employment history are suitable for your nominated occupation. Home Affairs lists this among the key prerequisites for the Subclass 190 visa, and applicants commonly arrange it before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

Home Affairs requires the assessment to be positive (suitable). With a negative or partial outcome, an EOI generally cannot proceed until you reapply, appeal, or change your nominated occupation.

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Why It Matters

The skills assessment is the cornerstone of your points-tested visa application. It:

• Unlocks your EOI — SkillSelect requires it before an Expression of Interest can be submitted
• Confirms your occupation — the assessing authority verifies you genuinely work in your claimed ANZSCO occupation
• Affects your points evidence — some authorities assess qualification level and relevant skilled employment, which can affect the points you can safely claim
• Must still be valid at the right time — for subclass 190, Home Affairs says a suitable skills assessment must be held at the time of invitation and must still be valid

Getting this wrong — wrong authority, expired assessment, wrong occupation code — can delay your application by months or invalidate it entirely.

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Step 1: Identify Your Assessing Authority

Each occupation on the skilled occupation list has exactly one designated assessing authority. Check the Skilled Occupation List on the Department of Home Affairs website and note the authority listed next to your ANZSCO occupation code.

Major authorities by occupation area:

Authority	Abbreviation	Covers
Australian Computer Society	ACS	ICT and technology
Engineers Australia	EA	Engineering
VETASSESS	VETASSESS	Professional, managerial, and many other occupations
Trades Recognition Australia	TRA	Trades (electrician, plumber, chef, etc.)
CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA	CPA/CA/IPA	Accounting
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership	AITSL	Teaching
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council	ANMAC	Nursing and midwifery
Australian Medical Council	AMC	Medical practitioners
Australian Association of Social Workers	AASW	Social work
Australian Physiotherapy Council	APC	Physiotherapy

Always use the authority listed for your specific ANZSCO code — do not assume based on job title alone. Some occupations with similar names have different codes and different assessing authorities.

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Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Requirements vary by authority, but most require:

• Academic transcripts and degree/diploma certificates — originals or certified copies; documents not in English must be translated by a qualified translator. In Australia, this is usually a NAATI-certified translator. If translated outside Australia, include the translator's full name, address, contact details, and qualifications
• Detailed employment reference letters — on company letterhead, signed by an authorised person, specifying: job title, duties performed, start and end dates, and hours worked per week. The duties described must match the ANZSCO occupation definition
• CV or résumé — covering your full employment history
• Identity documents — current passport; sometimes birth certificate
• Payslips or tax records — to corroborate employment history and dates
• Professional registrations or licences — if applicable to your occupation

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Step 3: Submit and Pay

Most applications are submitted online through the assessing authority's own portal. Fees, document formats, and evidence rules differ by authority and pathway, and many authorities treat assessment fees as non-refundable even if the outcome is negative. Check the current fee schedule and instructions on the relevant authority's website before you pay.

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Step 4: Await the Outcome

Processing times vary widely by authority, occupation, pathway, and whether the authority asks for further information. Home Affairs does not publish a single standard timeframe for skills assessments. Always check the relevant assessing authority's current processing page before relying on a timeline for your EOI or state nomination strategy.

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Validity and Timing Rules

Home Affairs requires the assessment to be valid when you receive your invitation to apply. Home Affairs states that, for subclass 190, the skills assessment must have been obtained in the 3 years before the date of invitation. If the assessment itself states a shorter validity period, that shorter period applies. If an assessment states a period longer than 3 years, Home Affairs treats it as valid for 3 years from the date of assessment.

Important: Home Affairs also publishes a Thapa-based statement that delegates may accept a suitable skills assessment obtained within the 60-day invitation period. That is not a safe planning assumption for ordinary applicants. The conservative approach is to hold a valid suitable skills assessment no later than the date of invitation and not rely on getting one after invitation without qualified migration advice.

Key dates to track:

1. Issue date of your assessment
2. Expiry date — typically 3 years from issue; check your specific authority
3. Your anticipated invitation date — ensure the assessment will still be valid at that point

If your assessment is approaching expiry and you have not yet been invited, apply for reassessment before it lapses to avoid having to withdraw and re-submit your EOI.

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Special Rules to Know

What Home Affairs treats as a suitable assessment:

• Home Affairs requires it to be positive/suitable
• Home Affairs requires it to be from the correct authority for your nominated occupation — an assessment from a different authority is not accepted, even for similar occupations
• Home Affairs treats a provisional skills assessment issued for a Subclass 485 (Graduate Temporary) visa as falling outside what counts as a suitable skills assessment for the points-tested Subclass 190

Occupation code matters:

• Home Affairs expects the assessment to be for the same ANZSCO code as your nominated occupation — an assessment for a closely related but technically different ANZSCO code may not be accepted by Home Affairs

Australian qualifications obtained on a student visa:

• If your skills assessment relies on an Australian qualification completed while holding a student visa, Home Affairs lists that qualification being from a CRICOS-registered course as a requirement

Special categories:

• Medical practitioners: Home Affairs may accept full, unconditional, or general medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or conditional specialist registration that allows practice only in the specialty with no further training or supervision required
• Solicitors/lawyers: Home Affairs may accept admission to practise law in the relevant Australian state or territory as a suitable skills assessment

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Pro Tips

• Start this step first. The skills assessment is typically the most document-intensive and slowest part of the pre-EOI process. Begin at least 6 months before you want to submit your EOI — longer if you need VETASSESS or TRA.
• Read the ANZSCO occupation description carefully before gathering employment references. Your employer's reference letter must describe duties that align with the ANZSCO definition for your nominated occupation. Generic references that do not mention specific tasks are a common cause of delays or negative outcomes.
• ACS deducts work experience years when skill-matching: they typically deduct 2–6 years from your claimed experience depending on the relationship between your qualification and your nominated ICT occupation. Factor this into your points calculation before relying on experience-based points.
• Engineers Australia CDR pathway: Your Career Episodes must be written in the first person and describe your specific, personal engineering activities in detail. Plagiarism detection is applied — do not copy from templates or AI-generated text.
• Keep certified copies of every document you submit. You will need many of the same documents again when you lodge your visa application with Home Affairs.
• Record the exact details from the outcome letter for your EOI: nominated occupation, assessing authority, assessment date, and reference number.
• Changing your nominated occupation after assessment: If you later decide to nominate a different ANZSCO occupation, you may need a new skills assessment — check whether your current assessment covers the new occupation code before assuming it transfers.

What This Requirement Is

Home Affairs lists an official score report from an approved English language test showing at least Competent English as a requirement, unless you qualify for the separate passport-based exemption covered in the exemption requirement. For applicants who are not exempt, Home Affairs treats this as a hard eligibility requirement for subclass 190.

The Department of Home Affairs changed the approved tests and scoring thresholds on 7 August 2025. Which score table applies depends on when you sat the test, not when you lodge the visa application.

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Why It Matters

• Home Affairs lists Competent English as the minimum for 190 eligibility, and it gives 0 points
• Proficient English gives +10 points on the points test
• Superior English gives +20 points on the points test
• Some states and nomination streams may require a higher English level than the federal minimum, so also check the current state or territory criteria for your nomination pathway
• For visa purposes, Home Affairs generally requires English evidence from a test taken within 3 years before your visa application

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Accepted Tests — Tests Taken On or After 7 August 2025

Scores are per component (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking). Home Affairs requires the listed score to be met or exceeded in all four components.

Test	Competent (0 pts)	Proficient (+10 pts)	Superior (+20 pts)
IELTS Academic or General Training	6 / 6 / 6 / 6	7 / 7 / 7 / 7	8 / 8 / 8 / 8
PTE Academic (new version)	47 / 48 / 51 / 54	58 / 59 / 69 / 76	69 / 70 / 85 / 88
TOEFL iBT	16 / 16 / 19 / 19	22 / 22 / 26 / 24	26 / 27 / 30 / 28
Cambridge C1 Advanced	163 / 163 / 170 / 179	175 / 179 / 193 / 194	186 / 190 / 210 / 208
OET (health professionals only)	290 / 310 / 290 / 330	350 / 360 / 380 / 360	390 / 400 / 420 / 400
CELPIP General	7 / 7 / 7 / 7	9 / 8 / 10 / 8	10 / 10 / 12 / 10
LanguageCert Academic	57 / 60 / 64 / 70	67 / 71 / 78 / 82	80 / 83 / 89 / 89
MET (Michigan English Test)	56 / 55 / 57 / 48	61 / 63 / 74 / 59	Not accepted for Superior

TOEFL iBT note: When registering, select "Taking TOEFL for Australia". Results not registered under that pathway are not eligible for Australian visa purposes.

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Accepted Tests — Tests Taken On or Before 6 August 2025

Older approved results can still be used for visa purposes until 6 August 2028 inclusive, if they also meet the visa's normal evidence timing rules.

Test	Competent	Proficient	Superior
IELTS Academic or General Training	6.0 each band	7.0 each band	8.0 each band
PTE Academic (old version)	50 each	65 each	79 each
TOEFL iBT	12 / 13 / 21 / 21	24 / 24 / 27 / 23	28 / 29 / 30 / 26
Cambridge C1 Advanced	169 each	185 each	200 each
OET (health professionals only)	B each band	B each band	A each band

TOEFL iBT gap: Home Affairs did not accept TOEFL iBT for Australian visa purposes for tests taken from 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024.

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Remote Tests Are Not Accepted

Home Affairs does not accept English tests delivered completely online, including remote-proctored or at-home versions. Examples listed by Home Affairs include:

• IELTS Online
• CELPIP Online
• OET@Home
• LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
• MET Digital (taken at home)
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition

Use a test taken at a secure test centre.

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What to Submit

Upload your official score report exactly as issued by the testing body. Avoid relying on:

• unofficial screenshots or portal summaries
• preliminary or provisional results
• a result where one or more components fall below the level you are claiming

Your score report should clearly show:

• your full name matching your passport
• test date
• individual component scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
• overall score or band where the test report includes one
• report number or candidate number where available

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How to Obtain Your Result

IELTS

1. Book through ielts.org or an authorised provider.
2. Sit the test at an approved test centre. Academic and General Training are both accepted for this visa.
3. Download the official Test Report Form or eTRF when released by the test provider.

PTE Academic

1. Book through pearsonpte.com.
2. Sit the test at an approved centre.
3. Download or share the official score report from your Pearson account.

TOEFL iBT

1. Book through ets.org/toefl.
2. Select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when registering.
3. Download the official score report from your ETS account once available.

Cambridge C1 Advanced

1. Book through cambridgeenglish.org or an authorised test centre.
2. Make sure the test format and sitting date align with Home Affairs acceptance rules for the date you take it.
3. Download or obtain the official score report issued for your test.

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Timelines and Validity

• For subclass 190, English test evidence generally needs to come from a test taken within 3 years before the date you apply for the visa
• Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may still be accepted until 6 August 2028 inclusive, depending on the visa rules
• If you are claiming English points in SkillSelect, make sure the result you rely on is still valid and supportable when you receive your invitation and when you lodge the visa application
• If your result is close to expiring before lodgement, resitting early can avoid problems
• If you have multiple valid results, use one that clearly supports the level you are claiming

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Pro Tips

• Aim for the highest score you can realistically support because English points can materially affect your invitation prospects
• Check the current nomination criteria for your target state or territory because nomination settings can be stricter than the federal minimum and can change during the program year
• Book early because popular test centres can fill up quickly
• General Training IELTS is acceptable for subclass 190, not only Academic IELTS
• One weak component breaks the claim. For example, an otherwise strong result with one component below the threshold does not meet that English level
• Only claim points you can prove. If the evidence does not support the English level claimed in your EOI, the points may be refused and the visa application can be affected
• OET is designed for health professionals and is not a general English test for all occupations

What This Requirement Is

Age is a points-tested factor for the subclass 190 visa. Home Affairs assesses your age at the date you are invited to apply through SkillSelect, not when you submit your EOI and not when you later lodge the visa application. Home Affairs expects your date of birth to be supported by identity documents that match the age points you claimed.

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Why It Matters

Age can contribute up to 30 points. If your age points are not supported, your total score can fall below the score on which you were invited and the visa can be refused.

Home Affairs also publishes a hard age limit for this visa: under 45 at the time of invitation. If you are 45 or older when the invitation is issued, this falls outside the criteria Home Affairs publishes for the subclass 190 visa.

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Points by Age Bracket

Age at Date of Invitation	Points
18–24 (at least 18, less than 25)	25
25–32 (at least 25, less than 33)	30
33–39 (at least 33, less than 40)	25
40–44 (at least 40, less than 45)	15
45 or over	Not eligible

If you are close to turning 33, 40, or 45, make sure your EOI and nomination strategy account for the fact that the relevant date is the invitation date.

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What to Upload

For this requirement, provide clear identity documents that show your full name and full date of birth:

• Current passport bio page — this is the primary identity document and should normally be included with the visa application
• Birth certificate — useful supporting evidence, especially if requested or if other identity details need to be cross-checked
• National identity card — if available and it shows your date of birth
• Name change evidence — marriage certificate, deed poll, or official change-of-name record if the name on your identity documents differs from the name in your EOI, skills assessment, or other application documents

Do not rely on the date of birth entered in your EOI alone. Your claimed age points need to be supported by uploaded documents.

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Document Standards

• Upload clear, complete scans of the original documents
• Translate every non-English document into English
• If the translation is done in Australia, include the translator's NAATI practitioner number
• If the translation is done outside Australia, include the translator's full name, address, phone number, and qualifications
• Keep your passport details current in ImmiAccount, because Home Affairs can only grant the visa against a valid passport

If you cannot provide a requested identity document, explain why in your application and upload the best alternative evidence you have.

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Practical Notes

Invitation date controls the age points. A birthday after invitation does not change the age points already locked in by that invitation, but a birthday before invitation can reduce your points or make you ineligible.

Passport and name consistency matter. Check that the name and date of birth in your passport, EOI, skills assessment, English test records, and nomination records all match. Even small inconsistencies can trigger delays or requests for more information.

Birth certificate is supporting evidence, not a substitute for keeping your passport valid. Home Affairs guidance for skilled visas emphasises providing up-to-date passport details, and an expired or near-expiry passport can delay grant even if your date of birth is otherwise clear.

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Bottom Line

In most cases, a clear copy of your current passport bio page plus any necessary name change documents will be enough to prove your age points. Add your birth certificate or national ID card if it helps confirm your identity or if Home Affairs asks for more evidence.

What This Requirement Is

The Department of Home Affairs uses your passport to confirm your identity, nationality, and core personal details for your subclass 190 application. For this requirement, the key document is your current passport bio data page.

Home Affairs also warns that a skilled visa can only be granted if your passport is valid at the time of grant. If your passport is expired or close to expiry, your application can be delayed.

Important: The subclass 190 visa is electronically linked to your passport details. Keep those details up to date in ImmiAccount while the application is being processed.

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What to Upload

Provide a clear copy of the bio data page of your current passport showing:

• your full name
• date of birth
• passport number
• country of issue / nationality
• date of issue and expiry
• your photograph

If your passport contains an official observation or endorsement that changes how your identity details should be read, include the relevant page as well.

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If Your Passport Changes

If you receive a new passport or hold an additional passport after lodging, tell Home Affairs as soon as possible. Home Affairs allows online applicants to update passport details in ImmiAccount. If needed, Form 929 (Change of contact and/or passport details) can also be used.

If your new passport is in a different name, provide:

• the bio data page of the previous passport
• the bio data page of the new passport
• official evidence of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or change of name certificate

This matches Home Affairs Form 929 instructions.

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Dual Nationality and Additional Passports

If you hold citizenship in more than one country or have an additional valid passport, disclose that accurately in your application. Home Affairs may need those details to confirm identity and assess your travel and police-certificate history.

Do not assume you must upload every old passport automatically for this requirement, but do keep copies ready in case Home Affairs asks for them or they are needed to explain travel history, previous names, or prior visas.

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Practical Guidance

• Use a clear, complete scan of the full page with all text legible.
• Make sure the name in your application matches the passport you are relying on.
• If any supporting identity document is not in English, include a certified English translation.
• If your passport is near expiry, renew it early where possible to reduce the risk of delays at decision stage.
• Keep the original passport available in case Home Affairs asks to see it later.

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Why This Matters

Passport issues commonly cause delays because Home Affairs cannot finalise a skilled visa without current identity details. Problems usually arise when:

• the uploaded page is blurry or incomplete
• the passport is expired or expires before grant
• the passport name does not match other documents and no linking evidence is provided
• the applicant renews or adds a passport and does not update ImmiAccount

A current, readable passport copy helps avoid unnecessary follow-up requests.

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Useful Note for This Visa

For competent English, Home Affairs accepts a valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States as evidence of citizenship-based exemption from English testing at the competent level. That does not create extra points by itself, but it can satisfy the base English requirement if you are relying on passport nationality rather than a test result.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• uploading a cropped or unreadable bio data page
• using passport details in the form that do not exactly match the uploaded page
• failing to provide name-change evidence when the passport name differs from other records
• waiting too long to update Home Affairs after a passport renewal or replacement
• assuming an expired passport is sufficient all the way through to visa grant

What This Requirement Is

For a subclass 190 application, Home Affairs lists meeting Australia's health requirement before the visa can be granted. Home Affairs requires the examination to be completed through its process using an approved provider. In Australia, appointments are arranged with Bupa Medical Visa Services (Bupa MVS). Outside Australia, you must use a Department-approved panel physician or clinic.

Home Affairs uses the results to assess whether an applicant has a condition that would pose a public health risk, result in significant healthcare or community service costs, or prejudice access to services that are in short supply. For subclass 190, Home Affairs lists Public Interest Criterion 4005 for the primary applicant and any family members who are also visa applicants. Non-applying family members may also be asked to undergo assessment unless Home Affairs considers that unreasonable.

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When To Arrange It

Follow the instructions in ImmiAccount. In many cases, Home Affairs will issue a request for health examinations together with a HAP ID (Health Assessment Portal identifier), and you need that HAP ID to book.

Upfront examinations can sometimes be possible through My Health Declarations (MHD) before you lodge, but only if the visa subclass is available in that service and you have not already lodged the visa application. If MHD is not available for your case, wait for the HAP ID issued through your lodged application.

Health assessment results are generally valid for 12 months from the date the examinations are completed. If processing goes beyond that, Home Affairs can ask for repeat examinations.

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How To Book

1. Check whether your case should proceed through My Health Declarations or through a lodged ImmiAccount application.
2. Obtain the HAP ID generated for the relevant person.
3. Book with the correct provider:
   • In Australia: Bupa Medical Visa Services at bupamvs.com.au
   • Outside Australia: a Department-approved panel physician or clinic listed by Home Affairs
4. Book a separate appointment for each person who has been asked to undergo examinations and use that person's own HAP ID.
5. Attend with your passport or other accepted photo identification and any relevant medical records, prescriptions, prior reports, or imaging.

Do not use your regular GP, a random private clinic, or an ordinary radiology provider. Results from unapproved providers are not accepted for migration health assessments.

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What The Examination Usually Includes

Home Affairs decides which examinations are required based on the applicant's age, country of residence, medical history, and other risk factors. Common requirements can include:

• a general medical examination
• a chest X-ray, commonly for applicants aged 11 and over
• blood tests or other investigations if required for the person's profile or if the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth requests more information

The exact list comes from the Home Affairs referral and the approved clinic. Do not assume every applicant will need the same combination of tests.

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Family Members

Any family member who is also applying for the subclass 190 visa will usually need to meet the health requirement. Non-migrating family members can also be asked to undergo assessment, but Home Affairs will tell you if that is required. Do not assume a non-accompanying partner or child is automatically exempt.

If multiple family members need examinations, make sure each booking is linked to the correct person and HAP ID.

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After The Appointment

The clinic submits the results electronically to Home Affairs. You normally do not upload the medical results yourself.

If the results show no significant issues, the health case may be cleared without further action. If there is a concern, the case can be referred to a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth (MOC), who may ask for more information or further examinations. In some cases, Home Affairs may ask the applicant to sign a health undertaking. If Home Affairs asks for additional tests or documents, respond through ImmiAccount as quickly as possible.

For subclass 190, do not rely on the idea that a health waiver will fix a failed health assessment. The subclass 190 primary criteria use PIC 4005, so the safer guidance is to assume you must meet the health requirement itself unless Home Affairs specifically instructs otherwise in your case.

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Costs And Practical Tips

Medical examination fees are separate from the visa application charge and are paid directly to the approved provider. Fees vary by clinic, country, and the tests required, so confirm the amount when you book.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• booking without the correct HAP ID
• attending an unapproved clinic
• assuming non-migrating family members will never be assessed
• delaying the booking until the 12-month validity window becomes a problem
• failing to bring identity documents or relevant medical records
• ignoring follow-up requests in ImmiAccount for extra tests or specialist reports

What Is ImmiAccount?

ImmiAccount is the Department of Home Affairs' secure online portal for starting, lodging, paying for, and managing a Subclass 190 visa application.

For a Subclass 190 invitation, you submit the visa application online through ImmiAccount within your 60-day invitation period.

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Why Getting This Right Matters

Your ImmiAccount is the main portal you will use to manage the visa application after invitation. Through it you can:

• Start and submit your online Subclass 190 application
• Pay the visa application charge and receive your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
• Upload supporting documents and attach additional information later if requested
• View messages and requests for more information from Home Affairs
• Update contact details and some application details during processing
• Access health-related instructions, including a HAP ID if Home Affairs or the health workflow issues one through ImmiAccount

If you need to add an eligible additional applicant after lodgement and before decision, that is usually handled separately using Form 1436 where permitted.

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How to Create Your ImmiAccount

1. Go to https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login
2. Click Create ImmiAccount
3. Choose Individual account type unless you are a migration agent or organisation user
4. Enter an email address you can access long term
5. Create your password and set your secret questions
6. Verify your email address if prompted
7. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) when required and store your recovery details securely
8. Log in and start your application when you are ready

Timeframe: Account creation is usually quick, but do it early so technical or MFA issues do not eat into your 60-day invitation window.

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Linking Your Invitation to Your Application

When you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through SkillSelect, you then complete and submit the visa application through ImmiAccount.

Critical: Your SkillSelect login and your ImmiAccount login are separate. Do not expect the same username or password to work across both systems.

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Pro Tips

• Use a personal email you control long term so you do not lose access to messages if you change jobs or providers.
• Choose the correct account type. Most personal applicants should use an Individual ImmiAccount.
• One person can manage the family's visa application in one account. Accompanying family members do not each need separate ImmiAccounts just because they are included in the same Subclass 190 application.
• Protect your login and MFA access. Losing access mid-processing can delay your ability to respond to Home Affairs.
• Keep your contact details current in ImmiAccount if your email, phone, address, or passport details change.
• Check ImmiAccount regularly for requests for more information and upload deadlines.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It Matters
Creating an Organisation account when you are a personal applicant	Most personal applicants should use an Individual ImmiAccount
Using an email address you may lose access to	Visa correspondence and requests for information are sent there
Confusing SkillSelect credentials with ImmiAccount credentials	They are separate systems
Leaving account setup until the end of the 60-day period	MFA issues, upload problems, or payment issues can cause preventable deadline pressure

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Timeline

Step	When to Act
Create ImmiAccount	Ideally before, or immediately after, you receive your invitation
Start the online Subclass 190 application	Early in the 60-day invitation period
Upload documents and pay the fee	Leave buffer time before the deadline for troubleshooting
Follow any health instructions or retrieve a HAP ID if issued	After lodgement, or earlier only if the relevant Home Affairs health workflow allows it

Your 60-day invitation window is strict. If you do not submit the visa application in time, the invitation will lapse and you would need a new invitation before you could apply.

What This Requirement Is

When you accepted nomination for a Subclass 190 visa, you agreed to live and work in your nominating state or territory for a period set by that jurisdiction. For most jurisdictions this is 2 years, but the exact wording and the start date can vary.

Important: This is usually a nomination undertaking, not a separate Home Affairs visa condition attached to the subclass 190 itself. Home Affairs treats the 190 as a permanent visa that allows holders to live and work anywhere in Australia, while the nominating state or territory still expects the commitment to be honoured.

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Why It Matters

Honouring this commitment matters because:

• It was part of the basis on which you were nominated. States and territories use nomination places to meet their own labour and settlement needs.
• Some jurisdictions actively monitor post-grant settlement. This can include surveys, requests for updated contact details, or requests for evidence that you are living and working there.
• It can affect your dealings with the nominating jurisdiction later. A state or territory may take your previous compliance into account if you seek nomination again in the future.

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What the Commitment Usually Looks Like

For most subclass 190 nominees, the commitment is to make the nominating jurisdiction your real place of residence and work for the relevant period. In practice, that usually means:

1. Living primarily in that state or territory
2. Working there if you are employed
3. Keeping your contact details current if the nominating authority asks you to
4. Responding to any settlement or compliance surveys required by that jurisdiction

Short interstate travel for holidays, work trips, or family visits is not usually the issue. The real question is where you are actually settled.

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Important State Differences

Do not assume every jurisdiction uses the same wording or start date. Check your nomination approval, declaration, or the current official state page. Examples:

Jurisdiction	Current commitment wording to verify
ACT	Live and work in Canberra for at least 2 years from visa grant, or from arrival in Canberra/Australia if moving from overseas. ACT also requires post-grant contact updates and settlement surveys.
Victoria	Commit to living and working in Victoria for at least 2 years. Victoria also says nominees may be asked to complete surveys after visa grant or arrival.
Queensland	Commit to continue living and working in Queensland until at least 2 years after visa grant for subclass 190.
Tasmania	Tasmania frames this as making reasonable efforts to live and work in Tasmania for 2 years after nomination approval, or after arrival in Tasmania if nomination was approved while overseas.
Northern Territory	NT expects nominees to live and work in the Territory for at least 3 years from visa grant, and NT materials say this is within your skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation.

If your own approval letter or declaration says something more specific, follow that wording.

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How to Demonstrate Compliance (if asked)

Keep evidence showing where you actually settled and worked during the commitment period:

• Lease agreements or mortgage documents showing your address in the nominating state or territory
• Utility bills in your name at that address
• Employment records such as payslips, contracts, rosters, or tax records showing you worked there
• Bank statements showing your local address
• Driver's licence or vehicle registration with the local address
• Arrival records and initial accommodation evidence if your commitment starts from arrival rather than grant
• Any emails, survey submissions, or reporting confirmations sent to the nominating authority

Practical tip: Keep a simple digital folder with dated evidence for the full commitment period. That makes it much easier to answer any later survey or compliance check.

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What Happens If You Need to Move Early

Sometimes circumstances change. If you may need to move before the end of your commitment:

• Check your jurisdiction's official guidance first. Some jurisdictions want you to keep them informed; others make clear they do not issue release letters.
• Tell the nominating authority before you move if their guidance requires or invites contact.
• Keep evidence of the reason for the move in case you need to explain it later.

Do not assume there is a formal waiver process. For example, Tasmania says it does not provide waiver or release letters for moving interstate.

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After the Commitment Period

Once you have completed the relevant commitment period, your subclass 190 permanent residence continues in the normal way. Home Affairs treats the visa as a permanent visa that lets you live and work anywhere in Australia.

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Practical Tips

• Record the exact start date for your commitment based on your own jurisdiction's rules.
• Save your nomination approval letter, declaration, and visa grant notice in one place.
• Keep your address and employment records organised for the whole commitment period.
• If you were nominated by the NT, remember the expected period is 3 years, not 2.
• If you were nominated by ACT or Tasmania while overseas, pay close attention to whether the clock starts on grant or on arrival.